Does Owning A Pit Bull Increase Home Insurance Premiums? What Owners Should Know

Fast facts about pit bulls and home insurance:

• Whether a pit bull affects your price or eligibility depends on your insurer and your state. Several states now prohibit breed‑based underwriting or pricing in homeowners (and often renters) insurance—insurers must focus on a dog’s individual history instead (for example, New York, Connecticut, Oregon). Advocacy trackers show additional jurisdictions advancing similar rules; always check your state’s insurance department for current requirements (Best Friends policy tracker).
• Dog bites and other dog‑related injuries cost U.S. homeowners insurers a little over $1.2 billion in 2024, across roughly 19,000–20,000 claims, with an average cost per claim in the low‑$60,000s (Insurance Information Institute). That total is up more than 50% compared to about $790–$800 million in 2019 (Triple‑I Spotlight).
• Some major home insurance companies have moved toward behavior‑based underwriting (for example, State Farm says it does not use breed), while others still rely on restricted‑breed lists where allowed (Consumer Reports). Practices can also differ under state breed‑neutral laws.
• Always disclose dog ownership. The NAIC notes that policies may exclude or limit animal liability unless you add an endorsement; some carriers apply sublimits (often $10,000–$50,000) or require a buy‑back endorsement on homeowners or renters policies (NerdWallet; Triple‑I).

Most people’s dogs are like a member of the family. But dog‑related incidents—on or off your premises—are a significant source of liability claims. Recent industry data show dog bites and other dog‑related injuries account for more than one‑third of homeowners liability claim dollars in many years, with national totals a little over $1.2 billion in 2024 and average costs in the low‑$60,000s per claim (Triple‑I; Triple‑I Spotlight).

As a snapshot, one large carrier—State Farm—reported paying roughly a quarter‑billion dollars for dog‑related injury claims in 2024, and the USPS recorded more than 6,000 dog attacks on letter carriers that year (an exposure indicator, not an insurance dataset).

Homeowners insurance typically provides personal liability coverage for injuries or property damage you’re legally responsible for, including many dog incidents—unless the policy excludes or limits animal liability. Coverage rules vary by insurer and by state. In states with breed‑neutral laws (e.g., NY, CT, OR), insurers cannot underwrite or rate solely on breed and may instead consider a specific dog’s documented history; similar principles often apply to renters insurance as well (NAIC).

Pit bulls are large, powerful dogs, and some insurers treat them as higher‑risk. Evidence on severity by breed is mixed: clinical series (e.g., an Ohio State analysis) have reported pit bull–type dogs overrepresented among severe injuries, but veterinary and public‑health sources emphasize that breed alone is a poor predictor of risk, and misidentification is common (AVMA). Importantly, since 2019 there has been no large, reliable national dataset that quantifies bite severity by breed in the U.S., which limits breed‑specific conclusions (AVMA).

Compared to “safer” dog breeds that are smaller and are considered family-friendly, current underwriting trends favor behavior and individual history over blanket breed lists. Where lists remain allowed, large dogs with higher potential severity (including pit bull–type dogs and rottweilers) may face exclusions, surcharges, or liability sublimits; in states with breed‑neutral laws, carriers may not use breed alone to set price or eligibility (Consumer Reports).

If you have a pit bull or think you might get one in the future, confirm that your homeowners or renters policy includes animal liability (not excluded or capped by a low sublimit). Many carriers now use endorsements to buy back or increase coverage; typical sublimits range from $10,000–$50,000 unless you purchase higher limits (NAIC; NerdWallet; Triple‑I).

Some insurers may not provide coverage for pit bulls at all in states where breed‑based rules are permitted, while others may charge more or require endorsements to add back coverage. In states that prohibit breed‑based underwriting, carriers must focus on individual history (for example, prior bites). If your base policy excludes dogs, alternatives include a personal umbrella, a stand‑alone comprehensive personal liability policy, or specialty canine liability coverage (NAIC; Triple‑I).

Why Do Insurers Care About Dog Breed?

