Canine Liability Exclusion

Everyone who owns a pet swears "it wouldn't hurt a flea" or "it's afraid of its own shadow." However, insurance companies tend to disagree. While a typical homeowner's or renter's policy provides personal liability coverage for any damage or bodily harm done by a pet, there are certain breeds listed in a canine liability exclusion where coverage will not be given.

Want to take a guess as to which ones? Chow, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, German Shepard, Akita or a mixed breed that includes one of the above. Pets that have a previous history of attacks could also be excluded. And a canine liability exclusion does not just refer to dogs...it could be any type of animal that would potentially cause damage or bodily harm. Snakes anyone?

An insurance company could decide to cover the dangerous breed but charge a higher premium or reduce the limit of liability coverage. Or they could go in the opposite direction and not provide a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy at all.