Is Your Dog Taking a Bite Out of Your Homeowners’ Insurance Premiums?
Is Your Dog Taking a Bite Out of Your Homeowners’ Insurance Premiums?
Dogs can be an expensive addition to the family. There’s the food, toys, grooming supplies, bedding, bowls and vet visits. Add in the costs of leashes, treats and even fencing and your furry friend can be quite the investment. But is it possible that your dog is also costing you higher homeowners’ insurance premiums?
Because a homeowners’ insurance company can at least be held partially responsible should a dog injure someone, some insurance companies have either chosen to deny coverage to or add a surcharge for homeowners who have what some consider to be aggressive breeds. Among breeds some consider aggressive are Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies and some other breeds considered to be wolf/dog hybrids. In fact, just two states forbid insurance companies from dropping or canceling homeowners’ insurance policies because homeowners have a certain breed of dog. These states are Michigan and Pennsylvania.
So how big of a bite may your dog take out of your homeowners’ insurance premium? It is likely pretty modest, perhaps 2 or 3% of your total premium. The key is making sure your insurance company knows you have a dog and the type of breed it is. This ensures you will be adequately covered just in case Fido gets himself into trouble. Keeping dog ownership from your homeowners insurance company is never a good idea and may really come back to bite you.
Whether you have a dog or not, you certainly don’t want to overpay for your homeowners’ insurance. Our independent insurance agents have access to a variety of insurance companies. Our agents know which companies may and may not charge excessively if you have a dog. This allows them to “shop” on your behalf for sufficient coverage at a price you can be comfortable with. Before you make a decision on Fido, let us see what we can do. Contact us today for a homeowners insurance review and quote to make sure you are getting the most for your money!
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
The October Promise: A Time to Secure Your Family’s Future
A thoughtful guide to understanding life insurance and securing your family’s future.
October Driving Prep: Get Your Car and Your Policy Ready for Fall
A guide to preparing your car and auto insurance for the fall season.
The October Home Check-Up: Securing Your Home for the Fall Season
A guide to fall home maintenance and home insurance review for the month of October.
The Wanderer’s Playbook: The Art of Traveling on a Budget
A practical guide to finding and saving money on travel adventures.
The Entrepreneur’s Toolkit: From Startup to Success, Insuring Every Step of the Journey
A phase-by-phase guide for entrepreneurs on the essential business insurance policies they need.
Beyond a Payout: How Life Insurance is a Living Financial Tool
A guide to how life insurance can be a living financial tool, with a focus on its cash value component.
The Driver’s Playbook: How to Maximize Your Auto Insurance Benefits
A playbook for drivers, revealing key policy benefits and strategies to get the most from your auto insurance.
Beyond the Big House: Uncovering the Hidden Value in Home Insurance
A deep dive into the valuable but often overlooked components of a home insurance policy.
The Thrill of the Grill: A Masterclass in BBQ Perfection
An ultimate guide to mastering grilling and barbecue, with tips, techniques, and delicious recipes.
The Entrepreneur’s Armor: A Guide to Protecting Your Business
A crucial guide to business insurance, covering essential policies and strategies for entrepreneurs.