Some insurers, like State Farm, say, “It’s not the breed, it’s the bite.” Any dog can bite out of fear or stress. Small dogs can sometimes be the most vicious. State Farm publicly states it does not ask what breed you own when underwriting home or renters policies (State Farm).

However, many insurers still use restricted‑breed lists or require dog‑liability exclusions where permitted, while others are case‑by‑case and emphasize prior incidents and owner controls (Consumer Reports). In states with breed‑neutral laws (e.g., NY, CT, OR), carriers cannot rate or underwrite solely on breed. Since 2019 there has been no large, reliable national dataset quantifying bite severity by breed, and veterinary bodies caution against breed‑only assumptions (AVMA).

Other companies consider homeowners insurance for dog owners on a case-by-case basis. That’s why it’s imperative for you to talk with your homeowners or renters insurer or agent before getting a pit bull to confirm whether dog incidents are covered, whether questionnaires (bite history, fencing, training) are required, and whether any endorsements or conditions apply (NAIC).

Some insurers increase personal liability coverage premiums when a homeowner has a pit bull in the home. Personal liability coverage covers personal injury and property damage costs when you’re found at-fault for an incident. Today, animal liability may be excluded or capped by sublimits (often $10,000–$50,000) unless you add a buy‑back or higher‑limit endorsement; the same patterns are common in renters insurance. Always confirm your declarations and endorsements (NAIC; Triple‑I).

[ Read: The Best Pet Insurance ]

How home insurance companies restrict pit bull owners

Older sources often cited include a CDC review of dog attacks resulting in human deaths (1979–1994), compilations from DogsBite.org reports, and media reports like this 2020 report by 12 News. A commonly referenced 2019 clinical analysis from Ohio State found pit bull–type dogs overrepresented among severe injuries. Yet veterinary and public‑health guidance stresses breed labels can be unreliable, context matters, and since 2019 there is no large, reliable national dataset quantifying bite severity by breed (AVMA). Consequently, many insurers are shifting toward behavior‑based underwriting, especially where state law requires it (NY DFS; CT Insurance Department; Oregon HB 2683).

Because losses are significant, insurers manage canine liability closely. Dog‑related injury claims cost homeowners insurers a little over $1.2 billion in 2024 with roughly 19,000–20,000 paid claims (Triple‑I). Individual carriers report substantial payouts—for example, State Farm paid on the order of a quarter‑billion dollars in 2024—and the USPS logs thousands of dog attacks on letter carriers annually. Depending on your state’s rules, insurers may decline, surcharge, sublimit, or exclude liability for certain dogs. Where breed‑neutral laws apply, decisions must hinge on a specific dog’s documented behavior, not the breed label (Consumer Reports).

Content Reveal: Dog breeds insurers won’t commonly cover

• Doberman pinschers
• German shepherds
• Pit bulls
• Rottweilers
• Staffordshire terriers
• Wolf hybrids

Pit bull-friendly home insurance options

• Allstate
• Amica
• Chubb
• Nationwide
• State Farm
• USAA

Alternative ways to insure your pit bull

If your chosen homeowners insurance provider will not provide coverage for your pit bull, you may have other options. One is umbrella insurance. Other practical paths include a stand‑alone comprehensive personal liability (CPL) policy, a canine/animal‑liability endorsement or buy‑back on your homeowners or renters policy, or a specialty/excess policy when admitted carriers decline. Availability, limits, and conditions vary; read endorsements closely to see whether animal liability is included, excluded, or sublimited (NAIC; Triple‑I).

Before bringing a pitbull or other dog breed into your home, speak with your homeowners insurance company or agent to see how they approach coverage for dogs. In breed‑neutral states like New York, Connecticut, and Oregon, carriers cannot use breed alone; they may ask about bite history or require risk controls (training certificates, secure fencing, muzzling/leash warranties). In other states, practices vary widely (Consumer Reports).

