How Owning an Expensive Dog Breed Affects Your Insurance Rates
How much more will a dog breed increase insurance? When considering a high-value or purebred dog, it’s important to understand how their breed may affect your homeowners or pet insurance rates. Certain breeds, particularly those known for specific health issues or perceived risks, can lead to higher premiums. Expensive breeds like French Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular among affluent owners but come with unique insurance considerations.
Key Takeaways
- Expensive dog breeds often result in higher pet insurance and homeowners insurance premiums.
- Health risks, breed size, and perceived aggression contribute to increased costs.
- Choosing a mixed breed or managing risks can reduce insurance expenses.
Typical Cost Increase:
- Homeowners Insurance:
- High-Risk Breeds: Insurance for homes with breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, or German Shepherds may see a premium increase of 1-10% or more.
- Range: The increase can range from $50 to $500 annually, depending on the breed and insurer.
- Some insurers might exclude liability coverage for certain breeds altogether or require a special rider, which can cost an additional $100-$300 annually.
- Renters Insurance:
- Liability coverage for dog-related injuries might result in a smaller increase, typically $25-$150 annually, depending on the breed.
- Specific Coverage for Dog Bites:
- If you opt for additional dog bite liability coverage, expect an added cost of $50-$500 annually, depending on the amount of coverage.
Factors Affecting Cost:
- State Regulations: Some states limit insurers from increasing premiums based on breed, while others allow insurers to factor in breed risks.
- Incident History: If the dog has a history of biting, premiums may rise even more, potentially doubling liability costs.
- Coverage Limits: Higher liability coverage for dog-related incidents can add significantly to premiums.
Example:
If a standard homeowners insurance policy costs $1,200 annually:
- Owning a high-risk breed might increase the premium to $1,300–$1,700 per year, depending on the insurer.
It’s essential to check with your specific insurer to understand how owning a particular dog breed will impact your premium and explore options for mitigating costs, like dog training certifications or additional coverage riders.Why Do Expensive Dog Breeds Increase Insurance Costs?
1. Higher Risk Breeds
Breeds with a reputation for aggression or specific health issues often face higher premiums. For example:
- Rottweilers and Dobermans: These breeds are sometimes classified as “restricted breeds” by insurance companies, resulting in increased homeowners insurance costs.
- French Bulldogs: Known for health issues like breathing problems and hip dysplasia, these small but pricey dogs come with elevated pet insurance rates.
2. Breed Size and Medical Costs
Larger dogs, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs or Great Danes, tend to have higher medical costs due to their size and predisposition to joint issues, heart disease, or cancer. These factors lead to:
- Higher vet bills.
- Increased liability risks, which can impact homeowners insurance premiums.
3. Purebred vs. Mixed Breeds
Purebred dogs are more likely to inherit genetic conditions, driving up insurance costs. For instance:
- English Bulldogs often require surgery for respiratory issues, making them more expensive to insure.
- Mixed breeds may face fewer genetic health risks, leading to lower premiums.
Top Expensive Dog Breeds and Their Insurance Considerations
When considering “how much more will a dog breed increase insurance” you need to look into the bread of the dog and why exactly it’s expensive for that dog.
- French Bulldogs
- Why It’s Expensive: Prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome, hip dysplasia, and allergies.
- Impact on Insurance: Pet insurance premiums for French Bulldogs can be 30-50% higher than average due to frequent medical care.
- Rottweilers
- Why It’s Expensive: Considered a high-risk breed for aggression and liability, with predispositions to cancer and hip issues.
- Impact on Insurance: Homeowners insurance may impose breed restrictions or increased liability premiums.
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Why It’s Expensive: Short lifespan with a high risk of cancer, hip dysplasia, and arthritis.
- Impact on Insurance: Pet insurance costs are higher due to frequent health interventions.
How to Mitigate Insurance Costs
- Invest in Pet Insurance Early
- Enrolling your pet in insurance as a puppy can reduce costs by locking in lower rates before health issues develop.
- Consider a Liability Umbrella Policy
- If you own a restricted breed, an umbrella policy can provide extra liability protection, supplementing your homeowners insurance.
- Choose a Reputable Insurer
- Compare providers who specialize in comprehensive coverage for high-value pets or restricted breeds.
Additional Policies to Consider
- Pet Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for medical expenses related to illnesses or injuries. Learn more about how pet insurance works.
- Umbrella Liability Insurance: Protects against lawsuits related to dog bites or property damage. Explore options on our insurance insights page.
- Homeowners Insurance for Dog Owners: Policies tailored to include restricted breeds or high-value assets.
