Updated: November 19, 2025
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Companies like State Farm, Allstate and USAA offer homeowners insurance that doesn’t automatically exclude pit bulls.
Some insurers assess dogs individually, meaning your pit bull’s behavior and training can influence coverage decisions.
If homeowners insurance is unavailable due to owning a pit bull, consider a canine liability policy or umbrella insurance for broader coverage.
Yes, you can get homeowners insurance if you own a pit bull, but it may be harder to find a provider. Some insurers label pit bulls as high-risk due to concerns about dog bites, which can lead to coverage restrictions or higher premiums.
This doesn't mean your dog is dangerous — it's often based on breed reputation, not individual behavior. While some companies assess dogs individually, many rely on broad breed-based rules.
Many insurance companies restrict pit bulls because they're seen as a higher risk for liability claims. Media portrayal and public opinion created a negative image of pit bulls that doesn't match reality. According to the World Animal Foundation, about 25% of Americans view pit bulls negatively.
However, testing by the American Temperament Test Society shows that pit bulls pass temperament evaluations 87.6% of the time — a higher rate than many popular breeds, including golden retrievers. Despite this data, breed reputation often outweighs behavior in insurance decisions.
Present documentation of your dog's good behavior when applying for homeowners insurance. Training certificates, veterinary records and behavioral assessments can help you secure coverage terms that reflect your dog's actual temperament rather than breed stereotypes.
Yes, owning a pit bull can lead to higher homeowners insurance costs. Some insurers may raise your premiums or even deny coverage based on your dog's breed, especially if they consider it high-risk for bite-related claims. You may also need higher liability limits, which increases your overall insurance costs. While not all companies take the same approach, breed perceptions can still impact what you pay.
State Farm, Allstate and USAA offer homeowners insurance that covers pit bulls. These providers evaluate your dog's behavior and bite history rather than making coverage decisions based on breed alone. Responsible ownership matters more than breed labels.
Provider | Description | Average Annual Premium for $100,000 in Dwelling Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Doesn't inquire about dog breed when issuing homeowners insurance policies | $1,026 | |
Focuses on individual dog behavior and bite history rather than breed | $1,449 | |
Does not impose breed restrictions (serving exclusively military personnel and their families) | $1,134 |
Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New York and Pennsylvania prohibit insurance providers from rejecting or canceling coverage based on a dog's breed. These laws don't stop insurers from raising premiums or excluding coverage for dog-related incidents. They just prevent breed from being the only reason for denial.
Most states lack these protections. Insurers can decline coverage or charge more based on your dog's breed.
Show insurers you're a responsible owner to improve your chances of getting homeowners insurance for a pit bull. Proof of training, good behavior and preventive measures makes companies more willing to provide coverage. Proactive steps strengthen your application and reduce denial risk.
Enroll your pit bull in a certified obedience course to show that your dog follows commands and behaves well in public. Insurers often view trained dogs as lower-risk, which can make approval more likely.
The American Kennel Club’s CGC program tests dogs for temperament and obedience. Having this certificate provides documented proof that your pit bull is well-mannered, which can reassure insurers.
Keeping your dog’s vaccinations and medical care up to date shows you’re a responsible owner. Healthy dogs are less likely to be seen as a liability, which can help your case with insurance providers.
Letters from trainers, neighbors or community members can support your claim that your pit bull is well-behaved. This added documentation helps insurers evaluate your dog as an individual rather than relying on breed stereotypes.
Some insurers may be more willing to cover your pit bull if you agree to higher liability limits or specific policy conditions. This shows you’re willing to share more of the financial responsibility, which can tip the scales in your favor.
Having trouble finding homeowners insurance that covers pit bulls? Explore dog-friendly insurance providers, canine liability policies or increased liability coverage.
Going without insurance is risky. Dog-related accidents can result in expensive medical bills and property repair costs you'll pay from your own pocket.
These specialized policies are designed specifically for dog owners. They provide liability coverage for incidents involving your dog, including those not covered under standard homeowners policies. Canine liability policies are particularly useful for owners of breeds often excluded from homeowners insurance.
Some insurance companies, like State Farm and USAA, don't discriminate based on breed but instead assess individual dogs based on behavior. Research and reach out to breed-neutral insurers that may be more accommodating.
If you find a homeowners policy that covers your pit bull but offers limited liability, consider purchasing additional liability insurance. This helps cover costs if your dog injures someone or causes property damage.
Some insurance companies favor dogs that have passed the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. This program tests dogs on obedience and temperament.
If you're struggling to find coverage, contact your state's insurance department. It may have resources or suggestions for obtaining coverage in your area.
An umbrella insurance policy provides additional liability coverage above your homeowners policy limits. This extends coverage to include your pit bull.
Pit bull owners can find homeowners insurance, though some providers make it harder. State Farm, Allstate and USAA don't exclude pit bulls, and canine liability or umbrella policies offer extra protection. Understand your state's laws, highlight your dog's good behavior and shop around for breed-neutral insurers to secure coverage.
If you own a pit bull, you probably have questions about homeowners insurance. We've answered the most common ones.
Yes, though availability depends on the insurer. State Farm, Allstate and USAA offer coverage, while other providers exclude pit bulls based on breed.
State Farm, Allstate and USAA offer breed-neutral policies and don't deny coverage based on owning a pit bull.
Yes. Insurers often charge higher premiums or require increased liability coverage for pit bulls and other breeds they consider high-risk.
Your insurer could deny your claim or cancel your policy if they discover you own a pit bull after an incident. Always disclose your dog's breed when applying.
Contact breed-neutral insurers like State Farm, Allstate and USAA directly to compare quotes. Work with an independent insurance agent who specializes in dog-related coverage.
Pit bull owners have unique insurance challenges — many providers either exclude specific breeds or charge much higher premiums. We analyzed homeowners insurance rates from official state filings and Quadrant Information Services to identify which insurers offer coverage without breed restrictions.
Why our methodology matters for pit bull owners: Standard insurance comparisons don't account for breed-specific policies. We focused on providers that evaluate dogs based on behavior and bite history rather than breed alone, then compared their rates and coverage options to find the best value.
Our sample homeowner profile:
This profile represents typical homeowners seeking coverage, allowing accurate rate comparisons across providers.
Standard coverage analysis ($250,000 dwelling):
Higher-value coverage analysis ($1 million dwelling):
We gathered quotes across all 50 states to identify top-performing insurers for both standard and extensive coverage needs. State Farm, Allstate and USAA consistently offered competitive rates without breed exclusions.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
