Dogs are more than just pets for millions of Americans; they are members of the family. They welcome us at the entrance, offer consolation after a demanding day, and ask for nothing more than a quick pat on the behind. However, that devoted friend may unintentionally turn into a liability that jeopardizes your coverage when it comes to homeowners insurance. The situation for dog owners in 2026 is more complicated than ever, especially for those with breeds that are frequently classified as “aggressive”. Insurance companies are examining dog companions with previously unheard-of precision, with dog bite claims hitting a record $1.57 billion in 2024 and the average cost per claim skyrocketing to $69,272.
However, there has also been a lot of legislative change this year. While some states retain insurer discretion, others, like Michigan and New York, are working to outlaw discrimination based on breed. Knowing your options is crucial to safeguarding your pet and your financial future, regardless of whether you currently own a “restricted breed” or are thinking about adopting one.
The Hard Numbers: Why Insurers Care About Your Dog
The insurance industry’s focus on certain dog breeds is not arbitrary—it is driven by stark financial realities. Between 2015 and 2024, the average cost of a dog bite claim rose by nearly 86%, from $37,214 to $69,272 . In 2024 alone, insurers paid out a staggering $1.57 billion across 22,658 claims .
Regional variations are even more dramatic. New York leads the nation with an average claim cost of $110,488—roughly 60% above the national average—driven by the state’s expensive legal environment and higher settlement amounts . California had the highest total payout at $208 million across 2,417 claims .
From an insurer’s perspective, this is simple risk assessment. Certain breeds have historically been associated with more severe bites and higher claim costs, leading carriers to either:
- Deny coverage entirely for homes with specific breeds
- Exclude dog-related liability from standard policies
- Charge significantly higher premiums
- Require additional umbrella coverage
The table below shows breeds most commonly restricted by insurance companies. Note that lists vary by carrier—always verify with your specific insurer .
| Breed | Commonly Restricted By |
|---|---|
| Pit Bulls (including American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers) | Most major insurers |
| Rottweilers | Most major insurers |
| German Shepherds | Most major insurers |
| Doberman Pinschers | Most major insurers |
| Chow Chows | Most major insurers |
| Akitas | Most major insurers |
| Siberian Huskies | Many insurers |
| Alaskan Malamutes | Many insurers |
| Presa Canarios | Many insurers |
| Wolf Hybrids | Most major insurers |
| Great Danes | Some insurers |
| Staffordshire Bull Terriers | Most major insurers |
| Mastiffs | Some insurers |
*Source: *
When Is a Dog Bite Covered? Understanding Your Policy
Before diving into solutions, it is essential to understand exactly what your homeowners insurance covers—and does not cover—when it comes to dog-related incidents.
What Standard Policies Cover
Most standard homeowners insurance policies include personal liability coverage, typically ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 . This coverage applies when:
- Your dog bites someone on or off your property (at a park, on a sidewalk, or at someone else’s home)
- The injured person is outside your household (injuries to you or family members are not covered)
- Your dog has no documented history of aggression prior to the incident
- You disclosed dog ownership when applying for the policy
Many policies also include medical payments coverage ($1,000 to $5,000) that pays for minor medical bills regardless of fault—ideal for small bites that don’t escalate to lawsuits .
When Coverage Is Denied
Insurance companies can and do deny dog bite claims under specific circumstances :
| Reason for Denial | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Restricted breed | Your dog is on the insurer’s banned list, regardless of temperament |
| History of aggression | Your dog has previously bitten someone or been labeled “dangerous” by authorities |
| Non-disclosure | You failed to inform your insurer about your dog when applying for coverage |
| Business use | The bite occurred during dog-walking, pet-sitting, or other business activities |
| Provocation disputes | Fault is unclear, or your dog was provoked |
The consequences of non-disclosure cannot be overstated. If you hide your dog’s breed and an incident occurs, your insurer can:
- Deny the claim entirely
- Cancel your policy retroactively
- Leave you personally liable for all damages—potentially tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars
The Changing Legal Landscape: States Taking Action
For dog owners, your location matters as much as your dog’s breed. A growing number of states are passing laws that prohibit insurers from discriminating based on breed alone.
