Jennifer Gimbel is a senior managing editor and home insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our homeowners insurance coverage. Previously, she was the managing editor at Finder.com and a content strategist at Babble.com.
Expert reviewed
Expert reviewed
This article has been reviewed by a licensed Policygenius expert to ensure that sources, statistics, and claims meet our standard for accurate and unbiased advice.
Ian Bloom, CFP®, RLP®, is a certified financial planner and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius. Previously, he was a financial advisor at MetLife and MassMutual.
Because dogs are responsible for so many personal liability claims, many home insurance companies won't cover your dog if they're categorized as a so-called dangerous breed or have a history of biting. [1] Others might refuse to extend you coverage altogether. But you're not totally out of luck if you live with a four-legged friend. We rounded up some of the best home insurance companies for dog owners, including the cheapest companies by state.
Compare rates from dog-friendly home insurance companies
Comparing quotes from at least three home insurance companies through an insurance marketplace like Policygenius can ensure you find the best coverage for the lowest price.
Does homeowners insurance cover dogs?
A standard homeowners insurance policy includes two types of coverage to protect you from expensive bills caused by your dog:
Personal liability coverage: Covers legal fees, medical bills, and damages if your dog hurts someone or damages their belongings while at your home and you're found legally responsible.
Just keep in mind that some home insurance companies won't extend coverage to your dog if they're deemed a dangerous dog breed, while others might refuse to write you a policy altogether. And if your dog has a history of biting or if a liability claim has been filed against you in the past, you may also have a difficult time securing homeowners insurance coverage.
Certain dog breeds are responsible for a majority of home insurance claims, causing some home insurance companies to exclude those breeds from standard home insurance coverage.
If you own one of the following breeds, you may need to look into a dog-friendly home insurance company to cover bodily injury and property damage you’re liable for as their owner:
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
Like many of the insurers on our list, Allstate writes home insurance policies based on your specific dog's demeanor and bite history — not its breed. And bonus: You can also add on pet insurance to ensure your pup is fully protected.
Pros
Average annual rate for dog owners: $1,596
8+ discounts, including autopay, bundling, zero claims, new homebuyer, and more
File and track claims online or through its mobile app
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
Plymouth Rock’s liability provision covers dog bites and other dog-inflicted damage and injuries
Pros
Average annual rate for dog owners: $1,022
Offers guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your home — ideal with the rise in inflation and construction costs skyrocketing
Mobile app makes managing your policy and filing a claim a breeze
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
State Farm considers each dog an individual, meaning they won't ask what breed of dog you own when writing your home insurance policy. They've also partnered with Trupanion to offer pet health insurance to ensure your furry friends are fully protected.
Pros
Average annual rate for dog owners: $2,039
Add on replacement cost coverage for your home and personal property, identity restoration coverage, earthquake protection, and volcanic explosion coverage for even more protection
Save on premiums based on the number of consecutive years that you keep an active home insurance policy with State Farm
Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
Can’t get a quote online — must contact a State Farm agent over the phone
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
USAA cares about your dogs' bite history and if they've displayed any signs of aggression in the past — not their breed — when determining whether you qualify for home insurance.
Pros
Average annual rate for dog owners: $1,432
Score discounts for zero claims, being a loyal USAA member, opting into e-billing, and more
Offers earthquake coverage — which is hard to come by
Get discounted home security systems and a discount on premiums through its partnership with ADT
Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
Doesn’t offer extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
AIG's standard home insurance policy includes coverage for damage caused by your pup or any other domestic pet.
Pros
Average annual rate for dog owners: $1,107
Complimentary wildfire and hurricane mitigation and protection services for homeowners in high-risk areas
Cash settlement claims available, meaning you can opt to receive cash instead of rebuilding your home after a covered loss
Robust rebuild and personal property coverage options available
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
Ideal for dog owners with high-value homes, Chubb's masterpiece home insurance policy only considers a dog's biting history — not their breed — when deciding if you qualify for coverage.
