Homeowners Insurance....

Well, I got a renters quote from one company that is friendly to all breeds (I wouldn't give my money to one that wasn't, no matter what Sally was) and it really isn't that much a month. They just asked if I had a dog, how many there were, if it had biten anyone, and if it was guard/protection trained, although we haven't actually talked to the agent yet. It helps that we are so close to the local fire station that you could throw a stone from our porch and hit it. It also helps that our stuff isn't worth crap--lol.

I have a long term goal of getting Sally her CGC, but first we have to work out some shyness issues. She would sit while I talked to a person, but if the person is male and reaches to pet her she has to sniff and investigate him thoroughly first. We WILL get it though--even if she's 10--lol (although I hope it doesn't take that long). I am going to start incorrperating the clicker into her socialization, and see if that encourages things.....

For most home owners insurance if you do not declare you have animals on the property, the insurer 'may' cancel your policy if a claim comes in for something that said animal did (or was accused of doing).  They are not required to pay your claim for something that is not included in your policy.  In this age of "SUE" that we live in it only makes sense to be up front with your agent about animals. I don't care if you tell the company you have a mixed breed, but tell them!

My insurance company knows I have 3 dogs.  They  know the breed.  My specific insurance company covers all breeds of dogs but my coverage could be higher with some more stastically  known to bite (like BYB cockers) for the first two years of coverage.  When I was asked my dogs breeds and mentioned that they were all N. Elkhounds, my agent just wanted to know if my yard was fenced and they were able to be secured on my property.  I also have a balloon policy to cover any of the more contentious events that can occur.

I live in CA and I've had dogs since we bought our house in 1979.  I don't ever remember being asked about dogs/breeds etc. I definitely agree with the advice to not give insurance companies any more info than is absolutely necessary. "I don't know what breed she is.  She's just a mutt from the shelter" is a perfectly good answer.

I was honest with my insurance agent when they asked me what breed of dog I have. I do pay a little extra to have him, but was given discounts to the extra premium because he's neutered and the property is fenced with 6 foot fencing.
 
I felt being honest was the best way to go because the company I use did come and do an appraisal of my house after I bought it. I also felt that if anything ever did happen it was best that they already know there is a pittie on the property instead of popping that one in later.
 
I think it's like $100 more a year than I would pay if I didn't have him, but it's peace of mind.