New York: A National Leader
New York has emerged as a pioneer in breed-discrimination legislation. In 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul signed Section 3421 into the state’s Insurance Law, prohibiting breed-based underwriting in homeowners policies . The law was amended in late 2022 to close a loophole that allowed carriers to restrict coverage rather than deny policies outright .
Now, in 2026, New York is extending these protections. Assembly Bill 10272, currently before the Assembly Insurance Committee, would prohibit insurers from refusing to issue or renew renters policies, charging higher premiums, or limiting coverage based solely on dog breed .
Michigan’s New Push
On February 23, 2026, Michigan state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou reintroduced legislation (House Bill 5580) that would prohibit insurance providers from inquiring about the breed of a dog residing in an insured or potentially insured property .
The bill’s rationale speaks directly to the heart of the issue: “Despite overwhelming evidence that proper socialization and training is the best way to prevent ‘aggressive’ dogs, many still falsely believe that only a select number of breeds are ‘aggressive'” .
States with Breed Discrimination Laws
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), several states have banned the regulation of dogs based on breed :
- New York
- Nevada
- Texas
- Florida (and 22 others)
However, Massachusetts and many other states still permit breed discrimination. As one Massachusetts-based insurer notes, “unlike New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, our state doesn’t have laws prohibiting breed discrimination by insurance companies” .
Virginia’s Approach: Exclusion with Consent
Virginia takes a different approach. Under § 38.2-2128, insurers may exclude coverage for a dangerous or vicious animal only with the named insured’s written, notarized consent . This exclusion applies only if the animal has previously bitten, attacked, or inflicted injury—not based on breed alone .
Finding Coverage: Options for Owners of Restricted Breeds
If you own a breed that appears on your insurer’s restricted list, all is not lost. Multiple pathways exist to secure the coverage you need.
1. Shop for Breed-Neutral Insurers
Some insurance companies take a more progressive approach, focusing on individual dog behavior rather than blanket breed restrictions. The most prominent example is State Farm, whose policy states that “any dog can bite” and they evaluate based on individual history rather than breed .
American Family Insurance may restrict liability coverage for certain breeds, but options exist depending on the dog’s history .
Key questions to ask potential insurers:
- “Do you have breed restrictions for liability coverage?”
- “Are [your dog’s breed] included on your restricted list?”
- “Do you consider individual dog behavior and training?”
2. Demonstrate Responsible Ownership
The most powerful tool in your arsenal is documentation proving your dog is well-behaved and responsibly managed. Insurers look favorably on :
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate: This 10-step test proves good manners and obedience
- Temperament tests: Pit bulls pass temperament tests at an 87.4% rate—outperforming many “family-friendly” breeds
- Obedience training certificates
- Spaying/neutering documentation (associated with calmer temperaments)
- Up-to-date veterinary records
- A clean bite history (no previous incidents)
Keep meticulous records of everything. When it comes to securing coverage, documentation can be the difference between acceptance and rejection .
3. Consider a Personal Umbrella Policy
A personal umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage that kicks in after your primary homeowners policy limits are exhausted .
For example, if your homeowners policy covers $300,000 in liability but a serious dog bite incident results in $800,000 in damages, an umbrella policy covers the $500,000 difference . Many insurers will only sell umbrella policies to clients who also bundle their homeowners and auto insurance .
Key features:
- Umbrella policies typically start at $1 million in additional coverage
- Some carriers may require umbrella coverage before agreeing to insure homes with restricted breeds
- Premiums vary based on coverage amount and risk profile
4. Purchase Canine Liability Insurance
If standard homeowners insurance proves impossible, canine liability insurance is a dedicated, stand-alone policy designed specifically for dog-related incidents .
What it covers:
- Medical bills for third parties injured by your dog
- Property damage caused by your dog
- Legal defense fees if you are sued
What it does NOT cover:
- Damage to your own property
- Injuries to you or your household members
Cost factors include:
- Dog breed and size
- Your location
- Previous bite history
- Vaccination status
- Whether the dog has been deemed “dangerous” by authorities
5. Agree to a Breed Exclusion
In some cases, your insurer may offer to issue a policy with dog-related liability specifically excluded . This is not ideal—you would be personally responsible for any dog-related incident—but it maintains your base homeowners coverage while you seek alternative protection.
