Can you name the types of animals and or dogs that aren’t covered by standard homeowner’s policies? How come they are omitted? In this article, we’ll address these concerns and more. Many pet owners wonder if their homeowner’s insurance will pay for medical expenses and other damages incurred by their animal companions. 

Many standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover dogs of certain breeds, including Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Akitas, Siberian Huskies, Mastiffs, and others. Since these breeds are more likely to be aggressive, insurance companies are reluctant to take the risk of covering them.

The following dog breeds are the most frequently excluded from coverage

The following dog breeds are not commonly covered by homeowners insurance in the US, UK, and elsewhere: Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, any wolf breeds, Chow chows, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, Great Danes, Pit bulls, Presa Canarios, Rottweilers, Siberian huskies, and Staffordshire terriers.

Insurance companies typically won’t cover wolves or large-breed dogs with broad chests. Some house insurance providers will cover any breed of dog as long as they don’t have a history of biting, so if your dog isn’t covered, shop around for a provider that will. Extra liability insurance is something else to think about.

Why some animals and or dogs, are not covered by standard homeowner’s policies

An insurer may reject an aggressive breed due to the increased risk of litigation. It’s risky to insure a dog of this breed. They are taking a big chance by insuring a dog with a history of aggression, as the homeowner’s insurance will cover legal fees due to the dog’s actions.

These breeds may also be immediately disqualified if they: 

  1. Bite excessively, or 
  2. Have previously caused property damage.

A dog’s history of biting is usually grounds for immediate cancellation of a homeowner’s insurance coverage. However, in rare cases, a waiver can be acquired and signed to include the dog in the range. Damages work the same way. They may be automatically disqualified if they have caused damage to your property.

In conclusion, some dog breeds are considered “dangerous” due to the number of claims they generate for dog bites. Certain insurance companies won’t cover certain breeds of dogs because they see them as a high risk for costly liability claims.