insurance, dog bite claims cost insurers millions

Homeowners Insurance-Have you been cancelled for dog bite claims?
Insurance companies are now excluding certain types of dogs because of the cost of dog bite claims to the insurance industry. We are now representing companies that are willing to provide homeowners insurance even if you own a pit bull or rottweiller or other breeds. The insurance companies we work with may ask you to sign and "Animal Exclusion" form which states that dog bite claims and subsequent liability will be excluded from the policy.
Disclaimer: Every policy is different consult your own policy for coverage agreements. We are not making any coverage decisions or offers of coverage in this article.

Consider this recent reporty from the homeowners insurance industry:

According to the institute, in 2003 dog bites accounted for about one quarter of all homeowner's insurance liability claims, costing roughly $321.6 million.

In 2002, liability claims accounted for 6 percent of homeowners' claim costs, costing $345.5 million. The average dog bite claim in 2002, the latest data available, cost insurers $16,600.

"For these reasons, insurance companies will look at the breed of dog when deciding in terms of underwriting," Salvatore said. "There is no industry-wide policy. Each company is going to treat dogs differently."

Examples of breeds typically considered high-risk are American bulldogs, American Staffordshire terriers (also sometimes known as pit bulls), chows, Doberman pinschers and German shepherds.

From: Dog could cost you your insurance

Call Dick Watts Insurance 502-245-3625 for a free homeowners insurance quote.