Breed Restrictions: What breeds won’t home insurance cover?

At the Sirover Agency LLC in Wayne, PA, we’ve noticed people sometimes don’t realize that their home insurance policy may not cover certain breeds of dogs. The main reason an insurance company might reject an aggressive dog breed is that it is a liability. If the dog harms someone or damages someone’s property, the insurance company could be sued. There are a few breed restrictions when it comes to home insurance that homeowners need to be aware of. 

Here are some breeds that are restricted and why:

Individual Dogs with a History

Homeowner’s insurance policies are almost always rejected if your dog has a history of biting someone. In some cases, though, you may be able to get a waiver that says it is okay for your dog to be on the policy. The same goes for damages. If your dog has destroyed something in your home, it will likely not be allowed coverage under the policy.

Breeds with Aggressive Reputations

There are a few reasons why home insurance companies may restrict certain breeds of dogs. The most common reason is liability. Certain dog breeds have been known to be more aggressive than others, which can result in property damage or personal injury. Home insurance companies handle a lot of liability claims related to dog bites, so they tend to be very cautious when it comes to insuring homes with certain breeds of dogs.

Here are a few of the most common dog breeds that are restricted by home insurance companies in Pennsylvania:

  • Pit Bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • German Shepherds
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Chows Chows
  • Akitas
  • Wolf Hybrids

Breeds Targeted by Thieves

Another reason why some home insurance companies may restrict certain breeds is because of the increased risk of theft. Some dog breeds are more valuable than others, and therefore are more likely to be targeted by thieves. Home insurance companies take this into consideration when determining which breeds to insure. Here are some breeds most likely to be stolen:

  • French Bulldog
  • Bulldog
  • Chihuahua
  • German Shepherd
  • Maltese
  • Shih Tzu
  • Yorkshire Terrier

If you’re a Wayne, PA homeowner with one of the above dog breeds, you may want to check with the Sirover Agency LLC to see if you’re covered. Most home insurance policies have some sort of restriction regarding dog breeds, so it’s always best to check beforehand.