At Johnson & Rohan Insurance we have a soft spot for our canine friends. Part of the homeowner insurance application process is the question: Do you own a dog? If the answer is: “yes,” the next question is: What breed is your dog?

One company’s underwriting manual states:

A risk is not eligible if any animal owned or kept has shown dangerous propensities or has been involved in any occurrence that resulted in bodily injury or property damage. A risk is also ineligible if the prospective insured(s) or applicant(s) own or keep any of the following animals: Akitas, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, Chow, Dingo, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Korean Jindo, New Yorkie, Pit Bull Terriers, Presa Canario, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Terrier, St. Francis Terrier, Wolf Hybrids, Mixed Breeds that include any of the above animals, Guard/Attack dogs, and any animal with a past history of biting or that demonstrates aggressive behavior.

According to The Insurance Information Institute, in 2024, U.S. insurers paid out a total of $1.6 billion in dog-related injury claims. The average cost per claim rose by 18% from the previous year to $69,272.

While we understand the insurance industry’s concern about dogs and dog bites, we wish there was a way to review individual dogs and their history of aggressive behavior. For instance, we know the sweetest German Shepherd and the only thing he would ever bite is his food. Likewise, we’ve met very sweet Pit Bull Terriers.

Unfortunately, it seems, until dog bite claims subside, some insurance companies are going to maintain their “do not insure” list of dog breeds.

What can you do if you have a “banned breed?”

Contact us at Johnson & Rohan Insurance. We are an independent insurance agency that writes with multiple companies. We will find a market for your home insurance, no matter what kind of dog Fido is.