Dogs breeds and insurance

hummingbird · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:38 pm Post subject: Dogs breeds and insurance

I know that insurance companies will not cover someone if they own a certain breed of dog. Does that also apply to mixed breed dogs,say if they have a portion of that breed that the insurance does not cover?Also why can't they just write an exclusion instead of canceling your whole policy?

Lori · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:21 pm Post subject:

I don't know why they can't just exclude the liability from the policy, I'm sure it's some kind of law...yes, if they find out you have anything with the words 'pit' or 'bull' in them you're probably sunk, same would likely apply to 'wolf hybrids' I'm not sure what other breeds may have red flags attached to them.

Let me point something out, generally when buying the policy those questions will be asked, and most companys will say, either get rid of the dog or we won't write the policy.

I've handled many claims (unfortunately as these have really 'stuck' with me) where a dog has bitten someone (children mostly), we covered/paid the claim, but then (in the case of the company I worked for at the time, and I'm sure this is company dependent) they were told get rid of the dog now, or the policy will not renew. So the owner has the choice to make, of course their rates will increase as well due to the claim. If when purchasing the policy and an owner lies saying they do not have butch the pitbull, then butch bites the neighbor kid, this would more than likely be considered material mis-rep and the policy may be voided, and premium refunded, and of course the claim not paid, (I've worked two claims that this happened on)...

You might call your agent and ask about your companies underwriting rules regarding this topic, surely they would be able to tell you the breeds etc.

One other thing, it so happened that my sisters next door neighbors were insured with the company I worked for at the time (1987-97)...I knew this because I handled a 'lightening' claim with them a few years before. Anyway they got two pitbulls, that I noticed when visiting my sister, I immediately sent an underwriting report in on this property, and they were contacted and told they had 'x' amount of days to get rid of these dogs, or lose their policy. They did not get rid of the dogs lost their policy, the dogs bit the paper boy less than a year later. So you see there are all kinds of ways for this to 'come to light'.

Insurance Maze · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 6:53 pm Post subject:

anony_moss · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 9:00 am Post subject:

Why not settle for pets that are not dangerous, like-fish or rabbit. Smile

You can obtain the list of the breed of dogs that are not covered by the insurer and avoid buying those species.

hummingbird · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 12:40 am Post subject:

Yes,I have already read the list. I was just thinking that an exclusion that excluded a dog would exclude them from anything anywhere. Funny I have see dogs that are not on the list bite people. In my case if my dog bite someone I wouold not even bother the insurance company at all with it. I think people are just to suer happy these days .They see any unfortunate accident as a chance to collect.Some people,I said. Some people would sue their own mother or father or sister or brother.That is greed.That is why we have some insurance companies like we have also.

hummingbird · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 12:41 am Post subject:

Here is a funny scenario. The insurance company may not insure your fish .Being as the fish tank could crack, all the water would flood your home or room and they won't cover it as you have no flood coverage as you do not live in a flood zone....lol

Lori · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 12:42 am Post subject:

I totally agree, expect you wouldn't have the option of 'bothering' your insurance company with it...unfortunately...most times as you mentioned greed gets ahold of even loved ones....and dog bite claims can get just plain HUGE...

MBTexas · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:03 am Post subject:

The company I just left any dog that did not have a bite history and did not bite the inspector. Even pit bulls.

But, since becoming and independent, I've found that many carriers are going to animal exclusions for all dogs, regardless of breed since any dog is capable of biting. Some more than others. Most will not refuse to write the policy, just not cover the dog.

hummingbird · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:06 am Post subject:

The one we had canceled our policy. After someone stole our dog they reissued the policy. You can see how vicious our dog was, so vicious to the point that someone stole her.We figured she probly jumped right in the car with them since she had tried to do that once before.

Lori · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:01 am Post subject:

It stinks when this happens to good dogs I know hummingbird...but they (carriers) have to play the odds....just like anything else.....glad you got your policy back, Smile

but sorry you've lost your dog... Sad

s2a2n2 · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 6:15 pm Post subject: got to check

its sad to lose pets for the sake of retaining policies. I suppose there are some insurance covers irrespective of pets you have. got to check in your locality

hummingbird · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 7:44 pm Post subject:

I think it best to be informed of the pets that your insurance will drop you for before acquiring the breed. Stay informed is the best POLICY.

s2a2n2 · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 4:57 am Post subject: yes

yes that is better, I agree with you

lisar1208 · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 12:27 pm Post subject:

I know where I work we do ask about a dog and what type and we have a list that we must use for the breeds. if that dog is on there we will issue the policy but exclude the dog and any liability.

Lori · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 2:23 pm Post subject:

Dogs breeds and insurance

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