Why does the insurance company care what kind of dog I have?

Many insurance companies will charge a higher premium if you own a certain breed of dog. The claim made by these companies is the fact that injuries are more widely spread from some dogs than others. Of course, most dog owners believe that dogs cannot be profiled and should be looked at on an individual basis. Some states are even looking at banning the insurance companies from “breed of dog discrimination.” Just make sure you are aware of your policy restrictions to make sure you are covered in the event of an accident. No matter what, you should be aware that owning a dog could raise your premium.

If you are wondering what types of dogs usually make the “bad dog list,” here are just a few. They include: Akita, Chow Chow, Doberman Pincher, German Shepherd, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky and Wolf hybrid. Although your dog may be sweet and loving, the insurance company puts all of these breeds together and looks at the information about the number of instances documented for biting or attacking people. They usually get this information from the breed's reputation and the Centers for Disease Control. You may be able to speak with your agent about your dog and try to get the best rate possible.

Some dog owners also point out the fact that many of these dogs can actually help the insurance companies. Dogs are often trained to bark when strangers approach or alert the owners if someone is trying to get into the house. In this way, dogs could be seen as valuable security assets. Your main concern should be making sure you understand the language of your policy and whether you will be covered if you own a specific breed of dog. Although you may have to pay a few more dollars for insurance, it will be worth the peace of mind knowing you can keep your family pet.