Why You Should Notify Your Insurance Agent When You Get a New Dog
There’s a long checklist when you bring a new dog into your family like vet appointments, food, toys, ID tags and of course choosing a name. But one item that often gets overlooked is contacting your insurance agent.
If it’s not on your list, it should be the next time you bring home a new furry friend.
Why Should I Notify My Insurance Agent About a New Dog?
Even if your dog is the sweetest creature you know, accidents can happen. If your dog injures someone by biting, knocking them over or any other incident, your homeowners insurance may be responsible for covering medical bills and legal expenses.
But here’s the catch: if you didn’t disclose to your insurer that you had a dog, your claim could be denied entirely. Many policies require that you inform them of any new risks that could impact your coverage or premiums, including pets.
Will Adding a Dog Increase My Homeowners Insurance Premium?
It’s possible. Some dog breeds are classified by insurance providers as higher risk, meaning they’re statistically more likely to be involved in liability claims. If your dog falls into one of these categories, you may see a higher annual premium, typically anywhere from $50 to $200 or more.
Other insurers may not charge you at all, especially if your breed isn’t flagged or if your dog has no history of aggression.
How Much Does a Dog Increase Home Insurance Costs?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Premium adjustments depend on:
- The breed of your dog
- Your insurer’s underwriting guidelines
- Your location and claims history
- Whether your home has fencing or pet containment
Some carriers increase rates only for specific breeds or may require liability waivers. Others don’t charge unless the dog has previously bitten someone or is part of a restricted breed list.
What Dog Breeds Affect Homeowners Insurance?
Insurance companies use breed lists to determine coverage risks. Dog breeds that may raise red flags include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Akitas
- Chows
- Presa Canarios
- Great Danes
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Siberian Huskies
- Wolf-dog hybrids
These breeds may result in:
- Higher premiums
- Limited liability coverage
- Coverage exclusions
Keep in mind, each insurance company is different. Some are breed-specific, while others assess dogs on a case-by-case basis.
Why It’s Better to Disclose Than Hide
Some dog owners hesitate to report their pet to their insurer out of fear of increased premiums. But not disclosing your dog is risky. If your dog injures someone and your insurer discovers you never informed them, they may:
- Deny your claim
- Cancel your policy
- Refuse to renew coverage
The cost of a potential lawsuit or hospital visit will almost always outweigh the extra cost of an adjusted premium.
What to Ask Your Insurance Agent
Before adopting a dog, ask your agent:
- Is this breed covered by my current policy?
- Will this change my liability coverage or deductible?
- Is there a premium increase, and if so, how much?
- Do I need a separate pet liability rider?
Your independent agent can also shop around if your current carrier has strict rules, helping you find better-fit coverage.