The 11 Dogs Most Likely to Increase Your Home Owner’s Insurance

 

Owning a dog brings joy, companionship, and sometimes an unexpected hike in your home owner’s insurance. While we love our furry friends, certain breeds are statistically more likely to make claims. Insurance companies take note of these statistics. Here are the twelve dogs most likely to affect your home owner’s insurance premiums:

Pit Bull

Pit Bulls often face a bad reputation due to media portrayal. Their powerful build and protective nature make them a concern for insurers. Aggression is not inherent, but many insurers still list it as high-risk.

 Rottweiler

Known for their loyalty and strength, Rottweilers are excellent guard dogs. However, their protective instincts can lead to incidents, making them a liability for insurance companies.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are intelligent and trainable, commonly used in police and service work. Their territorial nature and size can lead to higher premiums.

 Siberian Husky

Huskies are friendly and energetic but have a high prey drive. Their independent nature and strength can sometimes lead to aggressive

behavior.

Alaskan Malamute

Similar to Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes are large, strong, and full of energy. Their size and potential for aggression concern insurers.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are known for their alertness and loyalty. Their reputation as guard dogs and their strength make insurers cautious.

Chow Chow

Chow-chows are loyal but can be territorial and aloof. Their independent nature and strong bite are reasons for increased premiums.

Great Dane

 

Great Danes are gentle giants but their size alone can cause accidental injuries. Their massive build is a factor in insurance considerations.

Akita

Akitas are protective and independent. They require experienced handling, and their potential for aggression raises insurance concerns.

Wolf Hybrid

Wolf hybrids, a mix between wolves and domestic dogs, are unpredictable in behavior. Their wild lineage makes them a high insurance risk.

Presa Canario

Presa Canarios are powerful and protective. Their history as guard dogs and their strength put them on insurers’ high-risk lists.

Why Do These Breeds Affect Your Insurance Premiums?

Insurance companies assess risk based on historical data and claims. Breeds with higher instances of aggressive behavior or large size can lead to higher premiums. Owning one of these breeds doesn’t mean your dog will be aggressive, but insurers play it safe.

Mitigating Insurance Costs

Proper training and socialization of your dog can reduce risks. Providing proof of your dog’s training and behavior can sometimes help negotiate lower premiums. Consider consulting with your insurance provider for advice on managing these risks.

Final Thoughts

While these breeds might raise your insurance, many factors contribute to a dog’s behavior. Responsible ownership, training, and understanding your dog can prevent incidents and potentially lower your insurance costs. Always check with your insurance provider to understand how your furry friend might impact your coverage. Since this can add to the overall cost of having a dog, this article might be of benefit to you. https://happymutt.org/can-you-afford-to-own-a-dog/

Since dog attacks increase your risk of being sued, this is a good reference article for you. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/dog-attack-statistics-breed/

Sources:

1. American Kennel Club (AKC)
2. Insurance Information Institute (III)
3. DogBite.org
4. PetMD
5. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
6. Canine Journal
7. ASPCA
8. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
10. Humane Society of the United States
11. Home Insurance Blog

 

Photos Courtesy of Pixabay, unless otherwise indicated