Insurance And Your Family Pet: Is Fido Covered?
For most families, having a dog as a family pet is simply part of life, so much so, that it's easy to understand why many homeowners overlook their pets when it comes to their home insurance policy.
Dogs may be man's best friend, but they can do an awful lot of damage to your home or property. Some breeds are considered such a liability that many insurers won't even cover them, or any damage that they do to people or property.
Property Damage And Dogs
Many insurance companies specifically state that they won't provide coverage for any damage to your home or property that's done by the family pet. Some will provide coverage, but only if you add a rider to cover your four-legged friend's activities.
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Not every insurer refuses to cover the dogs listed above on your home insurance policy. Some will require that you purchase a dangerous animal rider in addition to your homeowner's policy, and others may recommend that you purchase an umbrella policy to limit your liability in case your dog bites someone.
If You Have A 'Dangerous' Dog
Your beloved pet wouldn't hurt a fly, but he's on the insurer's 'least wanted' list, and you haven't told them. Maybe you are planning to rescue that adorable pit bull puppy from the local Lake of the Ozarks animal shelter, but haven't checked your policy to see if it will be covered. Here's what you should do to make sure that you are going to be covered in the event that the dog decides to take a bite out of someone.
First, call your insurer. Find out if the pooch is going to add extra liability to your policy, and ask whether you need to add extra coverage.
Be honest. If you have had the dog for a while, but only just got around to telling your insurer, be prepared for a possible premium hike.
Understand that if your dog bites someone and your insurance company won't cover it, you will either have to pay out of pocket for the victim's medical expenses (and possibly more, if they sue you), or change insurance companies to get the coverage you