Homeowners Insurance for Pit Bulls

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. The key is finding insurers that evaluate dogs based on actual behavior and bite history rather than breed stereotypes alone.

When shopping for coverage, expect to provide documentation about your dog's temperament, training and history. Insurers willing to cover pit bulls typically want proof your dog is well-socialized and properly managed.

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.

Testing by the American Temperament Test Society shows pit bulls pass temperament evaluations 87.6% of the time, which is higher than many popular breeds, including golden retrievers. Despite this data, insurers often rely on breed reputation rather than individual behavior when making coverage decisions. This means your dog's actual temperament may matter less than its breed label.

Liability coverage in your homeowners policy covers medical expenses, legal fees and damages if your pit bull injures someone or damages their property. This includes incidents on your property and, in many cases, incidents that occur off your property.

Your policy's liability limits determine how much the insurer will pay. Standard policies offer $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage, but pit bull owners may need higher limits, such as $300,000 to $500,000, to satisfy insurer requirements. If a claim exceeds your policy limits, you'll pay the difference out of pocket.

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 without automatic pit bull exclusions. These providers evaluate individual dog behavior and bite history rather than making coverage decisions based on breed alone.

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.

If you live in one of these states, insurers must evaluate your dog individually. You'll still need to disclose your dog's bite history and may need higher liability limits, but your coverage can't be denied solely because you own a pit bull. Contact your state's insurance department if a provider denies coverage based on breed alone, as this violates state law.

Demonstrating responsible ownership improves your chances of getting homeowners insurance for a pit bull. Training certificates, behavioral assessments and veterinary records show insurers your dog is well-managed. These proactive steps strengthen your application and can help you avoid denial or secure better rates.

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.

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.

Pit bull owners often have specific questions about homeowners insurance coverage, costs and disclosure requirements.

Pit bull owners face unique insurance challenges, and many providers exclude specific breeds or charge higher premiums. We analyzed homeowners insurance rates from official state filings and Quadrant Information Services to identify insurers offering coverage without breed restrictions. Our focus: providers that evaluate dogs based on behavior and bite history rather than breed alone.

We gathered quotes across all 50 states using a sample profile with good credit (769 to 792), a wood-frame home built in 2000 with a composite shingle roof and two coverage scenarios: standard ($250,000 dwelling, $125,000 personal property, $200,000 liability, $1,000 deductible) and high-value ($1 million dwelling, $500,000 personal property, $1 million liability).