Dog Community

home owners insurance

Posted : 8/1/2006 2:07:00 PM

I am in the proscess of purchasing a new house. I have a boxer and a pitt bull mix. I am having a hard time finding a company to cover me. I'd hate to lie, but I refuse to give up either my hosue or my dogs. Can anyone help? I live in Pa

cyclefiend2000

Posted : 8/1/2006 2:22:55 PM

just tell them you own a mixed breed. that is not lying now is it?

marty_ga

Posted : 8/1/2006 2:26:56 PM

What is she mixed with? Just use the other one, or use one close. While we don't have an insurance problem, Java would be a Corgi mix, not a Chow mix for them.

glenmar

Posted : 8/1/2006 2:32:49 PM

I never had a problem with State Farm, in all the states I've lived in, and I've got GSD's. I carry one million in liability on a RENTERS policy. Now we're with a state of MI only company because the rates are better, but the only thing I've ever been asked is if any has a bite history.

sillysally

Posted : 8/1/2006 2:44:52 PM

Here is a link to a site that states the policies of some insurance companies. [linkhttp://www.unclematty.com/woofpub/articles/insurancechecklist.htm?#513&CFID=8944&CFTOKEN=97799569]http://www.unclematty.com/woofpub/articles/insurancechecklist.htm?#513&CFID=8944&CFTOKEN=97799569[/link]

Use the pull-down menu and you will see the different polices.

whtsthfrequency

Posted : 8/1/2006 4:18:05 PM

Terrier Mix. Worked for my neighbor's Pit Bull *terriers*

KCSO

Posted : 8/1/2006 9:24:09 PM

We're insured thru Farmers and they've never so much as asked if we have a dog, let alone discuss breed. They're on that list Sillysally provided, and it seems they do business in PA.

angelabarry

Posted : 8/2/2006 5:06:55 AM

We're insured through Traveler's and have been for several years. I think we might get lower rates from another company, but I have no intention of switching, as Traveler's hasn't questioned our dogs.
My DH's brother has a GSD who is over 13 years old, can barely get out of his own way, and has few teeth left. His insurance company did an "update visit", saw the dog, and promptly dropped them. He had a terrible time finding another company to cover them.
I have a husky, and a shep-husky mix, who could jeopardize my insurance. Ironically, those two would be voted the two least likely to bite! My other four, who look quite lab-ish.....I wouldn't be so sure of.
I wish insurance companies would go on history of the dog rather than generalization of the breed!

mrv

Posted : 8/2/2006 7:15:21 AM

I too use State Farm. Their written policy is more like bad deed than bad breed. (we have had dobes, now a gsd and belgians) Our agents have repeatedly said they treat each dog as an individual. Nationwide has canceled policies for rotts when an adjuster came out to a house and saw the dogs.

I would get CGC certification at a minimum and certificates of completion from obedience classes as supporting documentation of the dog's training and socialization experiences.

Ruth

Posted : 8/2/2006 5:47:14 PM

FYI I have USAA and they told me that do not care what kind of dog I have, or even that I have a dog, as long as there is no history of the dog biting a person. Also, they don't use local agents -- everything is centralized through thier offices in Texas -- so there would not be the site visit issue.

Not everyone is eligible for USAA, though (you have to be military or a military dependent to sign up, and once you have it you can keep it and pass it on to your family).

miranadobe

Posted : 8/3/2006 9:46:44 AM

Me too, USAA is terrific! Always A+ rated and they have always been terrific to me and my family, in all areas of their services.

I understand that MetLife is ok with most dogs.. I mean, heck, their mascot is SNOOPY!!! But that could have changed...