Tiny Paws = No Insurance??

Some insurance companies are refusing to write policies for households with small breed dogs. Where do insurance companies get their lists of what they perceive to be "aggressive" dogs? As it turns out, there's no standard list insurance companies follow. Insurance companies go by the average number of bites reported by a certain breed.

The Humane Society of the United States reports that the bite list changes from year to year and from one area of the country to another, depending on the popularity of the breed. Just a few years ago, the Doberman was the breed to fear. Now, pit bulls and Rottweilers rule. Other studies place dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Jack Russell terriers, Labradors and golden retrievers in the high-bite risk category.

Recent statistics reveal that dog-bite claims nationwide grew 10.5 percent from 2006 to 2007 and account for one-third of all homeowner's claims. In 2007, dog-bite claims paid by insurance averaged $24,511 each.

You can usually find an insurance company that doesn't discriminate by dog breed and will insure you. But if you can't, get an umbrella policy that extends your insurance policy beyond your traditional coverage and includes your dog. An umbrella policy may cost between $250 and $300 per year. The insurance carriers that do discriminate by breed are the smaller companies that are nervous about the liability and the bad press that cames from a dog-bite case. Consider using an independent agent that is more dog-friendly and doesn't tend to discriminate.

Source: walletpop.com