Does Your Pet’s Breed Affect Home Insurance Premiums

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell writes about insurance basics and consumer comparisons. Insurance enthusiast 12 years. Texas-based.

Visual representation of the voice · not a photographic portrait

Quick answer: Yes, some pet breeds can raise home insurance premiums due to perceived liability risks. Insurers often flag breeds with aggressive reputations, but rules vary by company and state. Always check your policy’s pet exclusions before filing a claim.↗ Share on X

The Short Answer: It Depends on the Breed

READ ALSOHow to Choose Life Insurance Beneficiaries Without Costly Errors →How to Pick the Right Insurance Deductible Without Regret →How Your Deductible Changes Car Insurance Claim Payouts →

Home insurance isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s also about the four-legged members of your household. Some insurers treat certain dog breeds differently because of historical claims data. If your dog’s breed appears on an insurer’s restricted list, you might face higher premiums—or even coverage denials for pet-related incidents.

But here’s the catch: not all insurers penalize the same breeds. One company may charge extra for a Rottweiler, while another sees no issue. The key is understanding how insurers classify pets—and why.

When I moved from Texas to Colorado, my home insurance premium jumped after I added a German Shepherd to my policy. The insurer cited "breed-based risk" in their underwriting guidelines. That’s when I learned how deeply breed policies can influence costs.

How Insurers Decide Which Breeds Are Risky

Insurance companies rely on actuarial data to predict future claims. For pets, this means analyzing bite incidents, liability lawsuits, and veterinary costs tied to specific breeds. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that dog bites account for over one-third of all home insurance liability claims, with an average payout exceeding $44,000.

Some insurers use breed-specific lists based on these claims. Others follow state regulations or model laws. For example, states like Michigan and Pennsylvania have banned breed discrimination in home insurance, while others allow it with restrictions.

Here’s how the process typically works:

• Claim history analysis. Insurers review past dog bite claims by breed.
• Underwriting guidelines. Companies create internal lists of breeds they consider high-risk.
• State laws. Some states mandate coverage for all breeds, while others let insurers set their own rules.

In Florida, where I lived before Texas, insurers often charged higher premiums for Pit Bulls and Dobermans. The logic? Higher bite frequency and severity in claims data.

Common Breeds That Trigger Higher Premiums

READ ALSODoes Your Occupation Affect Auto Insurance Rates? The Truth Revealed →Understanding Gap Insurance: Do You Really Need It for Your New Car? →How Occupation Impacts Life Insurance Premiums and Coverage →

While policies vary, certain breeds consistently appear on insurers’ radar. Here’s a breakdown of breeds often flagged for higher risk:

These aren’t hard-and-fast rules. A well-trained, certified therapy dog may face fewer restrictions than an untrained pet of the same breed. Insurers also consider the dog’s age, training, and past behavior.

When I adopted a mixed-breed dog in Colorado, the insurer asked for vet records and a temperament test. Because she wasn’t on any restricted lists, my premium stayed flat. That’s why breed isn’t the only factor—it’s part of a bigger picture.

Beyond Breed: Other Pet-Related Factors That Matter

Breed isn’t the only thing insurers look at. They also consider:

• Number of pets. More pets can mean higher liability exposure.
• Pet’s age. Older pets may have higher veterinary costs.
• Training and certification. Dogs with obedience training or therapy certifications may qualify for discounts.
• Location. Urban areas often have stricter pet policies due to higher bite claim rates.

I once compared quotes for a home in a rural Texas town versus a suburban neighborhood in Florida. The rural policy had no breed restrictions, while the suburban one charged extra for any dog over 50 pounds. Location matters as much as breed.

What Happens If Your Breed Isn’t Covered?

If your pet’s breed is on an insurer’s restricted list, you have a few options:

1. Shop around. Some insurers specialize in high-risk pets or offer pet liability endorsements.

2. Consider an umbrella policy. This can provide extra liability coverage beyond your home insurance limits.

3. Look into state programs. Some states offer FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) plans for high-risk properties.

4. Train and certify your pet. Some insurers reduce restrictions for dogs with Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification.

In Florida, I found an insurer that covered my Pit Bull mix after I provided proof of training and a vet’s note confirming her temperament. It wasn’t cheap, but it was better than switching carriers.

How to Check Your Policy for Pet Restrictions

Not sure if your pet’s breed affects your premium? Follow these steps:

• Review your declarations page. Look for exclusions or limitations related to pets.
• Ask your agent. Insurers don’t always advertise breed restrictions, so ask directly.
• Check state regulations. Some states require insurers to disclose breed-based underwriting.
• Compare quotes. Get at least three quotes to see how different insurers treat your pet.

When I moved to Texas, I learned the hard way that my insurer’s breed restrictions weren’t clearly stated in the policy. A quick call to my agent revealed a hidden exclusion for "guardian breeds." Always read the fine print.

Alternatives for High-Risk Pet Owners

If your pet’s breed makes home insurance unaffordable, consider these alternatives:

• Pet liability insurance. Separate policies cover dog bites and injuries.
• Renters insurance (if applicable). Some renters policies include pet liability coverage.
• Umbrella insurance. Adds an extra layer of liability protection.
• State-backed plans. FAIR plans may cover high-risk properties.

I once met a client in Colorado who switched to a pet liability policy after her insurer dropped her coverage due to her dog’s breed. The separate policy cost less than the premium increase she’d faced.

The Bottom Line: Knowledge Is Your Best Policy

Breed discrimination in home insurance is real—but it’s not universal. The best way to protect yourself is to:

• Know your insurer’s pet policies before you buy.
• Ask questions about breed restrictions and exclusions.
• Compare quotes from multiple carriers.
• Consider supplemental coverage if needed.

Insurance isn’t about punishing pet owners. It’s about managing risk. If your dog’s breed comes with higher risk, insurers will reflect that in your premiums. But with the right approach, you can still find coverage that works for you and your pet.

When I first started comparing policies, I assumed all insurers treated pets the same. That assumption cost me hundreds. Now, I always ask about breed restrictions upfront—and so should you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get home insurance if my dog’s breed is considered high-risk?

Yes, but options may be limited. Some insurers specialize in high-risk pets, while others offer umbrella policies or state-backed plans. Always compare quotes and ask about restrictions.

Do all insurers penalize the same breeds?

No. Policies vary widely by company and state. Some insurers have no breed restrictions, while others maintain strict lists. Shopping around is key.

Will training my dog lower my premium?

It might. Some insurers reduce restrictions for dogs with obedience training or certifications like the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. Ask your agent for details.

What should I do if my insurer drops my coverage due to my pet’s breed?

Start by asking for the reason in writing. Then, shop for alternative coverage, such as a pet liability policy or an umbrella insurance plan. State FAIR plans may also be an option.

Is breed discrimination in home insurance legal everywhere?

No. Some states ban breed discrimination entirely, while others allow it with restrictions. Check your state’s insurance department website for local regulations.

*NOT a licensed insurance broker. NEVER recommends specific products. Consult licensed broker for actual decisions.*

Educational content, not personalized financial advice. Sources cited where applicable.