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Owning a pit bull doesn’t automatically mean an insurance company will deny you homeowners coverage. However, some insurance providers may not cover damage due to your pet. The specifics will vary from provider to provider, so you need to speak with a representative for information before making your final decision. Knowing if restricted dog breeds include pit bulls and what options are available for significant damage caused by your pet is beneficial. The professionals from Altra Insurance Services, a premier provider of renters, home, and car insurance Chula Vista and San Diego residents rely on for reliable, affordable coverage, explain what you should know about obtaining homeowners insurance if you have a pit bull.
Factors
Suppose your pit bull has been in the family for years. In this case, an insurance company that provides coverage will typically look at the history of the animal, such as the number of disturbances your pet may have caused, including prior claims.
Almost all providers will deny coverage for a homeowner with a pit bull that has bitten someone in the past or damaged its owner’s property or that of others nearby. Even if your pit bull has always been a well-behaved dog, a company may base its rates or coverage decision on the breed.
Damage Outside the Home
The interior of your home isn’t the only factor that determines whether your homeowners insurance coverage receives a denial or causes an increased rate if approved. There are thousands of dog bites reported yearly, and each claim usually costs thousands of dollars. Many insurance policies have a personal liability portion covering these claims for dog breeds, including pit bulls.
Make sure your insurance policy covers this potential issue. If not, you may need to add animal liability coverage. Most providers feel pit bull attacks lead to costly injuries caused by the dog’s strength and capabilities, so they often deny coverage altogether.
Asking Other Owners
Don’t be discouraged when searching for homeowners insurance if you have a pit bull. You can ask friends and family members who also own this breed who their providers are and other insurance tips to consider. Research the canine liability policy. The coverage is generally geared toward dog breeds viewed as aggressive.
Some animal agencies, especially those focused on dog bites and damage, help renters and homeowners with pit bulls find insurance coverage. They generally have lists of companies willing to accept risks that other insurance providers aren’t.
When Coverage Is Approved
Again, not all insurance companies deny coverage for this specific dog breed. If you can purchase a policy, it will typically cover damage or injuries caused by your pet, including injuries a pit bull causes to people who aren’t residents of your home. For instance, if your dog bites a neighbor, the neighbor could file a claim with your homeowners insurance provider to cover medical costs. This is generally included in the liability protection portion of your policy.
If you currently own a pit bull or are considering adding one to your family, check with your insurance agent about coverage. For reliable, affordable homeowners insurance, San Diego residents know they can trust Altra Insurance Services. We also provide renters, commercial, motorcycle, and auto insurance. Receive a free quote by calling one of our friendly agents today at (619) 404-6311.