For many of us, dogs are family. They sit on the couch with us, bark at passing cars, and keep us company through good days and bad. But what you may not realize is that not telling your home insurance company about your dog could end up getting your policy canceled. One woman recently found this out the hard way after her Chihuahua was discovered during a property inspection.
Why do insurance companies care if you have a dog?
Insurance companies look at risk when deciding how much to charge you for coverage—or whether to cover you at all. For them, owning a dog means there is a possibility of bites or injuries, even if your pet has never hurt anyone.
Here are a few reasons insurers want to know about pets:
- Liability risk: If your dog bites someone, your homeowner’s insurance could be responsible for medical costs and lawsuits.
- Breed restrictions: Some insurers will not cover certain breeds they see as “high risk.”
- Claims history: If a dog has ever caused damage or injuries, it increases the company’s risk.
Even a small dog can trigger problems, as one pet owner recently discovered.
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Real example: Chihuahua leads to policy cancellation
Wanda Tays thought she had everything covered when she switched to a new insurance policy through GEICO Insurance Agency. Her policy, written by SageSure and Occidental Fire & Casualty Company of North Carolina, was canceled just two months later.
The reason? An “undisclosed dog.”
The dog in question is Junebug, a 9-pound, 10-year-old Chihuahua who also has cancer. According to Tays, Junebug spends most of her time quietly watching TV with her or barking from the window at cars that pass by.
But an inspector visited her property, noticed Junebug, and flagged her as a “hazard.” Tays received a cancellation notice in the mail shortly after.
“I have never heard about this,” Tays said. She explained that no one had asked her about pets when she signed up for the policy, and she never thought to mention her dog. “She has not hurt a soul in the 10 years since she has been on this Earth,” she added.
What happens if you do not disclose your dog?
If you fail to list your dog on your application, you could face serious problems:
- Policy cancellation: Like Tays, you may lose your coverage altogether.
- Claim denial: If your dog causes damage or injury, the insurer could refuse to pay.
- Higher costs later: Finding a new policy after a cancellation may be more expensive.
In Tays’ case, she eventually found a new insurance provider and made sure to list Junebug, even though her new insurer did not require the information.
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How can dog owners protect their coverage?
If you own a dog, you do not want to risk losing your home insurance. Here are a few steps to keep yourself protected:
- Always disclose your pet when applying for insurance, even if you think it will not matter.
- Read the fine print in your policy to check for pet exclusions.
- Shop around if one insurer refuses coverage because of your dog’s breed or size.
- Keep records of vaccinations and training to show your dog is well cared for.
It may feel frustrating to list your dog, especially if your pet is small or gentle, but being upfront is the best way to avoid sudden cancellations.
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