Updated: December 1, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 provide liability coverage for incidents involving your dog, including those not covered under standard homeowners policies. Canine liability policies are useful for owners of breeds often excluded from homeowners insurance.
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 and offers broader protection for various liability situations.
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.
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 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).
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.
