Insurance Resources for Pet Owners
Some
insurance companies will not provide homeowner’s coverage to people with certain
dog breeds or breed mixes they deem dangerous. Bull terriers, American
pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, presas canaries, rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, Akitas, and chow chows are a few breeds commonly discriminated against by
insurance companies. Finding coverage for owners of these
dogs can be a challenge. Here are a few resources for finding
dog-friendly coverage:
* Contact the
insurance commissioner in your state for a list of all
insurance companies doing business in the state and for any other information that may be helpful to
dog owners looking for
insurance. Let the
insurance commissioner know if you have been discriminated against by an
insurance company because of your
dog and ask what can be done about this practice.
* The Insurance Information Institute has information on homeowner’s
insurance and
dogs. Go to www.iii.org
* The Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org) and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org) can provide information about
insurance discrimination practices.
* The American Dog Owner’s Association, Inc. provides information on pending
dog legislation throughout the country, including
insurance legislation. Go to www.adca.org
* Contact the American Kennel Club for information on insurers and their policies regarding
dog breeds.
* Contact the breed clubs and breed rescues groups that work with your breed of
dog. Ask them to suggest ways to find breed friendly
insurance coverage.
* Investigate company policies, as well as general industry information, on
insurance comparison Web sites such as www.insure.com, or www.insweb.com.
* Talk to your friends, neighbors, and others with
dogs, especially with your breed of
dog, about the type of
insurance they have and ask if they had any difficulties obtaining it.
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