It doesn’t usually take long for your dog to slip their way into your hearts (and a prominent position in your family). Chances are, your pet has already staked their claim on their favorite human and their preferred spot on your carpets! Unfortunately, your homeowners insurance provider doesn’t always see your dog’s natural lovability and friendly nature the same way you do, and they may be forcing you to pay for your breed’s reputation.

Is your dog getting a fair shake from your homeowners insurance company?

Studies show that liability claims, including those resulting from dog bites, account for approximately 5% of all homeowners insurance claims filed each year-a small number, relatively speaking, but large enough to have homeowners insurance companies taking a good, long look at their homeowners’ pets-and they don’t always like what they see.

As unfortunate as it is, not all dog owners are conscientious enough in their training and in their dogs’ socialization to ensure that their pet is a relatively low risk. As a matter of fact, many owners of high risk breeds like the ones listed below find it amusing to encourage their dogs’ natural aggressiveness-a mistake that most of them don’t realize until they find themselves hauled into court for legal and medical expenses after an attack.

Studies show that conscientious and aggressive guard dogs and inquisitive toddlers just don’t mix.

HIGH RISK BREEDS (IN THE EYES OF YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE)

1) The Akita
2) The Alaskan Malamute
3) The Chow Chow
4) The Doberman Pinscher
5) The German Sheperd
6) The Pit Bull
7) The Presa Canario
8) The Rottweiler
9) The Siberian Husky
10) The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
11) Any type of “Wolfdog”, or wolf hybrid.

If you happen to own one of these dogs, regardless of how well-behaved they happen to be you’re probably going to find yourself paying more for your homeowners insurance policy-or even worse, denied coverage altogether. You can make it easier to get insurance at homeowners insurance rates that don’t leave you struggling to keep food on the table by fencing in your backyard, choosing a dog off the “friendly” list below and enrolling your pet in obedience school.

FAMILY FRIENDLY DOGS

1) Golden Retriever
2) Labrador Retriever
3) Poodle
4) Bichon Frise
5) Welsh Corgi
6) Beagle
7) Basset Hound
8) Airedale
9) Irish Setter
10) West Highland White Terrier
11) Schnauzer

Most importantly, socialize your dog at a young age (regardless of what breed they happen to be). History tells of vicious, man-eating Poodles and Doberman Pinschers gentle enough to let children ride around on their back. Remember, nature plays a role in your dog’s disposition-but ultimately, it’s going to be how they’re nurtured that’s going to determine their success (and the cost of your homeowners insurance) when they step outside your doors.

Anthony M. Peck is the Senior Developer, Software Project Manager, and Director of Business Development for QuoteScout.com, specializing in helping them keep their pets AND their homeowners insurance. For more information, please visit them on the web at http://www.QuoteScout.com.

[tags]homeowners insurance, cheap homeowners insurance, homeowners insurance companies[/tags]