When evaluating how much more will a dog breed increase insurance, and influence insurance premiums, it’s essential to consider factors beyond those commonly discussed. Here are five additional considerations that can impact your insurance costs:
- Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL): Certain jurisdictions have laws restricting or banning specific dog breeds deemed dangerous. Owning a breed affected by BSL can limit your housing options and may lead to higher insurance premiums or denial of coverage.
- Training and Certification: Dogs that have undergone professional training or obtained certifications, such as the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award, may be viewed more favorably by insurers. Demonstrating responsible ownership through training can potentially reduce premiums.
- Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules: Some HOAs have their own restrictions on dog breeds. Violating these rules can result in fines or forced relocation, indirectly affecting your insurance if you need to move to comply.
- Adoption Source: Dogs adopted from reputable breeders or shelters that provide health clearances and behavioral assessments may pose lower risks. Insurers might consider the dog’s background when determining premiums.
- Previous Claims History: If you’ve filed claims related to dog incidents in the past, insurers may view you as a higher risk, leading to increased premiums regardless of your dog’s breed.
Case Study: Impact of Dog Breed on Homeowners Insurance
Client Profile:
- Name: Sarah Thompson
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Occupation: Senior Executive
- Property: 4-bedroom suburban home with a large yard
Scenario:
Sarah adopted a Doberman Pinscher, a breed often associated with higher insurance risks due to perceived aggression. Upon informing her homeowners insurance provider, she was notified of a 25% increase in her premium.
Challenges:
- Increased Premiums: The insurer categorized Dobermans as high-risk, leading to higher costs.
- Limited Coverage Options: Some insurers refused coverage altogether due to the breed.
- Compliance with Local Regulations: Sarah needed to ensure her dog ownership complied with local ordinances to avoid legal issues.
Solutions Implemented:
- Professional Training: Sarah enrolled her Doberman in a certified obedience program, obtaining a Canine Good Citizen certificate.
- Secure Property Measures: She installed secure fencing and proper signage to mitigate potential risks.
- Insurance Shopping: Sarah consulted with multiple insurers to find one that offered reasonable premiums for her situation.
Outcome:
By taking proactive steps, Sarah secured homeowners insurance with only a 10% premium increase, demonstrating that responsible ownership and due diligence can mitigate the financial impact of owning a high-risk breed.
For more information on how specific dog breeds can affect your insurance, visit Hotaling Insurance Services.
Conclusion: How much more will a dog breed increase insurance?
Expensive dog breeds bring joy and prestige to their owners but also come with significant insurance considerations. Understanding the factors that affect premiums—such as breed risk, size, and health predispositions—can help you make informed decisions. At Hotaling Insurance Services, we offer tailored policies to protect you, your home, and your furry friend.
Contact us today or fill out our form below so we can reach out to you.
FAQ: How Dog Breeds Affect Insurance
1. Does owning a specific dog breed affect my homeowners insurance?
Yes, certain breeds, often labeled as high-risk (like Rottweilers or Dobermans), can lead to higher premiums or restricted coverage due to perceived aggression or liability risks.
2. How much can owning a dog increase my homeowners insurance?
Depending on the breed, premiums can rise by 10-50%. High-risk breeds tend to incur the highest increases, but this varies by insurer.
3. Are mixed-breed dogs more affordable to insure than purebred dogs?
Generally, yes. Mixed breeds tend to have fewer genetic health issues, resulting in lower pet insurance premiums compared to purebred dogs.
4. Do insurance companies consider dog training in premium calculations?
Yes, professional training certifications, such as the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award, can demonstrate responsible ownership and may lower premiums for high-risk breeds.
5. What should I do if my homeowners insurance provider refuses coverage due to my dog’s breed?
Explore insurers that specialize in covering restricted breeds or consider an umbrella liability policy to supplement your coverage.
6. Does pet insurance vary based on dog breeds?
Yes, pet insurance for breeds prone to health issues, like French Bulldogs or Bernese Mountain Dogs, is often more expensive due to anticipated medical costs.
7. Are there ways to reduce insurance costs for high-risk dog breeds?
Yes, steps like enrolling your dog in training, securing your property with fencing, and shopping for breed-friendly insurers can help.
References
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
https://www.akc.org
Provides insights on breed-specific traits, health issues, and training programs like the Canine Good Citizen certification. - Insurance Information Institute (III)
https://www.iii.org
Offers data on liability risks and how dog breeds impact homeowners insurance premiums. - National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
https://www.naic.org
Details state-specific insurance regulations regarding restricted dog breeds. - ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
https://www.aspca.org
Provides advice on adopting and caring for high-risk breeds and managing associated costs. - FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
https://www.fema.gov
Shares guidelines on securing properties and mitigating risks for homeowners with pets, including dogs of restricted breeds.