Homeowners Insurance Dog Who Has Bitten

Pooch Problems: Some Breeds Spell Trouble for Home Insurance

People love their dogs, regardless of breed. But home insurance companies are another story.

If you're a homeowner and looking to get a dog, real estate experts strongly advise checking with your insurer to see if that dog is on the danger list. And these days, insurers have become very picky about dogs that may pose a risk to people.

“A quick check could save you a lot of headaches later,” said Janet Scott-Buckley, an agent with Harrington Insurance Agency in North Andover.

For insurance purposes, Scott-Buckley said, dog breeds fall into three categories.

1. Most Dangerous: Most regular insurance companies will not cover you if you own a dog in this category. Dogs in this category include the pitbull, doberman pinscher, German German shepherd and rottweiler. You can get insurance with these breeds, but it will hve to be from a more expensive insurance pool.

2. Borderline: These breeds are seen as generally nice but have the potential to harm people, often playfully. Dogs in this category include bigger dogs like the English bullmastiff, Siberian husky and great Dane. These types of dogs may be acceptable to some insurance companies but not others, depending on insurers' standards, Scott-Buckley said. Often, having an obedience training certificate with the dog may help get you insured.

3. No Problem: Most dog breeds fall into this category. These are dogs of various sizes that don't raise red flags regarding safety.

“Most breeds aren’t a problem, unless your particular dog has bitten people in the past,” Scott-Buckley said.

She suggests researching a dog breed, and the individual dog, thoroughly before getting a dog.

“If it’s a puppy, ask your agent about the breed," she said. "If it’s a rescue dog, find out if it has a biting history or was abused. It’s better to find out sooner instead of perhaps having to give it up after you’ve become attached to it.

Homeowner's insurance…?

I own a multifamily property and rent one of the apartments to my cousin. He owns a Rottweiler and asked me if he could keep the dog in my yard and I accepted. I am now a bit concerned because my homeowner’s insurance isn’t aware of this and it can bring me many problems. He says that he has renter’s insurance and that would cover any accidents caused by his dog. I think this is bullshit, but if anyone can help me and give me some information I would kindly appreciate it.

Chosen Answer:

OK, I’m a bit concerned that you have a multifamily property on a HOMEOWNERS policy.

Is it insured correctly?

Also, HIS renters insurance (which may or may not cover HIM, for his dog biting) WILL NOT cover you, the landlord, for that same dog biting.

Rotties are a big liabiltiy hazard. If your insurance company finds the dog there, expect to see your policy cancelled. If the dog does bite, and you do get sued, even if you DO get the claim covered, you’re going to get cancelled, and have a damn hard time finding anyone else to insure you – because, clearly, you allow tenants to keep hazardous dogs on your property.

First question would be does you home-owners insurance company know you’ve rented out the apartment? If they do are you carrying “commercial” insurance coverage on the rental units?

The best thing to do is call your agent and tell them you’ve just found out that one of your tenants has the dog and what changes to your coverage will be needed? It is best for them to know before you try to submit a claim.

OK, I’m a bit concerned that you have a multifamily property on a HOMEOWNERS policy.

Is it insured correctly?

Also, HIS renters insurance (which may or may not cover HIM, for his dog biting) WILL NOT cover you, the landlord, for that same dog biting.

Rotties are a big liabiltiy hazard. If your insurance company finds the dog there, expect to see your policy cancelled. If the dog does bite, and you do get sued, even if you DO get the claim covered, you’re going to get cancelled, and have a damn hard time finding anyone else to insure you – because, clearly, you allow tenants to keep hazardous dogs on your property.

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