Renter's insurance that accepts Dobermans?

Call your state's insurance commission and ask about an "assigned risk pool" for owners of dog breeds that other companies won't cover.

Yes-.. When I had GSD's, Dobie and a Dane it was AllState. .- I know they will.. And not expensive either

And so will Farmers if you can get it in your state.

We have AllState renters but they never asked about dogs.  How does that work?  I guess I assumed my dogs were covered (as a possession) and that the actual homeowner's covers the liability.

Liesje

We have AllState renters but they never asked about dogs.  How does that work?  I guess I assumed my dogs were covered (as a possession) and that the actual homeowner's covers the liability.

I doubt that insurance companies for your home/rental consider your dogs 'a possession' (i.e., if they were involved in a  loss - fire, etc --that they would cover the replacement cost, like they would your sofa) -- read your policy.  Also, your landlord would probably fight you in court if one of your dogs bit someone and the 'victim' tried to sue him, as the homeowner.  I would read your rental agreement very carefully -- it most certainly spells out who is liable for what.  Your landlord and renters insurance may be taking a 'no ask' attitude because everything is spelled out in your contract documents and they are well protected. If you are violating any of the terms of the contract, they may be aware of it -- and are saying nothing because you are a good tenant, but if something ever came up where you wanted to collect, or there was a liability, I can assure you their nice-guy attitude would go right out the window.  Personally, I think you've been lucky so far, liesje -- if your insurance company were to see your website, I think they would have serious issues about continued coverage -- if those dogs are living with you in your rental, that is.

Each policy has to abide by that STATE's laws as well --

beware -- this is something that can change **IN A HEARTBEAT** and renters insurance is always far more difficult than homeowners (and that's hard enough).

Honestly?  You are stacking the deck against yourself trying to have a dobie *and* a gsd as a *renter* (and being single and ....)

There's nothing fair about it -- and it can be completely at the whim and caprice of some decision made by someone who doesn't know dogs at all. 

Calling the state's insurance commission is likely going to be your best first call.

Exactly- the agent meets the dog.. Thats what I did for years!

I don't rent.  I own.  I'm not sure if that makes a difference.  We have State Farm.  Our agent has met both of our "dangerous" dogs, & had no issue writing our policy. 

 We have State Farm for renters (and now homeowners) and I specifically asked about dog breed restrictions - I was told there were none.

calliecritturs

You are stacking the deck against yourself trying to have a dobie *and* a gsd as a *renter*

BlackLabbie

calliecritturs

You are stacking the deck against yourself trying to have a dobie *and* a gsd as a *renter*

Just wanted to repeat this^. What will happen if you have to move? It's so difficult to find places that 1)accepts pets 2)accepts more than 1 dog 3) accepts "dangerous" breeds. It isn't fair- it's life, and as a renter you're sort of at the mercy of a landlord. Personally, I'd wait on a Dobe...isn't T-Bone technically a puppy still? I'd wait until he matures a little and you own property. Plus, 2 puppies at once can be overwhelming.

I have to admit, even though I simply answered your question and didn't originally hijack the thread to another topic, this is a very, very valid point.  You don't want to be forced to decide which dog you would keep, or try to live in your car or something, if the landlord suddenly decided on a different policy in the building, or if you had to move.  When you own, things are very different.  Then, you only have to find insurance that satisfies the mortgagor's requirements, or if your property has no mortgage, you can choose to live without insurance (not what I would call a good idea, but if it came to my dogs go or my insurance goes...)

I'm asking my agent for specifics.  I cannot ever decipher the lingo in the contracts.  My understanding was that AllState does not discriminate based on breed as far as liability.  I'm asking her about whether dogs count as "possessions".  I don't see why they wouldn't since they are otherwise treated under the law as personal property.  If they don't maybe we will cancel our policy and save some money.  I own nothing other than dogs that is worth more than the deductible anyway.  Nikon's Schutzhund is already covered through a totally different policy.

Here's a gruesome tidbit that shows how insurance companies see dogs. If you leave your dog in the car and he dies, your car insurance (if you have full coverage) will pay to replace him - under pretty much the same guidelines as I mentioned above.

I never heard of renters getting liability insurance. I thought that was the property owner's responsibility. I own a few properties and have liability for them. We recommend to the renters that they get insurance to cover their own belongings but we cover the property for damages and liability. Perhaps this is different in different states but I'd had it this way in 4 states.

In Washington, the liability falls with the renter if the dog is insured. Otherwise, the actual property OWNER has to deal with the ramifications. The fact I can get renters insurance and relieve my landlord of the responsibility is the reason I am allowed to own "dangerous" breeds of dog. Thanks for the help everyone, I'll be sure to contact all-state :)

PS, I live in a single family home that is rented to me through family. There's no earthly reason I'd have to leave. If I did choose to move to Texas, I'd be living with family, where both of my dogs would be more than welcomed. We've already discussed it. So long as they have a roof over their head, so do me and my dog(s). I understand the points and concerns, but the situation is safer than it seems. T-Bone will be one on July 5th, so yes he's technically still a puppy.