Dogs are like family members in most homes. However, accidents resulting from dogs can occur. While your pitbull might be a sweet dog with no bite accidents, your insurance company may have different perceptions. If you own a pitbull, you are responsible for any damage that may be caused by its bites or property destruction. As such, it is important to let your insurer know that you own a pitbull. This ensures you are covered in case of the occurrence of accidents. 

While the initial step is to ensure you get home insurance that covers pitbulls, let’s see why your pitbull may be aggressive and even bite.

• Your pitbull could be ill

• The dog is trying to defend itself or its territory

• The dog feels threatened, is startled or scared

• The dog is trying to protect something valuable such as food, puppies or a toy

• The dog could have taken the play too far

Do insurance companies cover pitbulls?

According to a review by the CDC on dog attacks, pitbulls were reported as the most common in dog attack cases. In some of these dog attacks, some even resulted in fatal bites with others causing death. Also, medical studies indicate that pitbull attacks are more likely to cause injury or death to people compared to dog bites from other breeds. 

Due to these statistics and reports, insurers may be hesitant to provide coverage for pitbulls. While many pitbulls are, in fact, harmless, it just takes one provocation for an attack to occur. That being said, some insurance providers still offer coverage for pitbulls. The pitbull insurance policy caters for medical costs, property repair or replacements and funeral costs. 

Will my pitbull increase the cost of the homeowners’ policy? 

Given the risks involved with insuring pitbulls, the cost of your homeowners’ insurance will rise if the pitbull is covered. Despite the obvious rise, the cost of your insurance will depend on the pitbull’s history. You could find that you remit lower rates while insuring a pitbull with no history of attacks or bites. However, if your pitbull has a history of attacks, the rates could go higher. The insurance provider may even fail to provide coverage for the pitbull. 

How to get homeowners insurance coverage for your pitbull easily 

Most insurance companies provide coverage for pitbulls on various conditions. Some of the conditions that may be laid out by your insurer include:

• The history of the pitbull- If your pitbull has a history of bites or aggression, it may not be covered. This is because it poses a higher risk for the insurance company. 

• Training and certification of the pitbull- Trained and certified pitbulls are less likely to become aggressive. As such, insurers may require your pitbull to have an obedience training certificate for an insurance policy to be provided. Before you seek insurance coverage for your pitbull, consider getting your pitbull certified with a reputable company. This could even warrant you discounts. 

• Neutering or spaying- pitbulls that have not been spayed or neutered are more likely to become aggressive, causing damage and even bites. Most insurers require the pitbull to be spayed or neutered for a policy to be provided.

• Enrolling the pitbull in behavioural classes- If your pitbull does not have a training or obedience certification, the insurance company may require you to enrol it in behavioural classes. This reduces the chances of the pitbull attacking other people. What is a well-behaved dog? According to the nationwide criteria for well-behaved dogs, well-behaved dogs should not bark excessively at strangers, should not show signs of aggression and fear not forgetting that the dog must be calm when around familiar people and strangers.   

• Responsible pet ownership- Most insurers will require proof of responsible pet ownership before insuring the pitbull. For instance, dangerous pet games such as tag of war are discouraged as they could easily lead to an accident. 

In most instances, insurers send company representatives to evaluate the dog’s behavioural at home. For well-behaved pitbulls, you are likely to get a good insurance rate. However, if the pitbull displays undesirable behavioural habits, then it might not be insured. 

What are the alternative insurance plans for your pitbull?

1. Umbrella policy

This is a policy that provides coverage for extra insurance needs that are beyond your existing limits. Please note that an Umbrella policy should be a supplement to your homeowners’ insurance. With the Umbrella policy, you get a greater liability limit. For instance, if claims amounting to $500,000 are made against you, the homeowners’ insurance will cater for $400,000. The Umbrella policy will cater for the remaining $100,000.

The Umbrella insurance for your pitbull will provide coverage for property damage, lawsuits, personal liability and injuries.

An Umbrella cover for your pitbull will also protect you if: 

• Your insurance policy is exhausted

• Coverage for claims made due to harm or damage caused by the pitbull

However, an umbrella policy does not insure against:

• Damage caused to the policyholder or to their property

• Intentional actions that cause damage to other parties

• The liability assumed under contract

2. Canine Liability Insurance/ Animal Liability Insurance

Canine Liability Insurance protects you against injuries or damages caused by your pitbull. Being a third-party coverage, it only compensates other parties and not any member of the policy holder’s household. Animal Liability Insurance offers compensation for medical bills, the cost of replacing or repairing damaged property or legal actions undertaken by the injured party. 

Canine Liability Insurance, however, does not cater for damages caused by the pitbull on the owner’s property. As mentioned earlier, it also does not offer coverage for injuries caused to members of the household as well as commercial animals such as show dogs. Also, if your pitbull is impounded by the law enforcement authorities, the policy will not offer coverage for expenses such as vaccination updates or boarding. 

While ensuring your pitbull may seem like an expensive venture, it is necessary. Even the calmest and well-trained pitbulls can snap if pushed too far. And if this happens, you will not appreciate the costs involved with claims that may be issued.