In Virginia, such exclusions require written, notarized consent from the insured .
Preventing Dog Bites: Protecting Your Pet and Your Coverage
The best insurance is prevention. Taking proactive steps to ensure your dog is well-trained and socialized protects both others and your insurability .
| Prevention Strategy | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Early, consistent training | Well-trained dogs are easier to manage and less likely to act out unexpectedly |
| Socialization with people and other animals | Reduces fear-based aggression; builds confidence |
| Always supervise interactions | Allows you to notice signs of stress early and intervene before escalation |
| Use a leash in public | Keeps your dog under control and demonstrates responsible ownership |
| Avoid situations that may provoke aggression | Recognize triggers like loud noises, food guarding, or invasive handling |
| Stay on top of your dog’s health | Pain or illness makes dogs more irritable; regular vet checkups are essential |
| Consider a muzzle if necessary | Provides an added layer of safety and shows you’re taking preventative measures |
What to Do If Your Dog Bites Someone
If the worst happens and your dog bites someone, your response in the immediate aftermath can significantly affect the outcome of any insurance claim or lawsuit .
- Ensure the injured person receives medical attention immediately—even minor bites can lead to infections
- Exchange information calmly—share your contact and insurance details without admitting fault
- Report the incident to your insurer immediately—most reputable insurers have 24/7 claims support
- Document everything—photos of injuries, the scene, and your dog; written account of what happened; witness contact information
- Cooperate with insurers and authorities—you may need to report the incident to animal control depending on local laws
After you report a dog bite, a claims adjuster typically contacts you within 24 to 48 hours. If the injured party sues you, your insurer provides legal defense under your liability coverage .
How Dog Bites Affect Your Premiums
Even if your claim is covered, a single dog bite incident can have lasting consequences for your insurance rates .
- Minor claims: May raise rates by 10% to 20%
- Serious incidents involving hospitalization or lawsuits: Can double your premiums
- Worst case: Some insurers drop coverage entirely after a dog bite claim, forcing you to find new coverage at higher rates
With dog bite claim costs rising 86% over the past decade, insurers have become increasingly aggressive in managing this risk .
Conclusion: Protecting Your Pet, Your Home, and Your Peace of Mind
Owning a dog that appears on an insurance “restricted breed” list does not mean you cannot find homeowners coverage. The landscape in 2026 offers more options than ever—from breed-neutral insurers like State Farm to state laws prohibiting discrimination in New York and Michigan, from umbrella policies to dedicated canine liability insurance.
Your action plan:
- Be honest with your insurer. Never hide your dog’s breed—non-disclosure can void your coverage entirely .
- Gather documentation. Training certificates, vet records, and a clean bite history are your best advocates .
- Shop around. Ask potential insurers directly about breed restrictions and individual behavior evaluation .
- Consider alternatives. Canine liability insurance and umbrella policies provide crucial protection when standard coverage falls short .
- Prevent incidents. Training, socialization, and responsible ownership protect both others and your insurability .
As Michigan Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou noted, “Dogs are valued members of our families, and policies like these negatively impact renters, landlords and homeowners. There is no reason that insurance companies should have a say in what type of dog a person can have in their home” .
With the right approach, you can protect both your four-legged family member and your financial future—ensuring that man’s best friend remains exactly that.
Home Insurance and Dog Breeds: Quick Reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites? | Yes, under personal liability coverage—but breed and history matter |
| Which breeds are most commonly restricted? | Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Chow Chows, Akitas, and wolf hybrids |
| What states prohibit breed discrimination? | New York, Nevada, Texas, Florida, and 22 others . Michigan legislation is pending |
| What if my insurer won’t cover my breed? | Consider breed-neutral insurers, umbrella policies, or canine liability insurance |
| How can I improve my dog’s insurability? | AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate, obedience training, spay/neuter, clean bite history |
| What happens if I don’t disclose my dog? | Your claim can be denied, and your policy canceled, leaving you personally liable |
Have you navigated home insurance with a restricted breed? Share your experience and tips in the comments below.