Your pet can be a big part of your family. But, is it possible that your choice of dog breed can affect the homeowner’s insurance options on your Alamogordo or Ruidoso, NM property? Speak to an agent at Family Insurance Associates to understand how these facts on dog breed might impact your personal situation.
How Your Dog Breed Determines Your Homeowner’s Insurance Options
If your dog destroys your neighbor’s property or injures someone, your homeowner’s insurance policy is responsible for paying claims. Over 1/3 of home insurance claims in 2017 were related to injuries caused by dogs. That means insurance companies were hit for more than $700 million USD in damages. Insurance companies choose to lower their liability by denying coverage for families with high-risk breeds.
Each insurance carrier has their own method of verifying your pet’s acceptability. Some simply refuse any dog of a certain breed, regardless of your circumstances. Some, however, do a case-by-case evaluation. Information like formal training courses, history of violence against humans or other animals, and designations such as support animals may be taken into account.
What Happens With Potentially Dangerous Pets?
If your insurance carrier thinks your pet represents a higher risk, there are a number of ways they may respond.
- A dog exclusion form states that you own a dog but the insurance company is not liable for its actions. That means your pet can live with you, but you’ll have to pay for any damages they cause.
- Your insurer could refuse to provide coverage for your property. Any active policies may be revoked.
- Some companies increase your premiums to provide extra protection for themselves against possible problems.
If your company doesn’t want to cover your dog, a dog liability policy can replace that portion of your homeowner’s insurance.
Contact Family Insurance Associates with your questions about dog breeds and your Alamogordo or Ruidoso, NM area homeowner’s insurance.
