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The Answer is YES! Please use the drop down menu above for information about specific insurance companies. If you own a dog, you are liable for its behavior and whether you are a homeowner or a renter, you should make sure that you are a responsible dog owner and that your insurance policy covers that liability. This issue is not just about dogs with aggressive behavior. As a responsible owner, you must be able to control your dog and protect people even from overly friendly behavior. We recently heard from a reader in Delaware who was being cancelled by her insurance company because her very friendly large dog jumped on a pedestrian and not meaning any harm, scratched the person's arm. If you think this is not a big issue, consider that about 20% of total homeowners' insurance liability payouts in the United States are dog bite related. In 1999 that amount was $310 million. The total annual cost of dog bites is well over a billion dollars. That is one of the main reasons why many insurance companies are refusing to insure specific dog breeds. And the lists are getting longer. A number of insurance companies and the Insurance Information Institute provide serious and valuable information related to dog bite prevention and we hope you will visit the web sites linked in this article. If you need specific information about your state, click here for a list of state insurance offices. WARNING! If you are a dog owner, before you purchase a home or rent a house or apartment, you need to find out about local dog laws as they relate to the breed of dog you own. You also need to investigate insurance companies to make sure you will be able to secure homeowner's or renter's liability coverage. Many companies are refusing to write new policies if you own a certain breed of dog regardless of the dog's history and at this time, no two insurance companies seem to have the same do-not-insure lists. "I am encouraged by the fact that some insurance companies seem to understand dog behavior and recognize that each dog is unique. They are working to educate their dog-owning policy holders about the importance of obedience training, kind and loving care and responsible ownership. But I am discouraged by the fact that some insurance companies' are taking the position that aggression is breed specific and therefore are expanding their lists of breeds that they will not cover in homeowners' liability insurance policies," says Uncle Matty. "There are good and bad dogs in every breed. The education of dog owners and the training of dogs is the best way to reduce aggressive behavior and prevent needless tragedies and expense." If you have been denied insurance or are having trouble obtaining homeowners insurance, we would like to hear from you. We would also like to know about insurance companies that will write new policies if you have any of the pitt bull breeds, a Rottweiler, German Shepherd Dog, Chow Chow, Great Dane, Doberman Pinscher, Huskie or any other dog for which you were previously denied coverage. Please use the "Gazette Editor" e-mail icon at the top of this article. Editor's Note: Municipal and state laws that have been adopted or are being considered that declare a particular dog breed or breeds as vicious, means that you will most likely be turned down for homeowners insurance if you own one of the specified breeds, regardless of the insurance company involved. It is the position of Uncle Matty and the Woof Gazette™ that aggression in dogs is not breed specific and therefore laws that are breed specific should not be enacted. Canine aggression is the result of bad breeding and irresponsible owners. The risk of dog bites or dog bite related fatalities, is exacerbated by lack of training, socialization and abuse of any kind. The potential for a dog to be aggressive exists in any breed, therefore, a reasonable person would argue, "Outlaw one breed and you might as well outlaw them all." It makes more sense to take action against bad breeding and any abusive treatment of dogs, including dog fighting. It also makes sense to enact laws that outlaw the breeding of dogs for the purpose of fighting. If any dog shows signs of aggressive behavior, the owner should seek help immediately from a qualified professional who understands aggressive behavior and how to deal with it appropriately. Please be aware of any pending legislation related to dogs and dog ownership in your community. If you disagree with the proposed legislation let your voice be heard by your state and/or local officials. Join the efforts of breeders, dog clubs and other groups. If your insurance company is proposing underwriting by breed, also let your voice be heard. Contact your local insurance agent and write to the company's corporate headquarters. We also encourage you to let us know of any proposed legislation or the rejection of homeowners' insurance based on breed of dog. Please use the "Editor Icon" at the top of this article. © 2002 - 2006 Margolis Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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