Hello, friends and fellow community members, this is Dan Burghardt. Today, we’re diving into a topic that holds importance for many of us—our pets. In this context, we’re focusing on certain breeds of dogs that often find themselves at the center of contentious discussions, particularly when it comes to home insurance policies. It’s a discussion that’s long overdue, and one we’re not shying away from.
The Underbelly of Pet Ownership and Insurance
As most of you probably know, owning a pet can add layers of complexity to your home insurance coverage. You might not be aware that certain breeds are often excluded or limited from policies, thereby making you financially vulnerable if your dog bites or injures someone. Many insurance providers are not transparent about the breeds they categorize as high risk, leading to uninformed decisions when choosing an insurance policy.
In 2022 alone, the cost of dog bite and dog-related injury claims surged to an astounding $1.3 billion, marking a 28% increase from the prior year. The average cost per claim also saw a year-on-year spike of 32%, settling at $64,555.
Breeds That Are Commonly Blacklisted
Here’s a list of the top 12 dog breeds that many insurance companies prefer to stay away from:
- Doberman Pinscher
- Pit Bull
- Rottweiler
- Chow Chow
- Wolf Dogs and Hybrids
- Presa Canario (Canary Dog)
- Akita
- German Shepherd
- Husky
- Mastiff
- Alaskan Malamute
The Consequence of Unprotected Ownership
Without the proper coverage, you could be faced with bearing the entire cost of injuries and legal fees if your pet happens to attack, scratch, or bite someone. It’s critical to closely scrutinize your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not. This is where the role of an informed insurance agent or broker comes into play—someone who can provide specific guidance tailored to your situation.
How Dan Burghardt Insurance Can Help
For those of you who own a breed that’s commonly excluded from standard insurance policies, don’t worry. At Dan Burghardt Insurance, we offer specialized animal liability coverage as a standalone policy. Here’s what you need to know:
- Affordable Premiums: Starting at just $100 per year, we provide an economically viable solution for pet owners.
- Inclusive Coverage: We don’t discriminate against aggressive breeds or those with a bite history.
- Flexible Liability Limits: Choose from a wide range of liability limits that run from $10,000 up to $300,000.
- Off-Leash and Off-Premises Options: We provide comprehensive coverage that includes situations where your pet is not on your property.
- Underwritten by Lloyds of London: We are backed by one of the world’s leading insurers, ensuring that you receive only the best service.
Final Thoughts
Man’s best friend deserves love, care, and attention—not to be the reason for your financial downfall. It’s time we take control of our situations and make informed decisions that safeguard our homes, our loved ones, and our four-legged family members.
If you have questions or need assistance, we are here for you. Let’s work together to find a solution that protects everyone involved.
Your neighbor in insurance, Dan Burghardt