Updated: June 30, 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.
When seeking homeowners insurance, consider presenting documentation of your dog's good behavior. This approach can help you secure fair insurance terms that accurately reflect your individual dog's temperament.
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.
Some insurance companies (including State Farm, Allstate and USAA) — offer homeowners insurance that covers pit bulls. These providers don't base coverage decisions solely on breed. Instead, they consider factors like your dog's behavior and bite history, recognizing that responsible ownership matters more than breed labels. The table below highlights pit bull-friendly insurers.
Provider | Description | Average Annual Premium for $100,000 in Dwelling Coverage |
|---|---|---|
State Farm | State Farm doesn't inquire about dog breed when issuing homeowners insurance policies. | $1,026 |
Allstate | Allstate focuses on individual dog behavior and bite history rather than breed. | $1,449 |
USAA | USAA, serving exclusively military personnel and their families, does not impose breed restrictions. | $1,134 |
Some states have laws preventing insurance providers from rejecting or canceling coverage based solely on a dog's breed. This includes Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New York and Pennsylvania. However, these laws don't stop insurers from raising premiums or excluding coverage for dog-related incidents. They simply prevent breed from being the sole reason for denial.
In most states, these protections don't exist — insurers can still decline coverage or charge more based on your dog's breed.
If you're having trouble finding homeowners insurance that covers pit bulls, you still have options. You can explore dog-friendly insurance providers, consider canine liability policies or increase your liability coverage to stay protected.
Going without insurance is risky. Dog-related accidents can result in expensive medical bills and property repair costs that you'll pay entirely from your own pocket. Below are steps you can take to find coverage or strengthen your protection.
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 still find homeowners insurance, even if some providers make it harder. Companies like State Farm, Allstate and USAA don't automatically exclude pit bulls, and options like canine liability or umbrella policies can offer extra protection. The key is being proactive: understand your state's laws, highlight your dog's good behavior and shop around for breed-neutral insurers. With the right steps, coverage is possible.
If you own a pit bull, navigating homeowners insurance can be confusing. Below are answers to the most common questions about getting coverage with a pit bull.
Yes, but it depends on the insurer. Some companies exclude pit bulls, while others offer coverage regardless of breed.
Companies like State Farm, Allstate and USAA offer breed-neutral policies and don't automatically deny coverage to pit bull owners.
Pit bulls are often labeled high-risk due to dog bite statistics and public perception, which can lead insurers to limit or deny coverage.
It can. Some insurers charge higher premiums or require increased liability coverage for certain breeds, including pit bulls.
Not disclosing your dog's breed could lead to a denied claim or canceled policy if your insurer discovers this after an incident.
It’s a standalone policy that covers dog-related injuries or damage, especially useful if your homeowners insurance excludes your pit bull.
Start by contacting breed-neutral insurers directly and compare quotes. You could also work with an independent insurance agent who understands dog-related coverage.
Why trust MoneyGeek?
MoneyGeek analyzed homeowners insurance rates using official state filings and data from Quadrant Information Services, a trusted source for real-world insurance pricing. Our goal was to highlight the most reliable providers based on affordability, coverage, and overall value.
How we evaluated insurance providers
We compared premiums and policy features for both standard homeowners insurance and higher-value coverage options. All rates were pulled from Quadrant Information Services, giving us accurate pricing across all 50 states.
Sample homeowner profile
To keep comparisons consistent, we used a sample homeowner with the following traits:
Coverage levels used
Unless otherwise specified, quotes were based on:
We also analyzed higher-value policies using:
This approach allowed us to identify top-performing insurers for both typical homeowners and those with more extensive coverage needs.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
