Did you know your dog may present a liability risk and impact your home insurance in Ontario?
Our furry family members matter to coverage providers because they pose additional risks - property damage and bites. Over 500,000 dog bites occur annually in Canada, and the Humane Society of Canada estimates that a person is bitten by a dog every 60 seconds in the country.
In this blog, we share some helpful tips about why insurers may deny you coverage, depending on the breed, and what to do.
When purchasing home insurance, the company may ask whether you have a dog and what breed it is. The question may also be asked if you are shopping for tenant insurance.
Introducing a dog into your home increases the risk for the insurance company due to the potential for the dog to bite someone or cause damage — you may need higher third-party liability. If you have a specific dog breed, you may have to pay a higher rate, and some companies may not provide coverage for banned or dangerous dog breeds.
In the event of a dog bite, you could face a lawsuit. The bite victim can take legal action to seek compensation for medical costs. This is where insurance comes into play for pet owners. Dogs are considered the owner's property, which makes the owner responsible for any damages caused by the animal. Thankfully, the liability portion of most insurance policies usually covers injuries caused by pets.
It's essential to provide accurate information about your pets to your insurance provider and to keep them updated if you get a new dog. Failing to do so could lead to the cancellation of your entire policy. You may also not be covered if you fail to inform your insurer you have a dog.
Your insurance provider will likely ask for information about your pets' age, height, weight, breed, history of violence, and more. These characteristics will be crucial in determining the amount and cost of insurance coverage you need.
Standard liability coverage for home insurance typically starts at $100,000, but dog owners are advised to increase that amount.
While some insurers consider coverage on a case-by-case basis, some won't cover pit bulls, Rottweilers, or dogs trained to attack. Others will offer you a policy but insist you buy additional liability coverage.
Insurance policies often exclude coverage for damage caused by illegal activities in homes, including pets that violate local laws, such as certain reptiles, big cats, and wildlife.
Understanding the impacts a dog can have on your coverage can help you make informed decisions and ensure that your furry friend and your home are adequately protected. Here is how having a dog can impact your policy.
A dog's behaviour is often more associated with the owner's training than the breed, but certain breeds are still considered risky. Different insurance providers have varying requirements for dog breeds that can impact your coverage:
Here are some examples of times when dogs would not be covered in your policy:
Every insurer is different, and you may need to shop around to find home insurance that will cover you if you have a dog that is considered a risk. Although some insurers do not provide home insurance to homeowners with a certain type of dog, many others will, or you will have to purchase additional coverage.
There also may be situations where no insurer will issue coverage. In these situations, you will be financially responsible if your dog causes damage, bites or injures another person or animal.
If you own a dog or plan to get one, here are some tips to minimize the impact on the coverage for your home:
When a dog is blacklisted, that means the insurer either won't cover your home at all or will write you a policy but exclude coverage if your dog injures a guest in your home or damages their property.
If you can’t get coverage for your dog from your current provider, you should still seek out coverage from a new company. You can also look into pet insurance that specializes in risky breeds. Some companies may cover you if you can get your dog certified or if it is a service dog.
If you do not tell the truth about owning a dog and the type, you risk voiding your policy and having claims denied. You would then be held liable for all costs associated with an accident that involves your dog.
Your policy may cover dog bites, depending on your specific policy. Typically, coverage is subject to your liability limit and may not apply if your dog has a history of biting. Consult your insurance provider to determine coverage and consider switching to a company that covers your dog, potentially increasing your premium.
Owning a dog can bring great joy and companionship. However, it's essential to understand how it might affect your home insurance. By staying informed, choosing the right breed, and taking preventive measures, you can ensure your home and your beloved pet are well-protected. Always communicate openly with your insurer and review your policy to avoid surprises.
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