Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pitbulls and Liability Coverage?

Homeowners insurance can be a lifesaver, but it's not always clear what's covered and what's not. In some cases, homeowners insurance may cover pitbulls, but it's essential to understand the specifics.

Typically, homeowners insurance policies do cover liability for dog bites, but the coverage varies widely. Some policies may have a specific breed exclusion, including pitbulls.

Many insurance companies consider pitbulls to be high-risk dogs, which can lead to higher premiums or even policy denials. However, some companies may offer specialized policies for pitbull owners.

Insurance companies often have breed-specific policies, and some may cover pitbulls with certain restrictions or requirements.

Homeowners insurance provides coverage for various risks associated with owning a home, including dog bites.

Insurance companies often have specific guidelines for providing coverage for dog bites, and some may inquire about the breed of your dog before issuing a policy.

Certain dog breeds, such as German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers, are frequently associated with a higher risk of biting incidents and may affect insurance coverage.

Insurance providers maintain lists of dog breeds known to have a history of aggression or higher likelihood of biting.

You should accurately disclose your dog's breed and any related history when applying for insurance to ensure you have appropriate coverage.

The estimated number and cost of dog bite claims vary by state, with some states having significantly higher numbers and costs than others.

Here are the top 10 states by estimated number and cost of dog bite claims in 2023:

Some insurance companies won't insure homeowners who own pit bulls, while others decide on a case-by-case basis. They may charge a higher premium, nonrenew the homeowner's insurance policy, or exclude the dog from coverage if it's been deemed vicious.

Insurance companies are taking steps to limit their exposure to dog bite losses. Some require dog owners to sign liability waivers for dog bites, while others charge more for owners of breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers.

The average cost per dog bite claim decreased 9.3 percent in 2023 to $58,545 from $64,555 in 2022. However, the average cost per claim nationally has risen 82.5 percent from 2014 to 2023.

If your dog bites someone, the person can file a lawsuit against you, which would activate the Liability Coverage under your existing homeowners policy. With the added protection of Umbrella Insurance, your policy would go into effect after the primary policy coverage is exhausted and certain limits are met.

Most dogs are acceptable under homeowners insurance policies, but certain breeds, including pit bulls, may require special consideration. These breeds include Akita, American Bull Dog, Bull Mastiff or Mastiff, Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Pit Bull Terrier, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Wolf Dog, and Mixture of the above breeds.

Here are some key statistics on dog bite claims:

Pitbulls are often misunderstood, but they're also loving and loyal companions. Many homeowners consider them as part of their family.

Some insurance companies may view pitbulls as high-risk pets due to their breed-specific legislation in certain areas. This can impact homeowners insurance coverage and premiums.

Pitbulls are often associated with dog bites, but the truth is that any dog can bite if not properly trained or socialized.

Home insurance companies often have breed restrictions, making it harder to buy insurance if you own a dog that shows up on their list.

Some insurers won't cover your home and any dog bites regardless of the dog's breed, while others may charge higher premiums or deny coverage altogether.

Pit bulls are often included on these lists, despite the fact that the term "pit bull" can apply to many dogs of mixed breeding.

Other breeds commonly restricted by home insurance companies include Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, Siberian huskies, German shepherds, and wolf hybrids.

Certain states, such as New York and Pennsylvania, have passed laws that ban home insurance companies from denying coverage based on the breed of dog you have.

If your insurer won't cover your dog because of its breed, you might want additional personal liability insurance, like umbrella insurance.

State Farm is an example of an insurer that doesn't look at a dog's breed when deciding whether to provide coverage, but rather at its bite history.

Here are some top 10 states by estimated number and cost of dog bite claims in 2023:

Can I Get Dog Bite Insurance?

Technically, there's no such thing as dog bite insurance, but your personal liability insurance will usually cover dog bites found to be your fault.

The amount of coverage you have depends on the liability coverage you've chosen for your homeowners insurance policy, which is typically between $100,000 and $500,000.

If you set your dog on someone or encourage the dog to bite someone, you won't be covered. This is a big deal, so make sure your furry friend is well-behaved!

Liability insurance generally covers injuries to others by cats and other pets, too, not just dogs.

You'll need to check with your insurer to make sure your pet is covered, and it's a good idea to do this even if you don't have a Pitbull.

Liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries are a significant concern for homeowners. In 2023, these claims cost homeowners insurers $1,116 million.

The number of dog bite claims nationwide increased by 8.3 percent in 2023, from 17,597 in 2022 to 19,062. This rise in claims is a notable trend.

The average cost per claim decreased by 9.3 percent in 2023 to $58,545 from $64,555 in 2022. However, the average cost per claim has risen 82.5 percent from 2014 to 2023.

Some states are more prone to dog bite claims than others. California had the largest number of claims in 2023, with 2,104, followed by Florida with 1,532. Illinois had the highest average cost per claim at $73,797, while Wyoming had an average cost of $73,324.

In the United States, dog owners are liable for injuries their pets cause, with some exceptions, in 29 states. Liability is not automatically granted in 17 states and the District of Columbia, but attacks are classified as misdemeanors or, in extreme cases, as felonies, with fines.

Some states have laws that prohibit insurers from canceling or denying coverage to the owners of particular dog breeds in some policies. For example, Pennsylvania and Michigan have laws that prohibit insurers from canceling or denying coverage to the owners of certain dog breeds.

Here are the three kinds of law that impose liability on owners:

Dog bites are a serious issue, with nearly 4.5 million people, mostly children, being bitten or injured by dogs each year.

The cost of dog bites is staggering, with $881 million paid by insurance companies in 2021 alone.

The average claim for a dog bite is a whopping $49,025.

If your dog bites someone, your Liability Coverage under your homeowners policy will kick in, but you may also need Umbrella Insurance to cover the remaining amount.

Umbrella Insurance can provide added protection from $1 million to $5 million, depending on your needs.

Some breeds, including Akita, American Bull Dog, and Pit Bull Terrier, may require special consideration for coverage.

To prevent dog bites, make sure your dog is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, and spayed or neutered when recommended by your veterinarian.

Dogs that are not spayed or neutered are more likely to bite, so it's essential to take care of this aspect of your dog's health.

In the United States, state legislation plays a crucial role in determining liability for dog bites. There are 29 states where dog owners are liable for injuries their pets cause, with some exceptions such as if the dog was provoked.

Some states have laws that classify dog attacks as misdemeanors or felonies, with fines. This is the case in 17 states and the District of Columbia. The laws in these states hold dog owners accountable for their pets' actions.

In four states - Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, and North Dakota - there are no laws specifically addressing dog bites. This means that in these states, dog owners may not be held liable for their pets' actions.

At least two states, Pennsylvania and Michigan, have laws that prohibit insurers from canceling or denying coverage to the owners of particular dog breeds in some policies. This is a significant protection for dog owners who are often unfairly targeted by breed-specific legislation.

Here's a breakdown of the types of laws that impose liability on dog owners: