Homeowner's insurance hates dogs

[speediva]

The story begins about a week ago when my boyfriend spotted a pit bull in my front yard. I was terrified about this "horrible, vicious" dog being near my new home. However, curious as I am, I had to see just how aggressive this wanderer was, so I called "here puppy puppy". I stood like a deer caught in headlights as the dog came bounding my way. As I stood frozen with fear, the dog starts licking my hands... my thought was "OMG, this dog is tasting me before he eats me alive!" Then within 5 minutes, he was on his back and letting me pet his belly! Wow, some vicious dog he is!

Well, I immediately post a sign on my mailbox for a "Found dog" and I post on craiglist and every lost dog site I can find that I have this dog in my house until I can find his owner. I decide after 2 or 3 days that "here dog" doesn't work, so I name him Andrew (as in Andrew "Ender" Wiggin). Hey - it was the only name he liked... he hated Einstein, Leibniz and Pythagoras. I've even taken him to a Vet to have him checked for a microchip - no dice.

So over the last week and a half, I've discovered that my Andrew is a giant baby and he loves his "mommy". Deciding that since I can't find his owner, I thought maybe I could keep him. I email my homeowner's insurance agent that I was considering keeping the dog and mentioned he was a pit bull - the email came back almost immediately that none of the companies she works with will allow someone to own a pit bull. I cried for about an hour straight when I found out.

After my giant novel (with Andrew curled up by my feet) I'm coming to the internet community - does anyone know of a homeowner's insurance company that will let me keep my sweet Andrew without costing me an arm and a leg? He's really become a part of my home, and I can't bear the thought of letting a pound put him down just because he had the misfortune to be born a certain breed. PLEASE help me!

['97ventureowner]

I hear you. I agree that it's not right for an insurance company to dictate which breed of dog you can own, especially if you've been a customer for many years. In a way I can see their point in that they can lose money in the high amount of claims they pay out for damages related to certain breeds. But again it really isn't the dog's fault, rather the owners who have made the dogs like that. I know there are some companies out there that don't have a problem with these breeds of dogs and after a quick search, came across this site. On the left they name some companies that are "pit bull friendly" and include State Farm, Fireman’s Fund, Kemper, Chubb Group, and Farmers Insurance. the site also has some good info on this breed.
Overall they are a good breed, and I see way too many of them abandoned in the SPCAs and Humane Assoc. because of their "bad reputation". Given the right training and nuturing they are a good breed for a family pet. Good luck!

[speediva]

I had already checked out that site and the insurance rates are ASTRONOMICAL compared to my current policy. Surely having a dog should not double or triple my yearly insurance - right?!?! I was hoping that someone could recommend some others that might not be so pricey.

['97ventureowner]

Have you tried contacting a local "independent" insurance agent? One that is not tied to one specific company, rather one that can pick and choose "a la carte" policies from different companies to give you the coverage(s) you need. They might know of a smaller insurance company that might have the coverage or a rider that might be more affordable.( Also don't forget times have changed in the insurance industry and your rate may be based on a number of factors , now including your credit score. That to me is unfair as in this current economic downturn, many people's scores have taken a hit , and their insurance rates have increased as a result. Something else to consider.)
Also try contacting any owners of this breed in your area if you know any and see who they have insurance with, or , if there is a club or group of these owners in the area, they might be able to give you more insight. Checking out any local dog shows in your area, and asking any owners who they go with, or even asking at your local pet stores for names and numbers of clubs or groups in your area is another option.

[beat88ls]

this is why as far as my home owners insurance is concerned my pit is a terrier mix. as in the link 97ventureowner posted farmers insurance will, but you may need to contact a specific agent

[Cbpcop]

I'd go with beat88ls line - that the dog is a terrier mix......it's not entirely untrue here - truth is you don't know if the dog is a pedigree pure bred or not. If an insurance agent asks you what kind of dog tell 'em its a Staffordshire terrier mix. A lot of people don't know sh*t from shinola when it comes to dog breeds anyway - the whole pit bull stigma is a load of manure - it's about how you raise 'em. I DO know that for a fact - my wife and I have a Walker treeing coonhound and we're about to adopt another one - the first wouldn't hurt a fly (unless of course it was trying to steal his food). Baffle 'em with some official and educated sounding B#@*Sh*t and they'll most likely won't pursue it. MOST important - if they don't ask for it - DO NOT volunteer it! Good Luck Diva! Let us dog owners know how it turns out.

[fredjacksonsan]

Sorry I don't have any information about which insurance company to go with; this has never come up for me.

I'd go with "Boxer mix". I know someone that has done this, and the dog (a pit bull, nicest dog you can imagine) is similar enough to a boxer to pass. Andrew might have been put on the street because he wasn't mean enough for the dog fighting guy.

Many dogs have a bad reputation - rottweilers and german shepherds and of course pit bulls come to mind - but are fantastic family dogs. I would keep Andrew and register him as a Boxer mix, or maybe Boxer/terrier.

Good luck with the insurance co.; IMO if you're a responsible pet owner, it's none of their business what pets you have.

[702VegasLife]

Originally Posted by Cbpcop

I'd go with beat88ls line - that the dog is a terrier mix......it's not entirely untrue here - truth is you don't know if the dog is a pedigree pure bred or not. If an insurance agent asks you what kind of dog tell 'em its a Staffordshire terrier mix. A lot of people don't know sh*t from shinola when it comes to dog breeds anyway - the whole pit bull stigma is a load of manure - it's about how you raise 'em. I DO know that for a fact - my wife and I have a Walker treeing coonhound and we're about to adopt another one - the first wouldn't hurt a fly (unless of course it was trying to steal his food). Baffle 'em with some official and educated sounding B#@*Sh*t and they'll most likely won't pursue it. MOST important - if they don't ask for it - DO NOT volunteer it! Good Luck Diva! Let us dog owners know how it turns out.

Exactly, Just because it's a pit doesn't mean it's a vicious dog in the first place, it's all on how it's raised, anydog can be mean and vicious if it's not raised the right way. So many people see pit and think it's a horrible dog,I own 2 and there great family dogs, and great with children. My german shepherd is more aggresive then my two pits. The best way to go is to not have your homeowners know because of the bad reputation people have put on pits. Good luck !