Do you have a four-legged pooch running around your house? You certainly aren’t alone in your love for furry friends. According to statistics from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), between 37 and 47 percent of homes have dogs. That’s nearly half the population of homeowners, and it is a reason insurance carriers may take dog ownership into consideration when issuing policies.
One of the biggest misconceptions among homeowners is that their homeowners’ insurance policy only covers tangible, non-living items like the walls, floors, contents, etc. In fact, homeowners’ insurance may also cover incidents that happen on the property, including pet-related problems like dog bites. This is a reason for all people who own property to consider getting homeowners’ insurance specifically for pet owners.
How Pets Affect Homeowners’ Insurance
Pets like dogs can be cuddly and friendly. They can also become agitated and fight back if they feel threatened, protective or angered. Even though your dog has been domesticated, he hasn’t lost his natural instincts. If he were in a wild setting, those instincts would come in handy. Unfortunately, in a household setting, they can turn into a concern.
Homeowners’ insurance policies often ask about the animals in your household, but how do pets affect homeowners’ insurance? When you indicate you have at least one dog living in your residence, you may find that you are denied coverage, or that your annual policy rate increases significantly. Why? Essentially, dogs and similar pets are considered a liability, especially breeds including Akitas, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, Chow Chows and Wolf Hybrids. Whether fair or not, this poses a real consideration for homeowners seeking insurance policies.
Tips for Homeowners With Pets
If you do have pets, you need to disclose that fact when asked by a homeowners’ insurance carrier. If you don’t and you have a pet-related incident, you will be left paying out of pocket.
Still, being a pet parent doesn’t mean you are doomed to have excessive insurance rates, nor does it ensure you’ll inevitably send in a claim because of damage caused by your dog. You have the opportunity to take several steps to minimize the amount you pay for your homeowners’ insurance, as well as the risks associated with owning a pet:
- Send your dog to obedience training. Well-trained dogs are less likely to attack unless viciously provoked.
- Look for homeowners’ insurance policies specifically designed for pet owners. Yes, they exist! Your insurance representative can help you find them
- Make sure your dog is vaccinated and healthy.
- Be sure your dog isn’t left alone with kids, especially children he doesn’t know.
- Always keep your dog fenced in the yard, on a leash or within your control. This is the law in most communities.
Having a pet as a companion is a gift, but it does have elements to consider when it comes to your homeowners’ insurance. The more you know upfront, the better your experiences will be when shopping for policies.