Buying a home is a big responsibility on its own accord, but as a dog owner, there are some more responsibilities that come along with the territory. Dogs are a part of the family just like the other members, so their safety is a top concern for owners but when it comes to homeowners insurance, not all companies feel the same way. If you have just started looking into buying a home, it’s a good idea to consider what homeowners insurance you are going to work with on your policy beforehand for this very reason.

Many people in the United States own a pet, and a majority of those pets are dogs, and that number continues to grow. So what does that mean for those dog owners that want to buy a home? It means that they also need to be aware of the facts when it comes to dog bites as well since about four and a half million happen every year according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

And although some of these dog bites may happen when dogs are protecting the home from intruders, many of them don’t and that means insurance companies have received a lot more claims due to dog bites that happen in the home. Those claims can end up costing quite a bit when the company has to pay them out, so they are taking dog ownership a bit more seriously when it comes to your policy.

Should I Be Concerned?

If you don’t have a dog, but plan on getting a dog after you’ve found a home, you may not want to do your research as to what kind of dog your insurance provider doesn’t want to insure. Just like there are usually restrictions on dogs when it comes to renting, the same rules apply here except, you’re going to own that property for a much longer time. Some dogs that are usually on these types of lists are: Akita, German Shepherd, Pitbull, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, and Wolf Hybrid among others. Although you may not be denied a policy based solely on the dog’s breed, it is something that is considered. They also usually consider if your dog has been trained, previous instances of concern, and if the dog is up to date with vaccinations.

This is not the case for all insurance companies so if you do have a dog that one company doesn’t want to insure, you can do your research and find a company that isn’t concerned with the breed of your dog. Some companies don’t consider your dog’s breed as it can be difficult to determine the breed of your dog, especially if it was adopted. Also, some dogs are very different from the breed themselves and have a temperament that’s not typical whatsoever. It’s also important to consider the regulations based on where you are looking to purchase since rules do vary from state to state.

Reach Out Today

If you’re thinking about buying a home and have questions about the best policy for you, whether you’re a dog owner or not, feel free to reach out so we can help you. We’re here to make sure you and your home stay safe and secure.