Buying a dog can indeed affect your homeowners or renters insurance premiums, especially if the breed is considered high-risk or has a history of aggression. Here’s how it works and which breeds are most often flagged by insurance companies.
🏡 How Buying a Dog Can Affect Your Insurance Premiums
1. Liability Coverage Impact
Most standard homeowners or renters insurance policies include personal liability coverage, which can help pay for injuries or damages your dog causes. If your dog bites someone or causes property damage, your insurer might have to pay — and that’s a risk they factor into your premiums.
2. Breed Restrictions
Insurance companies often keep lists of “high-risk” or “vicious” breeds. Owning one of these breeds may:
- Increase your premiums
- Lead to coverage exclusions (e.g., dog liability not covered)
- Result in a denied application
3. History of Aggression Matters
Even if your dog isn’t on a restricted breed list, a bite history or behavioral problems can still cause your insurer to raise rates or deny coverage.
🐶 The Most “Vicious” Breeds Often Flagged by Insurers
Insurance companies base these lists on historical data about bite frequency and severity, not necessarily individual temperament. The following breeds are most commonly labeled as high-risk:
| Breed | Reason Often Cited |
|---|---|
| Pit Bull Terriers | High rate of severe bite incidents |
| Rottweilers | Powerful jaws, history of aggression |
| Doberman Pinschers | Guarding instincts, intimidating presence |
| German Shepherds | Protective nature, bite force |
| Chow Chows | Territorial, unpredictable |
| Presa Canarios | Very strong, bred for protection |
| Akitas | Independent, sometimes aggressive to strangers |
| Wolf Hybrids | Unpredictable, part wild animal |
| Mastiffs (various types) | Very large and powerful |
| Alaskan Malamutes | Strong prey drive, stubborn |
Important Note: Not all dogs from these breeds are dangerous — many are loving, well-trained pets. These categorizations are based on insurance risk assessments, not individual behavior.
📝 What You Can Do
- Disclose honestly when applying for insurance.
- Provide proof of training or certification (like CGC – Canine Good Citizen).
- Shop around — not all insurers have the same breed restrictions.
- Consider umbrella liability insurance for extra protection if you own a flagged breed.