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Canine Liability Exclusion

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Canine Liability Exclusion

Liability coverage included in a homeowners insurance policy provides financial protection in the event that you are liable or legally responsible for others’ injuries or property damage. That coverage extends to damage other members of your household, including your pets, may cause. 

However, if you have a dog and are shopping for home insurance, you need to know that your pet may or may not be covered depending on the policy and insurance company with which you’re considering purchasing a policy.

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How a Canine Liability Exclusion Affect Your Insurance

A common example of how liability insurance works would be when a homeowner’s dog bites another person. In that circumstance, the homeowners insurance policy would cover the medical bills of the other person, as well any legal fees the homeowner may incur if the other party chose to sue.

A canine liability exclusion is an endorsement that modifies the liability coverage compared to what was included in the standard policy to remove a homeowner’s dog from being included in the policy’s coverage. 

Insurance companies, when evaluating a potential policyholder, assess their calculated risk of making a claim. If they deem a homeowner’s risk too high, the company may decline to offer them a policy or will make policy amendments to acceptably lower their financial risk in offering that homeowner a policy.

There are several reasons that an insurance company may choose to add a canine liability exclusion to a home insurance policy. In many cases, the company may be concerned about a dog’s specific breed or temperament and believe that there will be a higher risk of the dog injuring another person or causing property damage.

How Insurance Companies Evaluate Canine Coverage

Dog-related injury or damage is a frequent reason for insurance claims, so insurance companies want to make sure that they offer home insurance policies that minimize their risk of financial loss. If they offer standard home insurance policies to dogs they believe have a high risk of resulting in a claim being made, they will not be protecting their potential profits.

Evaluations of which dogs are considered high risk and warrant an amendment homeowner insurance policy will differ between companies, and homeowners with dogs breeds that are considered more aggressive may need to consider purchasing a separate policy to protect them in the case of their dog injuring or damaging the property of another person.

Comparing Different Breeds 

Some insurance companies will have predetermined lists of dog breeds that are excluded from all home insurance policies they offer. Additionally, some companies may not have similar policies but will include a canine liability exclusion in certain states. 

In some jurisdictions, dog owners of certain breeds are obligated to follow state laws mandating that they have specific animal liability coverage. Home insurance companies will then want to exclude canine liability coverage from their policies, as you will have to purchase a separate policy regardless.

Dog breeds that can be considered high risk can include, among others: 

  • Pit bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Wolf-hybrids
  • German shepherds

Beyond that, other insurance companies exclude any dog breed, as they deem the risk of a liability claim too high for canine pets in general. In many cases, homeowners who have dogs should consider a separate dog liability insurance policy to protect themselves and their dogs in the event of an incident that requires coverage.

Whether your dog’s breed is considered aggressive or not, it’s always a good idea to practice smart and responsible dog ownership. Always properly care for and exercise your dog in ways that promote good socialization, so your dog will be comfortable when approached in public.

If your dog has any behavioral issues, be careful about where, when and how your dog encounters other people and pets. Consult appropriate professionals, such as your dog’s veterinarian or a certified trainer, who can help you keep your dog and those around you and your pet safe. If aggression is a concern, make sure that only those in your household who know how to are capable of managing your dog accompany your pet in public at all times.

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