Homeowners Insurance - Page 2

I now live in Tennessee, use State Farm, and do not have an issue with my homeowner's policy and five (5) GSD's. I had State Farm during my five (5) years in Arkansas, and American General during my earlier years in Tennessee. While the new kennel is not yet built, the dogs are secure from interaction with anyone unless they are inside my home, and I am very careful who comes into my house. A stranger who broke in would probably become a prey object with a couple of them. To get to the kennelled dogs one must first pass through the house or climb a neighbour's fence. The kennelled dogs are double-fenced, but evenso fortunately no neighbour has a child who comes near the fence to play with or tease the dogs. I invited the agent to visit the property and pass muster on the current way that I secure the dogs. Did she do it? I don't know, but there have been no issues. I just made sure that I told them that these are show dogs (true) and that we occassionally produce a litter of puppies (also true). Perhaps it helps that I am in a rural area that is fenced. As far as I know there is no leash law in my county of residence, and yes, some neighbourhood dogs roam a bit. It does not present a problem to me so I don't bring it up. With the exception of myself and a veterinarian, no one has ever been bitten by one of my dogs. And that is the way that it must stay. Bob-O

I have kennels within a fenced in area also, but insurers don't want to cover the GSD except with a surcharge. It will only get worse that's why it's important to be responsible.

I've been insured with Nationwide for many years. They have never asked if I owned dogs. I believe they will issue a policy to anyone regardless of the breed/breeds of dogs they own. However, there are specific breeds that are exempt from their coverage. I do not think GSD's are one of those breeds. However, if they are, you should still be able to get a homeowners policy but would not be able to collect on any damages caused by one of your GSD's. At first blush it may seem like a great idea to invite an insurance rep on your property to have a look at you dogs and how they are kept. However, these people will probably not be experts on dog behavior or canine security and who knows what they are going to say. Remember all the "expert" evaluations on Saxon, the police dog. I think I'd rather agree to an exemption than depend on an insurance agent to evaluate my dog's likleyhood of becoming a liability. Even a scratch from the most docile GSD could be interpreted as aggression from a person who fears dogs. I believe AKC has been lobbying at the state level for legislation that would make it illegal for insurance companies to descriminate against a dog soley because of its breed. They have offered up some reasoning as EchoMeadows stated - the presence of a dog is similar to an alarm system so should not be considered a liability. Not sure where this ever went, if anywhere. There may be more on the AKC web site. Dog ownership is not going to get easier in the future so dog owners need to stand together and do what they can to prevent the BSL that is becoming so popular. Just because it primarily addresses pitt bulls and rotties now doesn't mean our breed won't be included in the future.

All GSD owners need to email/write their local congressman/woman to bring this issue to light again. I was paying $380 per year. This company I just found will do the policy for $1,555. per year. Roughly $1,200 more just because I have GSD's that are all in secire kennels and have never had a bite. Ludicrous.

For those who have a kennel or training facility, check out Kennel Pak, Inc. in York, PA. They have affordable kennel insurance policies that really do cover a lot. They will also insure the home, but there has to be a kennel policy there as well or it would be "nonconforming" and subject to cancellation. And their policies are underwritten by Traveler's, which is a great insurance underwriting company. For those who have tried and really cannot find anyone to write a policy, and must have a policy to comply with the lender's requirements, some states have a "fair" plan, which is basically an assigned risk program. It's barebones, but it will cover the lender's requirements, which will keep your loan from going into default. California has a "Fair" plan. Under this program, ANY and ALL insurance companies doing business in the state MUST agree to take some clients that no one else wants to take. The state doesn't like to let out-of-state companies come in to play pick-and-choose, creaming off the most profitable and lowest risk clients.

As far as insurance agents coming out to your property to look, they don't wait to be invited. They send out contractors and agents to look, usually a few days after the policy is written, and if dogs are an issue and they see dogs (or verboten breeds of dogs), they will cancel you without warning.

Kennel Pak is owned by Dan Smith's insurance company, Smith and Gentzler. Dan is Darby-Dan GSD. Contacting that company for a quote might be a very good idea for anyone with a kennel.

I live in Wisconsin and have Erie Insurance which I got through a broker. Had 10 GSDs at the time. They came out and checked the facilities. So far no problems.

I know here in Florida, if you can get farmbureau, they don't have a breed restriction list, just on how many dogs. I had 6 dogs, they allow 4 so I had to use someone else. As for the kennelpak, I called up before for a quote but I was told they wouldn't cover the house since the kennel house were on the same property. might have to recheck. Angela

These Insurance Companies are not friends of dog owners believe me, they have no problems dropping you and will do it sneakily by letter shortly before re-newal when they are aware you have a dog. All those horror stories coming out of the urban areas you all hear and read about, everyone is going to be made to pay for them - kennel - suburban area - double fence- triple fence - no matter. Again these people commiting all these dog atrocities are not included in people who have to pay homeowners insurance anyway as most are renters,subsidized or on Govt. assistance. If their dogs attack people or other dogs there is nothing there to go after-ZERO!!!