Pit Bull Insurance - XINSURANCE

Dog Liability Coverage & Alternative Options for Pit Bull Owners

Pit bull owners face a unique insurance challenge: while most homeowners and renters insurance policies exclude pit bulls, comprehensive pit bull insurance is still available through alternative coverage options. Whether you’re looking for dog liability insurance, pet insurance for pit bulls, or renters insurance that covers pit bulls, this guide explains your options and how to find the right coverage for your situation.

Across countless online forums and message boards regarding dog ownership and liability, tons of pit bull owners are asking one simple question — “How can I insure my beloved pet?”

Most homeowners insurance policies include pets in their coverage, but almost all companies make exceptions for particular breeds considered “vicious,” and pit bulls are at the top of their list. Bite incidents more often result from improper training rather than breeding, but pit bulls still have a perception as a dangerous breed.

While most pet insurance for pitbulls focuses on medical and health coverage, pit bull owners face unique challenges securing comprehensive dog insurance. Many traditional pet insurance providers cover pit bulls for accidents and illnesses, but liability protection is equally critical. This guide covers both pet insurance options and liability coverage solutions for pit bull owners.

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Pet Insurance for Pit Bulls vs. Liability Insurance

Pet insurance for pit bulls typically covers veterinary expenses for accidents, illnesses, and breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia. However, pet insurance doesn’t protect you from liability claims if your dog injures someone. That’s why many pit bull owners combine pet insurance with dog liability insurance or umbrella policies to ensure complete protection.

How Pit Bulls Affect Homeowner’s Insurance

Though your dog is like a family member, dog accidents can still happen and put you at risk financially. Incidents may include a dog damaging your neighbor’s property or injuring a guest in your home. Dog bite liability claims cost homeowners across the United States $1,116 million in 2023. The average cost per claim has risen 82.5% between 2014 and 2023.

Typically, homeowners or renters insurance has a personal liability portion covering claims related to dog bite injuries or damage. While home insurance covers you for events that make you liable for personal or property damage, this damage may not be covered if it was caused by a particular dog breed. Certain breeds, like pit bulls, are considered more dangerous by many insurers, as they are large dogs and have a track record of aggression.

Pit Bulls Can Increase Your Home Insurance Rate

While you may find homeowners insurance that covers pit bulls, a pit bull can increase your home insurance premium depending on your insurance company. Many providers consider pit bulls a higher risk than other dog breeds. Whether you are informing your current insurance provider about a new pit bull or you are buying a new policy, your home insurance rate is likely to increase. The amount your home insurance rate will increase depends on your insurance company and your dog’s history.

In some states — such as Pennsylvania, Florida, Utah and Illinois — denying coverage based on breed is outlawed.

Beyond these states, most insurers are permitted to deny coverage based on the dog breed, and pit bulls are the most commonly rejected breed. Some insurers decide based on each dog’s behavior rather than their breed. In these cases, you may find homeowners insurance that doesn’t raise your rates.

Pit Bulls Can Lead to Denied Coverage

Often, homeowners insurance does not cover pit bulls. Regardless of whether a pit bull may affect your home insurance, you should let your insurer know you have a dog to ensure you have coverage if a claim is made against you. By being honest about your pet ownership or intentions, you can ensure you get an insurance policy that is right for you. Your claim may be denied if you fail to disclose this information to your insurer.

Ways to Demonstrate Your Pit Bull Is Well-Behaved

You may be able to improve the chances your pit bull is covered by your homeowners insurance policy or even lower your rate by demonstrating that your dog is well-behaved. The following steps can prove your pit bull has a history of safe and obedient behavior:

• Sign your pit bull up for a training class.
• Vaccinate your pit bull properly.
• Earn the Canine Good Citizen certificate, awarded by the American Kennel Club.
• Neuter or spay your pit bull, as these dogs are generally better-behaved and more docile.

By following these steps, you can provide evidence that your pit bull is well-behaved in nature. These actions can demonstrate to your insurer that your dog is a lower insurance risk. It also indicates that you are a responsible pet owner committed to working toward proper training and socialization.

Alternatives to Home Insurance

Perhaps you want to keep your homeowners insurance coverage because you like your provider or rate, but your insurer refuses to include coverage in your policy for your pit bull. In this situation, you may be able to keep your home insurance coverage and obtain an alternative form of coverage for your dog. Alternate coverage options include the following.

Buy an Umbrella Policy

One of your alternatives is an umbrella policy. You can purchase this policy to combine multiple forms of coverage for your home, car, and dog. An umbrella policy supplements your home insurance policy by giving you a larger liability limit. For example, if you are responsible for $300,000 worth of damages or injuries and your home insurance policy’s personal liability limit is $200,000, your umbrella policy will cover the $100,000 difference.

Ask About an Exception

Even if pit bulls are on your insurer’s prohibited list, you may want to ask if you can get an exception. Exceptions are typically granted for service dogs or dogs that have obtained a Canine Good Citizen certificate. This certificate comes after a 10-skill test with an approved evaluator. Many dog trainers offer training and testing opportunities.

Purchase Pit Bull Liability Insurance

As an alternative to buying a new home insurance policy, you can choose to purchase pit bull liability insurance as a stand-alone policy. This coverage specifically includes your pit bull, and it may cover any injuries, casualties, or property damage your pit bull causes.

Do You Need Coverage for Your Pit Bull?

Some dog owners may think they can exclude their dogs from coverage and forego pet liability insurance altogether. However, if you choose to exclude your pit bull from coverage, you will not have insurance for any liability claims that arise if your dog bites or injures someone. You will be personally responsible for the damages and costs if you are sued. We recommend obtaining pet liability insurance to ensure you are covered in the event of an accident.

As a pit bull owner, you may want to take the extra step of getting a supplemental pit bull insurance policy that is specifically geared toward pit bulls. Regardless of how responsible a pet owner you are, the number of pit bull attacks that occur each year can’t be overlooked.

Millions of people are bitten by dogs each year, and the large majority of them are bitten by pit bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios, or their mixes. These attacks can end in serious injuries, permanent disfigurements, and even fatalities. The risk for pit bull owners is too great to be caught on the wrong end of a lawsuit without the proper pit bull liability coverage on their side.

Failing to maintain proper pit bull liability insurance coverage is not an option, as many states require proof of a pit bull liability insurance plan should you need to retrieve your pit bull from a pound after a biting incident.

How Much Is Pit Bull Insurance?

Pit bull insurance costs may vary. The most accurate way to estimate your costs is to get a quote.

Here are a few factors that may influence your pet insurance costs:

• Dog characteristics: Particular details about your pit bull may change the insurance coverage, depending on the company you choose.
• Plan deductible: Most insurance plans allow you to customize the deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate. You can pay a lower premium but may spend more out of pocket for pet expenses.
• Your location: Areas with higher overall costs have more expensive dog insurance premiums.
• Insurance provider: Different insurance providers offer varying plans and rates.

Get Pit Bull Liability Insurance From XINSURANCE

At XINSURANCE, we know it can be concerning to hear you aren’t covered by your insurance policy. We believe no one should have to worry about being inadequately covered. We can help maximize your peace of mind and minimize exposure by finding you a dog bite liability insurance solution that can cover gaps in your coverage.

First, you’ll send in your insurance application. Then you’ll speak with our underwriting team about the aspects of the risk. Since pet liability insurance can be a bit more complicated than other insurance types, we take a more hands-on approach to the process. Contact us at XINSURANCE for a free quote.

Questions? Call 877-585-2853