What Pit Bull Owners Need to Know About Home Insurance?

Many people are apprehensive about owning a pit bull, but there are many positives to pit bull ownership. They are known to develop very strong bonds with their owners, as an example. They are very athletic and fun and are also a very determined breed. Many people find that pit bulls will want to run the show unless clear and consistent rules and boundaries are set. Owners tend to do best by being decisive, and obedience training is often recommended. For people who love running, playing, and being in the water, pit bulls can be a fantastic selection. They are happiest around dogs that they know, so social groups or another dog in the household can be a great plan.

Unfortunately, pit bulls have expenses. Considered a more pricey dog to own, a considerable amount of money and time will need to be committed to them. Leaving them alone often can cause depression and bring out destructive and/or aggressive tendencies. They also are known as talented escape artists. One of the expenses people can see is with their homeowner’s insurance plans. Remember that plenty of space for them to run around and be active is essential, and pit bulls should be leased around other animals that they do not know.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pit Bulls?

Many people absolutely adore pit bulls, but should keep in mind that pet owners are responsible for the damage their pets do. Obedience training and keeping them active can help keep them from developing destructive behaviors. The personal liability portion of a homeowners insurance policy most often provides coverage for most damage and injuries caused by your pets, including dog bites. Remember that different homeowners insurance companies, as well as renters insurance companies, have guidelines that are different from one another. Some insurance companies are pit bull friendly, with State Farm being one of them, and others offer restrictions on different types of breeds of dog.

If you are looking to own a pit bull, you will want to make sure your homeowner’s insurance plan covers the breed. Either way, you will need to let your insurance provider know that you own a pit bull in order for them to be covered. For people who are just coming into pit bull ownership, make sure to verify with your current home insurance plan provider to see if it has exclusions for pit bulls.

Homeowners And Renters Insurance For Pit Bulls

It is also a smart idea to shop around to find the best rates as a pit bull owner. The first step is to find companies that cover the breed, and the second step is to get homeowners insurance quotes for each of them. For people who already have renters insurance plans, contacting your insurance company before purchasing your pet is important. You may need to prepare for ownership by switching homeowners insurance companies, as your coverage may be dropped when you inform your renter's insurance provider or home insurance provider that you have picked up a pit bull as a pet.

Don’t despair; however. There are a number of homeowners and renters insurance services that do not reject people who own pit bulls from getting policies. These companies will generally take a look at your pets past behavior and do an insurance risk assessment to determine rates. In some cases, you will not be eligible for coverage through your homeowner's insurance policy if your pit bull has bitten someone in the past. Each company will consider each dog's personal bite history to assess risk. This is not specific, in many cases, to pit bulls. Rather, it is something that applies to all dogs on a company’s insurance plan.

Owning A Pit Bull And Your Insurance Rates

Due to the risks of insuring a pit bull, you are likely to see an increase in your homeowner's insurance premiums. How much a person’s cost increases is dependent on which company for homeowners insurance that you choose, as well as the past history of your pit bull. Pit bulls have a reputation for being aggressive dogs, and are seen as being a greater insurance risk than many other types of pets. In addition, dog bite-related claims are very costly for insurance companies. In order to make up for these larger expenses, insurance rates are generally increased.

There are other options available for people who want to keep their homeowner’s insurance plan, even if the plan does not cover pit bulls. An umbrella policy, which is designed to serve as a supplement to homeowners insurance plans, is one workaround. It is also possible to purchase pit bull insurance, also called canine liability insurance, specifically for this breed of dog. Even if you have this type of insurance, you will still need a home insurance plan to cover risks that are unrelated to your pet.