Can A Dog Can Affect Your Home Insurance?

February 27, 2023

You and your dog share your home. How your dog could impact your home insurance is something many homeowners don’t think about.

Here’s what you need to know about how having a dog can affect your home insurance coverage.

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Whether you’re helping address pet overpopulation by adopting a rescue dog or choosing a specific breed, it’s important to consider how your dog may impact your home insurance policy.

Why do you need to tell your insurer when you adopt a dog?

Third-party liability insurance is an important part of your home insurance. Owning a dog can increase your insurer’s risk exposure due to the possibility of dog bites or injuries to others.

As a result, you may pay a higher premium for your home insurance, and some insurance providers may restrict or exclude coverage for certain dog breeds.

Which dog breeds are considered high-risk?

While many experts agree that a dog’s behaviour is more closely tied to training and environment than breed alone, some insurance providers classify certain breeds as higher risk.

Coverage guidelines vary by insurer, but breeds commonly considered high-risk include:

• Pit Bulls
• Rottweilers
• Mixed breeds with Pit Bull or Rottweiler lineage
• Dobermans
• Siberian Huskies
• German Shepherds
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers
• American Staffordshire Terriers
• Dogs with a history of aggressive behaviour

What if you have a dog that some insurers don’t allow?

Every insurance provider has different underwriting rules. If your dog is considered higher risk, you may need to shop around for home insurance that offers appropriate coverage.

Although some insurers won’t cover certain breeds, many others will. A Western Coast home insurance expert can help you find coverage that works for both your household and your dog.

How to help prevent dog bites

When guests visit your home, it’s important they understand how to interact with your dog safely. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society recommend the following safety guidelines:

• Always supervise babies and children around dogs.
• Teach children to approach dogs calmly and treat animals with respect.
• Avoid rough play.
• Never tease, chase, or yell at a dog.
• Do not crowd or corner a dog.
• Avoid approaching unattended dogs.
• Do not disturb dogs while they are eating or guarding toys.
• Be especially gentle with senior dogs or dogs with disabilities.
• If a dog becomes aggressive, stand still, fold your arms inward, and avoid eye contact.
• Approach dogs calmly and from the side, allowing them to sniff your hand.
• Pet dogs on the chest or side of the neck rather than over the head.
• Enroll in a dog training class after adoption.
• Consult a trainer or behaviourist if behavioural issues arise.