Dog-Friendly Homeowners Insurance Companies

Most homeowners insurance providers cover dog-related incidents, but some companies exclude certain breeds considered more likely to bite or cause injury. State Farm, Allstate and USAA offer homeowners insurance without breed restrictions.

Homeowners insurance covers dog-related incidents like injuries or damage your pet causes to others. This protection comes through two coverage types: personal liability coverage and medical payments to others coverage.

• Personal Liability Coverage: Pays legal fees, medical bills and property damage when your dog hurts someone or damages their belongings and you're held responsible.
• Medical Payments to Others Coverage: Covers medical expenses for someone injured by your dog, regardless of fault.

Homeowners insurance protects you financially when your dog causes harm to others or their property. Here's what your policy covers:

Homeowners insurance protects others from financial harm your dog causes—not your own expenses as a pet owner. Injuries to you or your household, damage to your belongings and certain high-risk scenarios fall outside standard coverage.

Homeowners insurance providers commonly restrict certain dog breeds due to perceptions about their aggression or likelihood to bite, such as Pit Bull Terriers or Rottweilers. These restrictions vary by insurance company, but the following breeds are among those most commonly restricted:

• Pit Bull Terriers
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Doberman Pinschers
• Staffordshire Terriers
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Siberian Huskies
• Chow Chows
• Great Danes
• Presa Canarios
• Akitas
• Wolf Hybrids

These restrictions are based on generalizations about breed behavior. Individual dogs within these breeds may be gentle and well-behaved, but insurance companies make policy decisions based on statistical risk assessments.

If you own any of these breeds, check with your insurance provider about specific breed restrictions and explore options like additional liability coverage or specialized policies.

In many states, insurers can deny or cancel your homeowners policy when you own a dog breed they consider "high risk." Several states have passed laws preventing breed-based discrimination. If you live in New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota and Nevada, your insurance company can't deny or cancel coverage solely because of your dog's breed.

Insurers in these states may still take action based on your dog's individual behavior, like a history of aggression or prior bite claims. Outside these states, breed restrictions may still apply, so ask about your insurer's specific guidelines.

The biggest challenge dog owners encounter when shopping for homeowners insurance is navigating breed restrictions and hidden exclusions. Knowing how to evaluate insurers and what questions to ask can save you money and verify your dog is fully covered.

Owning a dog can increase your insurance costs, but proven strategies minimize the risk insurers see and lower your premium. By showing your dog is well-trained and your home is secure, you can often negotiate better rates.

• Invest in Obedience Training: Dogs with formal training or certifications, like the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, are viewed as less risky. Insurers may reward responsible ownership with lower premiums.
• Keep Your Property Secure: Installing fences, gates or signage reduces the chance of incidents on your property. Preventive measures show insurers you're taking steps to minimize liability.
• Increase Your Liability Limits Strategically: While raising coverage may sound costly, it can reduce overall financial exposure and sometimes stabilize premiums. It also positions you as a proactive policyholder.
• Maintain a Clean Claims History: Avoiding unnecessary claims keeps your risk profile lower. Insurers often offer better rates to policyholders with no prior dog-related incidents.
• Bundle Policies When Possible: Combining home and auto insurance with the same provider can unlock discounts. This savings can offset any extra cost tied to having a dog.

If your insurer refuses coverage due to your dog’s breed or bite history, start by shopping around for a more flexible company. Carriers like State Farm, Allstate, or USAA may still offer protection, while an independent broker can help connect you to niche insurers that specialize in dog-friendly policies.

If you can’t find coverage through standard homeowners insurance, consider alternatives like a standalone canine liability policy or an umbrella policy to cover high-risk situations. You can also strengthen your case by documenting your dog’s training, behavior assessments, and vaccination history, which may convince some insurers to reconsider.

Dog-related claims are a major concern in homeowners insurance. The Insurance Information Institute says homeowners insurers paid $1.57 billion in liability claims related to dog bites in 2024.

Dog bite claims increased to 22,658 in 2024, higher than the 19,062 claims recorded in 2023—an 18.9% increase. Average cost per claim increased 18.3%, rising to $69,272 in 2024 from $58,543 in 2023. This increase in average cost per claim can be attributed to higher medical costs and larger settlements, judgments and jury awards.

These statistics show the financial impact of dog-related incidents on homeowners insurance and highlight the importance of understanding policy terms, especially for dog owners.

Dog-friendly homeowners insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate and USAA provide coverage for dog-related incidents, including injuries and property damage, without imposing breed restrictions. Standard homeowners policies protect you through personal liability and medical payments coverage, but many insurers still limit coverage for certain breeds considered high risk.

Your own expenses aren't covered, like injuries to household members or damage to your property, along with exclusions for commercial use or negligence. In states like New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota and Nevada, insurers can't deny coverage solely based on breed, though your dog's individual behavior may still affect eligibility.

We've addressed common questions about home insurance and dogs to highlight important considerations for dog owners seeking the right insurance protection.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? 

MoneyGeek reviewed data from Departments of Insurance in all 50 states and Quadrant Information Services to find the best homeowners insurance options for dog owners across the country.

Methodology

Our analysis combined rate data and policy insights from Quadrant Information Services and official state insurance databases.

Homeowner Profile

To compare companies fairly, we used a consistent sample profile with these characteristics:

• Good credit score (769 to 792)
• Home constructed in 2000
• Wood-frame construction
• Composite shingle roof

Homeowners Insurance Coverage Details

Unless noted otherwise, all quotes were based on these standard limits:

• $250,000 in dwelling coverage
• $125,000 in personal property coverage
• $200,000 in personal liability coverage
• $1,000 deductible

We also reviewed higher-value policies to see which companies are best for expensive homes, increasing limits to $1 million in dwelling coverage, $500,000 in personal property coverage and $1 million in liability coverage.