The riskiest breeds, as insurers see it
Forbes, the magazine best known for listing the world’s richest people, now brings us a list of the riskiest dog breeds.
Or at least what insurance companies say are the riskiest dog breeds.
The magazine, to its credit, makes a point of saying the breeds aren’t the likeliest to bite, but, as the article points out, that often doesn’t matter to your insurance company.
The list starts out with Rottweilers, pit bulls, Doberman pinschers and German shepherds — the breeds that most seem to frighten insurers.
And when insurers get frightened, you, the insuree, usually pay the price.
Fearing lawsuits from people hurt or bitten by dogs, companies offering homeowners and renters insurance are pickier than ever about which types of dogs they’ll insure, said Jeff McCarthy, an agent with Harrington Insurance Agency in Woburn, Mass.
Insurance companies, the article points out, may deny you a policy, or drop you like a hot potato if your “risky” dog causes harm, or even if he doesn’t.
That leaves you having to find a carrier that will cover your dog, which could cost more. It could also mess up your bundling discount.
While some people try to skirt the issue by not telling their insurance company about a new dog, insurers say that is risky.
“If something does happen with your dog in your home and you didn’t disclose this information, the insurance company may deny your claim,” one said. “That could cost you thousands and it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Spoken like a true insurer.
Most commonly, insurance companies tend to resist covering these 11 types of dogs — or any mix of these breeds:
1. Pit Bulls & Staffordshire Terriers
2. Doberman Pinschers
3. Rottweilers
4. German Shepherds
5. Chows
6. Great Danes
7. Presa Canarios
8. Akitas
9. Alaskan Malamutes
10. Siberian Huskies
11. Wolf-hybrids
The article concludes:
“This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t get a pit bull — those little guys can be pretty darn lovable! — or another kind of ‘risky’ dog, but you should call your insurance agent to find out whether they cover the breed, and if not, what it will cost to get a homeowners or renters with a company that does.”
Posted by jwoestendiek May 31st, 2012 under Muttsblog.
Tags: aggressive, akita, alaskan malamutes, animals, breeds, chow chow, dangers, doberman pinschers, dogs, forbes, german shepherds, great danes, homeowners, insurance, list, perceptions, pets, pit bulls, presa canarios, renters, riskies, risks, risky, rottweiler, siberian huskies, stereotypes, wolf hybrids
Comments
Comment from Tina
Time May 31, 2012 at 11:27 am
We had this issue with a past insurer. After 6 years with our pup (who was an unknown mix, but we had “guessed” there was rotweiller in there), we were dropped like a hot potato.
I had thought breed-profiling was going away – since it is complete hog-wash!!
Great Dane? Risky??? Really? Why, ’cause they might sit on you?
I can see requiring Good Canine Citizen certification for lower rates and/or coverage, but breed profiling should be illegal.
Comment from Alicia Wolman
Time May 31, 2012 at 8:17 am
I can understand both sides of the fence. I personally own “risky” breeds, love them, train the heck out of them! I believe there should be a license or course or something that people are required to take in order to own certain breeds.
It’s just a plain fact that ANYONE can agree with —- The more damage your dog can potentially do – the MORE responsbility you have to ensure that it’s trained, non-aggressive, and a positive canine in society.
If we all just did that – there wouldn’t be as many dog fights, dog bites, or dog problems.
It’s not the dogs — it’s the people.
AS PEOPLE we should do something to fix ourselves!!!!