It’s hard not to notice the attention dogs are getting these days — from costumes and clothing to remote technology that allows you to grant them snack privileges while you’re away at work, a new generation of dog owners is redefining the way we treat man’s best friend.

But regardless of our feelings for them, a pit bull terrier is going to have a harder time getting insurance than the dachshund down the street.

It’s important to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies — especially if you’re a dog owner — to make sure both you and your best friend get the coverage you need. Here’s what you should know about dog-friendly homeowners insurance.

Best dog-friendly home insurance companies

Although owners of “dangerous breeds” may have to look a little harder, finding the best combination of home insurance coverage for your home (and pet) isn’t impossible. Several insurers will most likely work with you and your pet on a case-by-case basis — seeing past the breed and making insurance decisions based on the actual pup — according to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

These insurers emphasize the responsibility of the pet owner rather than the breed itself. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly insurance company, these insurers are a great place to start your search. For example, State Farm’s website states that they don’t even ask about the breed when writing a homeowners insurance policy that includes pet coverage.

• American Family

• Liberty Mutual

• Nationwide

• Amica

• State Farm

• Chubb

• USAA

• FAIR Plans

Methodology

Insurify examined dozens of home insurance companies to identify the top pet-friendly policies in this list, including companies that don’t restrict certain dog breeds but rather consider each dog’s individual bite history. Insurify also referenced information from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center.

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Why some home insurance companies aren’t pet-friendly

Victims of dog-related injuries might require multiple surgeries and specialized medical care that can run as high as $1 million. For this reason, insurance companies are very calculating about the canines they cover. Even though most homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites, insurance companies want to avoid paying out dog bite claims as often as they possibly can. As such, they often carefully define how much pet owners should pay to cover specific breeds.

Some homeowners insurance companies will even refuse to write a homeowners policy that covers dog breeds that are commonly deemed “vicious.” According to dogsbite.org (a national dog bite victims’ group dedicated to reducing serious dog attacks), recent studies put the following breeds and breed mixes at the top of the most dangerous dog breed list:

• Pit bull terrier

• Rottweiler

• Mastiff/bullmastiff

• Dogo Argentino

• German shepherd

• Wolf hybrid

Other dog breeds that insurers commonly consider to be potentially dangerous include:

• Akita

• Alaskan malamute

• Chow chow

• Doberman pinscher

• Great Dane

• Presa canario

• Siberian husky

• Staffordshire bull terrier

Does this mean you should consider Craigslisting your canine? No. But it does mean that you need to do a little more work to protect yourself and your assets should the unthinkable actually happen.

That’s to say, ignoring pet coverage altogether isn’t the answer. This move could get you into some financial hot water later on. Getting your pup an American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Certificate can result in acceptance from home insurance companies.

Do dogs affect home insurance rates?

Yes. Owning certain breeds of dogs will result in increases in home insurance rates. The danger some types of dogs pose to homeowners and their guests, or even the mail carrier, is a risk factors insurance companies consider when making these decisions.

Some insurance companies may deny you coverage altogether depending on the breed of dog you have.

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Liability and restricted dog breeds

Homeowners filed 17,989 dog bite claims in 2021 — up 2.2% from 2020 — which cost home insurance companies $882 million, according to data from the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm.

Owners of higher-risk dog breeds will want to consider supplemental liability insurance because of the risks these dogs pose. Extra liability insurance can cover claims in the event of an accident with a dog on your property that results in medical bills.

Ways to avoid dog-related home insurance claims

Dog bites aren’t the only peril that dogs can cause; they can also damage your property. But most standard home insurance policies don’t cover dog-related property damage. Here are some things you can do to reduce the risk of your dog destroying things in your home:

• Clip your dog’s nails to prevent damage to wood floors.

• Put protective rugs in high-traffic areas.

• Install a door protector or door shield to prevent door-scratching damage.

• Provide plenty of toys to prevent boredom.

• Crate train your dog or create a safe backyard pen to prevent damage while you’re out.

Dog-friendly home insurance FAQs