Dog owners also should socialize their pet, which can help prevent their dog from biting. “Socializing your pet helps your dog feel at ease in different situations,” Worters says. “By introducing your dog to people and other animals while it’s a puppy, it feels more comfortable in different situations as it gets older.” These responsible‑ownership steps align with veterinary guidance that any dog can bite and that supervision, training, and husbandry are key (AVMA).

In addition, practice responsible pet ownership by not subjecting your dog to situations that could result in a dog bite. “Under certain circumstances, any dog might bite, regardless of breed,” Worters says. “Dogs bite for a variety of reasons, but most commonly as a reaction to something.” These could include:

• The dog is trying to defend itself or its territory
• It is scared, startled or feels threatened
• Is trying to protect something of value, such as their puppies, their food, a toy or their bed
• Illness

Many dogs also like to nip and bite during play, which should be discouraged. “Even though nipping during play might be fun for the dog, it can be dangerous for people,” Worters says. “It’s a good idea to avoid wrestling or playing tug-of-war with your dog. These types of activities can make your dog overly excited, which may lead to a nip or a bite.” Reinforcing calm play and supervision can reduce risk factors cited by veterinarians (AVMA).

If your chosen homeowners insurance provider will not provide coverage for your pit bull, you may have other options. One is umbrella insurance. In tougher cases (e.g., prior bite history or a policy with an animal‑liability exclusion), an agent may place a stand‑alone comprehensive personal liability policy or excess/surplus‑lines personal liability; where legally required after a “dangerous dog” designation, a surety bond or proof of financial responsibility may be needed to comply with local law (see, for example, Texas statute).

Umbrella insurance is personal liability insurance that covers claims that exceed regular homeowners insurance coverage. It covers the policyholder, as well as other members of the household. Some umbrella insurance policies may exclude dog accidents. Confirm whether animal liability is covered before you bind, and whether any dog‑related exclusions on your underlying homeowners or renters policy affect umbrella eligibility (NAIC).

Another option you have is canine liability insurance, which covers accidents caused by dogs.

Umbrella policy

You can get umbrella insurance for coverage when your policy limits are exhausted, or for claims that are excluded by other homeowners liability policies. Umbrella insurance covers injuries, property damage, certain lawsuits, and personal liability situations. Verify whether animal liability is included or excluded and whether your underlying policy’s dog coverage is required for the umbrella to respond (NAIC).

Canine liability insurance

Canine liability insurance, also called animal liability insurance or pet liability insurance, provides coverage for injuries caused by your dog or pet. This type of coverage compensates victims, not you or members of your household. Availability, underwriting, and limits vary by state and carrier; some stand‑alone comprehensive personal liability products also include dog incidents when eligible (e.g., via specialty markets).

FAQ

Do pit bulls increase your rates?

It depends on your insurer and state. Some carriers—most notably State Farm—do not use breed in underwriting. Others may apply exclusions, sublimits, or surcharges for certain dogs where permitted (Consumer Reports). In states like New York, Connecticut, and Oregon, insurers cannot rate or underwrite solely on breed; they may consider a specific dog’s documented history. The same concepts commonly apply to renters insurance.

Do I need to tell my insurance company I got a dog?

Yes. If you fail to inform your insurance provider that you have a dog, it may deny your claim due to misrepresentation or an undisclosed material risk. Disclosure lets your agent confirm whether animal liability is covered, excluded, or limited and add endorsements if needed—for homeowners or renters policies (NAIC).

How much is insurance on a pit bull?

The answer depends on your insurer, state law, and your dog’s individual history. Nationally, dog‑related liability claims averaged in the low‑$60,000s per claim in 2024—illustrating why carriers scrutinize this risk (Triple‑I). Ask whether animal liability is covered or capped (typical sublimits $10,000–$50,000) and whether an endorsement can raise limits. You can get a free homeowners insurance quote from State Farm online, as well as get homeowners insurance quotes online from Allstate, Amica, Chubb, Nationwide, and USAA to compare. For renters, breed‑neutral carriers like Lemonade publicly state they do not restrict or surcharge solely due to breed; verify terms in your state.