Pros
Average annual rate for dog owners: $1,922
Standard policies come with extended replacement cost coverage for your home, replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings, and a number of endorsements and high coverage limits
Cash settlement option means you can opt for a cash reimbursement on a loss if you're not interested in replacing or repairing your damaged home or personal belongings
Loss of use coverage includes extra boarding expenses for dogs and pet kenneling
Online quotes available through Policygenius
Cons
Only available to homeowners with high-value homes and belongings
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
American Family’s standard homeowners insurance policy will cover any dogs not considered a dangerous breed with coverage that includes expenses related to lawsuits, accidental bodily injury, and damage to someone else’s property.
Pros
Average annual rate for dog owners: $1,568
Coverage add-ons available, including matching siding endorsement, other structures coverage, trip collision coverage, and hidden water damage protection
Diminishing deductible program rewards you for every year you renew your policy with American Family
Here’s a look at how the top dog-friendly homeowners insurance companies compare according to their Policygenius rating. Our Policygenius ratings take into consideration each company’s financial stability, home insurance rates, consumer confidence, customer satisfaction ratings, and coverage options.
Insurance company
Policygenius rating
A.M. Best rating
Average annual cost
How to get a quote
Allstate
4.8 out of 5 stars
A+ (Superior)
$1,596
Online through Policygenius
Plymouth Rock
4.3 out of 5 stars
A (Excellent)
$1,022
Online through Policygenius
State Farm
4.5 out of 5 stars
A+ (Superior)
$2,039
Over the phone
USAA
4.9 out of 5 stars
A+ (Superior)
$1,432
Over the phone
AIG
4.5 out of 5 stars
A (Excellent)
$1,107
Online through Policygenius
Chubb
4.3 out of 5 stars
A+ (Superior)
$1,922
Online through Policygenius
American Family
4.4 out of 5 stars
A (Excellent)
$1,568
Online through Policygenius
Cheapest home insurance companies for dog owners by state
Allstate, USAA, American Family, and State Farm make repeat appearances on our list of the cheapest home insurance companies for dog owners by state.
How much does my homeowners insurance policy increase if I have a pit bull?
Some companies require you to carry a certain amount of liability coverage if you own a “dangerous” dog breed, such as a pit bull. According to the Insurance Information Institute, you may also be charged more for insurance if you own a pit bull, but your exact rates will vary based on your home insurance company, your coverage limits, and where you live.
Is it legal for an insurance company to deny or cancel my homeowners policy because I own a certain dog breed?
Unless you live in Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New York, or Pennsylvania, it is legal for home insurance companies to deny or cancel your policy if you own a “dangerous” dog breed.
In 2005, Michigan’s Insurance Department passed a law stating that insurers can “deny coverage or not renew a policy” after a dog bite, dog attack, or any paid claim for your dog under a policy. A law passed in Pennsylvania that same year also states that a dog’s breed “does not justify canceling or not renewing a policy” unless it’s proven to be dangerous.
And dog groups in Illinois, Nevada, and New York have successfully lobbied state legislators to ban insurers from refusing coverage based on your dog's breed.
What can I do if an insurance company denies or cancels my homeowners coverage because of my dog?
If a home insurance company denies your application, you can shop around for coverage with more dog-friendly companies and compare quotes. Even if you’re happy with your existing insurer, you should still regularly compare rates at multiple companies since you might find better coverage for a lower price with a different provider.
Methodology: How we found the cheapest home insurance companies for dog owners
Policygenius has analyzed 128 companies to find the cheapest home insurance companies for dog owners in each state. Rates are provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, owns a high-risk dog, and the following coverage limits:
Dwelling: $300,000
Other structures: $30,000
Personal property: $150,000
Loss of use: $60,000
Liability: $300,000
Medical: $1,000
All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
Policygenius prides itself on providing transparent, unbiased reviews of home insurance companies. Though we make money when you purchase a policy through our site, this does not affect our editorial independence and rigorous editorial standards.
References
Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of our
Jennifer Gimbel is a senior managing editor and home insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our homeowners insurance coverage. Previously, she was the managing editor at Finder.com and a content strategist at Babble.com.
Ian Bloom, CFP®, RLP®, is a certified financial planner and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius. Previously, he was a financial advisor at MetLife and MassMutual.
