Last week I purchased homeowner's insurance for my mobile home that I will be moving into soon. I was told there would be an interview from an insurance underwriter regarding my GSD. I was expecting a phone interview but they didn't even give me the chance. The company refused to insure me unless I released them from all liability should my dog bite or scratch someone. I have the closing on my home on Tuesday so I am stuck with this company for now. Does anyone know of any insurance companies that would insure me? My dog is only 9 months old and has never bitten anyone.

Welcome to the world of the anti-dog lobby, insurance companies are the worst.

I am insured through Farmer's, it costs me a lot of extra money per-month cuz I have multiple dogs that are on their list of "biters". Suckheads. . .

It may depend state to state and company to company. I'm insured w/ state farm and they only asked on their application whether the dog was "guard" or "protection" trained. depending on your dog's training/intended training, this may be a way to go. It's a pain, but go to different insurers and get quotes. Also, you may want to speak to an insurance broker about getting a policy just for the dog. Insurance company's insure clubs (sportsmen? ins co), so they may offer personal policies for an individual.

One big caution -- don't misrepresent anything on the application in order to get coverage. If you do and something happens - there is a good possibility that the insurer won't provide any coverage and then you're in deep you know what. Each state/insurer is different with different rules/coverages/exclusions.

don't take this the wrong way, but I'd think they would be more concerned with tornados and hurricanes than anything else. those homes seem to be a storm magnet. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I, too, have been refused homeowners' coverage from insurance companies because of my GSDs. As soon as I answer the question of what breed my dogs are, I am told they will not insure me, thank you, goodbye. The company I use now (State Farm Insurance) didn't have a problem with it, though, and their rates are reasonable. They did ask me if my dogs had ever bitten anyone - not sure what would have happened if I had said yes (higher rates or no coverage at all). I don't recall whether I was asked about what type of training the dogs had.

Originally posted by Dave D:
Does anyone know of any insurance companies that would insure me? Funny you should mention that. Here's an article on insurance and a list of insurance company policies.
insurance center

Anna

If for some reason you couldn't get on State Farm or someone else won't cover you, and you can't do anything for the time being, one could always put your land or something in someone else's name. That’s if you have a lot that’s worth something for someone to take away from you.

If one isn't insured on that particular deal, unless you own a great deal of property etc. There's not much one could get from you if they sued you personally.

This is theoretical on assuming the person who was injured or worse didn't have a large OJ like legal team and money to back it.

Main point is, without an insurance company to sue, then there's not a lot of significant things that can be taken away from you. Nine times out of Ten nothing will be done. If this happened, then criminal types would be sued constantly, but there's nothing to take from them. That usually applies with many people, just the rich would be affected.

Even if you had a kennel or dog business you could always just rent something on paper from a family member. There's nothing then on your home officially that they could take.
(I'm not an attorney, but this is just my take on it, maybe I'm wrong)
Good Luck.

I am with State Farm (TN and CA) and neither time did they ask or have an issue with my dogs. My agent in TN actually came by the house and liked the kennel set up, etc.

i rent my house i have 2 gsds and i have renters insurance, if anyone is familiar renters insurance, is for materials things that are damaged in a fire (this is for my own protection, because i do not own the house). so my dogs are not even involved on the policy. so where exactly do they stand? and if it is covered on the owners house insurance, then i have not heard any debate, good or bad regarding my dogs. just think that is interesting.

I have Countrywide. Have had for about 4-5 years now. I called them and asked specifically. They do exclude dogs, but GSD's aren't on the list.

Countrywide Insurance

Tammy,

First of all, if your renters policy only provides coverage for fire losses, time to get a new policy/insurer/agent. What if someone breaks in? a flood? you get the point. Second, most renters policies provide some liability coverage - ie if your dog bites someone, someone gets hurt in your home, etc. You need to look at the specific policy provisions - not just the ads that come with the policy.

Brad, your suggestion is NOT a good one. While many people are "judgment proof," it's not a good thing. It's irresponsible not to have insurance thinking that there's nothing they can do to me. While you may not have a lot to sieze in the event of a judgment, if you have a job they can garnish your wages. (Remember Fletch, he hates to have his wages garnisheed <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ). Additionally, insurance will/should as a general rule, provide a defense for you in the event of a lawsuit. Also, transferring assets to a third party has its own problems - what if that person decides they really like your stuff and don't want to return it? Also, if you don't transfer your assets properly, a good plaintiff's attorney (I know, an oxymoron <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ) will get to them anyway. Also, try buying a house, car, etc. with a significant judgment on your record. I suspect it may not be so easy without any collateral.

Spend the few dollars on the insurance policy. Better yet, spend a few more and get an umbrella policy. These provide lots of coverage for a small premium.

And the answer to your question is no, I don't sell or otherwise work for insurance companies. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />