Doberman vs. Homeowner's Insurance Co's.

[DD4MSpock]

I'm sure this may have been discussed before but I can't find the discussions, and I'm almost out of my witts here. My homeowner's policy is up for renewal in March, and my "independent agent" is telling me that none of the companies he represents are "doberman friendly." None of them.... They also impose a different complexity in that many of them are now demanding roof inspections and denying policies unless you spend $6000.00 on a new roof. I can't afford that right now, and there's nothing wrong with my roof (I had it inspected by an independent analyst who said it was fine, and not due for replacement for at least another 2 years).

My priority is not so much the roof, but the prohibition on "dangerous animals" (i.e. Doberman, GSD, Rotties, etc.). How are most of you handling your homeowner insurance policies? Are your companies accepting dangerous dogs? Do they require a "separate endorsement" or do they just plain prohibit them? In the case of the latter, do you go "commando" on them and have the dog anyway, even though they may not cover it?

Fire away!

 

[LifeofRubie]

We use State Farm. Our office covers any dog for ONE incident. I cannot speak highly enough of their competency and coverage.

Edit: homeowners, car, and the best life insurance my husband found with the least requirements outside of coverage offered by employers (his father passed away from cancer at less than 50 yrs old).

Also, I say our "office" because they are a franchise, technically, I believe.

Also, they call me every year to wish me a happy birthday

 

[Gpcoguy]

I have no idea if my policy has restrictions on certain breeds and frankly I dont give a good goddammit! Thats absurd! Any breed can be dangerous. I'll keep my scary black dog...and my scary black rifle!

 

[DD4MSpock]

We use State Farm. Our office covers any dog for ONE incident. I cannot speak highly enough of their competency and coverage.

Edit: homeowners, car, and the best life insurance my husband found with the least requirements outside of coverage offered by employers (his father passed away from cancer at less than 50 yrs old).

Also, I say our "office" because they are a franchise, technically, I believe.

Also, they call me every year to wish me a happy birthday

Unfortunately, State Farm has exited the "Homeowners" Insurance market in my area. It's rough to try and find any of the "big boy" companies that will insure homes in FL due to the weather/Hurricanes, Sink Holes, etc.

 

[Ravenbird]

Unfortunately, State Farm has exited the "Homeowners" Insurance market in my area. It's rough to try and find any of the "big boy" companies that will insure homes in FL due to the weather/Hurricanes, Sink Holes, etc.

Wow. That's awful. I use State Farm too. No breed policy on mine.

 

[Ddski5]

There has to be somebody in your family that is prior military or law enforcement.?.?

Google says:
USAA's homeowners and renters insurance policies don't enforce any dog breed restrictions. Additionally, the company determines whether to provide coverage based on a dog'sprevious bite history, meaning that most pit bulls with a clean track record qualify for coverage.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Our agent found out we had a Doberman and informed us our policy didn't allow that. He switched us to a different company that allows our dangerous breed, but charges more.

I wonder if the breeds I'm considering are on the lists.

 

[DD4MSpock]

Our agent found out we had a Doberman and informed us our policy didn't allow that.

Did that mean they'd actually "cancel" you, or just simply not cover any liability due to a dog bite?

I wonder if the breeds I'm considering are on the lists.

From what I'm reading, mostly dogs with a significant bite history (Dobies, GSD, Pitties, Rotties, etc. etc. etc.).

 

[DD4MSpock]

There has to be somebody in your family that is prior military or law enforcement.?.?

Google says:
USAA's homeowners and renters insurance policies don't enforce any dog breed restrictions. Additionally, the company determines whether to provide coverage based on a dog'sprevious bite history, meaning that most pit bulls with a clean track record qualify for coverage.

Unfortunately, USAA isn't in the Homeowner's market in FL so I wouldn't be able to get it anyway. As I say, very few of the "big boys" are underwriting in FL) mostly due to weather/hurricanes etc.). And those that are underwriting have all kinds of restrictions, including a prohibition on "dangerous breeds." That, and they make you replace your roof sooner than need be.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Did that mean they'd actually "cancel" you, or just simply not cover any liability due to a dog bite?

I can ask my wife. I actually don't remember which scenario. My impression was that we would be canceled.

 

[LifeofRubie]

Hm, does your current provider offer "umbrella insurance" that could be used in case of an incident with your dog?

Our insurance paid out $50,000 (YUP) for the incident we were involved with (which we were NOT at fault for) but it was an accident and that's what insurance is for (the other party net about $25,000 from what I was told). I would say that's what you'd want, minimally. Our rates also did not increase because of the claim.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

For insurance we have 3 different companies. One for Homeowner’s Insurance, one for wind insurance and one for flood insurance.

Ours does not cover ANY dog that is on the dangerous breed list.
If they found out we have Dobermans they would cancel our policy immediately so I take that risk and have for the last 30 yrs.
We had a Cocker Spaniel at the time we got insurance and listed that as our dog. Nothing has been addressed since so they haven’t asked and I don’t tell.

It’s unfair to penalize a person when their dog has zero bite history.

As far as roofs. We had to replace ours after Irma with a metal roof. It’s not cheap either. We had to pay $24k for our metal roof. Now it’s mandatory down here to replace existing roof with metal to meet code requirements.

Insurance companies are nothing more than investment companies.
We are still battling with ours to get our money for the hurricane damage. We’ve had to pay out of pocket for everything. Finally had to hire an attorney. So far they have only paid half of what they owe us.
This is why I have been doing most of the repair work myself. Now they expect me to pay taxes for the work I’ve done as a homeowner. It’s a freaking racket!

 

[DD4MSpock]

For insurance we have 3 different companies. One for Homeowner’s Insurance, one for wind insurance and one for flood insurance.

Ours does not cover ANY dog that is on the dangerous breed list.
If they found out we have Dobermans they would cancel our policy immediately so I take that risk and have for the last 30 yrs.
We had a Cocker Spaniel at the time we got insurance and listed that as our dog. Nothing has been addressed since so they haven’t asked and I don’t tell.

So, like I said, you're going "commando."

It’s unfair to penalize a person when their dog has zero bite history.

As far as roofs. We had to replace ours after Irma with a metal roof. It’s not cheap either. We had to pay $24k for our metal roof. Now it’s mandatory down here to replace existing roof with metal to meet code requirements.

Thankfully, they are still allowing "shingled" roofing in my area. My next door neighbor just did his 6 mos ago. I have to get some estimates but I'm hoping not to spend more than $6K for it... When I get it saved up.

 

[strykerdobe]

We used to have Grange Ins.

We now have State Farm for home and car! No dog hit list! They go by bite history.

Also what we saved by switching to State Farm, we also got a 1 Million $ Umbrella Policy!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tropicalbri's]

We used to have Grange Ins.

We now have State Farm for home and car! No dog hit list! They go by bite history.

Also what we saved by switching to State Farm, we also got a 1 Million $ Umbrella Policy!!!!!!!!!!!

Sure wish State Farm covered homes here but there are only a few willing to take on this area because of the hurricane zones.
They do provide vehicle coverage here. Vehicle insurance is expensive because of US 1 being so dangerous down here. One road in (majority 2 lane) and one road out.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

So, like I said, you're going "commando."

Absolutely lol

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Absolutely lol

Kind of like how I drove without auto insurance for years as a young man because a young, single, male's rates with a spotless driving record were not something I could afford (basic state minimum liability).

 

[DD4MSpock]

Our agent found out we had a Doberman and informed us our policy didn't allow that. He switched us to a different company that allows our dangerous breed, but charges more.

I wonder if the breeds I'm considering are on the lists.

BTW, which Insurance co.? PM me if you like. I want to see if they'll underwrite in FL.... I have heard of separate "animal" policies that co-exist with your regular homeowner policy.

 

[Antman408]

Unfortunately, USAA isn't in the Homeowner's market in FL so I wouldn't be able to get it anyway. As I say, very few of the "big boys" are underwriting in FL) mostly due to weather/hurricanes etc.). And those that are underwriting have all kinds of restrictions, including a prohibition on "dangerous breeds." That, and they make you replace your roof sooner than need be.

usaa insures in all 50 states.

 

[DD4MSpock]

usaa insures in all 50 states.

That's not what the rep told me. Then again, perhaps they were simply trying to get rid of me for other reasons. More than likely because I don't have a qualifying Military relative that is an active customer. I still won't qualify.