Pit Bull vs Homeowners Policy

[Pick]

I can understand your insurance company's concerns.

Last year, while riding my horse on MY property, the neighbors 3 pit bulls bolted out from their fenced in property through an open gate. The dogs circled us and nipped at the horses legs. He freaked out and started bucking, rearing and kicking out. I ended up on the ground, on my back. I could not get up for 10 minutes as the pain was so intense. I finally got up and limped back to the house after my wife caught the horse and put him up.

I lost a few days of work, and it took about 6 weeks before my back was back to normal.

I have no love for pit bulls whatsoever.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Pick

I have no love for pit bulls whatsoever.

Really sorry for your accident, but your anger would be better directed at your neighbor and how he takes care of and socializes his dogs.

Never mind the K9's, it's the stupid people who shouldn't breed.

[henw]

People kill people, guns don't. There are few "bad" dogs. But, lots of bad owners. Unfortunately, one has to legislate to the lowest common denominator or there will always be those who push the limits. If I had any dog living in my neighborhood capable of causing death, I would want reassurance that certain criteria were met.
1. The dog must be trained to obey it's owner. No exceptions.
2. The dog's enclosure must be foolproof secure. Just like a gun vault.
3. The dog is well cared for.

Tom

[Macfrodge]

Originally Posted by Pick

I have no love for pit bulls whatsoever.

I can see where you're coming from. Though I have to admit that I'd be just as ticked with the owners. I hope they offered some sort of restitution.

One dog running loose is not good, but three? Pack mentality takes over and more often than not, they'll get into hunting mode. My father's poor little himalayan cat was torn apart by the neighbours' 2 huskies that got loose and went hunting.

Insurance companies assess risk and issue coverage accordingly. Pit bulls, whether unfairly or not, are considered high risk due to the actions of idiots over the years. But are they getting an unfair rap (the dogs, not the idiots)? To the extent of a homeowner losing their insurance coverage concerning a 13 year old dog who presumably has never caused any trouble? Isn't that the equivalent of 91 years old for people? Could a dog that old really cause problems? I suppose in the life of an insurance company, life is black and white.

I live in Ontario where there's a province-wide ban on pit bulls (defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers or any dog that looks similar, which in my opinion opens up a whole can of worms as many different breeds of dogs look similar). I'd be interested in data showing what this has accomplished. I imagine that if you ask both sides of the story you'd get different answers.

I hope you get this issue resolved.

[flitzwhopper]

I was once refused coverage for having a Rotweiller/Mastiff mix. On the next application I called him a Mastiff. Not telling the insurance company you have a dog is a bad idea. Should the worst happen and your dog were to do something unexpected, your claim would be denied.

[Larry in MO]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Really sorry for your accident, but your anger would be better directed at your neighbor and how he takes care of and socializes his dogs.

You are right, Robert, but the immediate problem is the dog when it has you on the ground and is tearing chunks out. In the Kansas City area, there have been two deaths and several serious injuries (one to a 5 year old in her own fenced back yard) in the last two years. All pit bull attacks, by the way. I won't go into detail about what these "bites" look like or the psychological effects on the victim but they would probably scare you.

I am a great dog fan-I have three Golden Retrievers. I almost trust them around people but I watch them closely around people with whom they are not familiar. They have never shown any sort of aggressive behavior but they are still dogs. The point is that you have never heard of an elderly lady being mauled by several Golden Retrievers or Cocker Spaniels or Standard Poodles.

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Never mind the K9's, it's the stupid people who shouldn't breed.

Absolutely no argument from me on this point!! Correct you are.

[juel]

I do home visits for a child abuse program with the State of Oklahoma, and believe me there are lots of pit bulls in rural Oklahoma. They are not all mean and some are down right loveable; however, I show them all respect. I believe if your dog is not on a logging chain in your front yard, or running the neighborhood, you should be allowed to have insurance. I have a Pom, Imma Chicken, who has actually bitten two people who dared to walk into the back yard. No problems. Of course she couldn't kill anyone, but she thinks she could. As for American Staffordshire Terriers, I have shown them and they are not people aggressive. They are dog agressive to be sure, and strong enough to get away from you is you are not careful. Pit Bulls are usually bred by idiots who want to fight them around here.

[Stefrobrts]

Originally Posted by juel

As for American Staffordshire Terriers, I have shown them and they are not people aggressive. They are dog agressive to be sure, and strong enough to get away from you is you are not careful. Pit Bulls are usually bred by idiots who want to fight them around here.

That pretty much sums up the problem with 'bully' breeds in my opinion. And the fact that they are incredibly driven and won't give up once they start something. I'd rather get bit by a pom any day!

I hope you didn't leave State Farm, I've heard they are getting out of homeowners policies, so if anyone leaves they won't take them back. They are only keeping existing policies.

[Ganglin]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

That pretty much sums up the problem with 'bully' breeds in my opinion. And the fact that they are incredibly driven and won't give up once they start something. I'd rather get bit by a pom any day!

I hope you didn't leave State Farm, I've heard they are getting out of homeowners policies, so if anyone leaves they won't take them back. They are only keeping existing policies.

State Farm is not actually getting out of Homeowners - that would cut their size by about a third. They are selectively reducing the amount of exposure they have in certain higher risk areas. Coastal - wind - brush fire - poor business climate areas for example. Too much market share concentrated in an area is not always a good thing for a carrier.

[georgezink]

It doesn't sound like they have threatened to cancel your policy, just asked you to get rid of the dog. If you do nothing, they will likely non-renew your policy in August, so you probably have lots of time to find other coverage if it comes to that.

First though, I'd suggest you write a nice letter explaining that you purchased their policy because of their excellent reputation for fair dealing and putting the customer first. Then go on to explain how you discussed the dog with the agent as part of the application process and was advised that the dog would not be a problem. Let them know that the dog is old and of good temperament and has never bitten anyone. Then ask them for an exception by allowing you to keep the dog. Be nice, don't threaten. Ask them to send you a favorable response in writing. It's likely that the underwriter will then go to her supervisor for an approval -- which may very well happen.

If they don't see it your way, find another agent. You want an agent that has some pull with his carriers. I recently switched to State Farm and was advised that they have no restrictions on dogs that have not bitten, so you might try them, if necessary.

[Macfrodge]

State Farm? I'm with State Farm for pretty much everything, and not once have they asked me anything about any dog, ever. Is this something that is commonplace in the U.S.?

I hope they don't ask... I've got the goofiest lab mix around who could fell a small child with her wagging tail, and an Australian Shepherd on Prozac...

[cameront120]

I didn't know State Farm was in Canada.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, no offense to anyone, but I'm not a Pit Bull fan; Mostly because of their reputation. And it's not new to me in my neighborhood, that some insurance companies have a top ten list of possible dangerous dogs. [including my carrier] My neighbor likes, and has, Rottweilers. They are on the list too. My neighbor told me that her insurance carrier stated that her policy has the one bite, or incident rule. One bite and it goes on your record, second bite is not covered. [kiss your house goodbye] I like dogs; And I feel bad for some of them [even Pit Bulls] because of their owners. Killer dogs should be sent to rehab and their owners put to sleep.

[gail]

the age of your dog should help the situation. I would call the state insurance commission at your state capital and see if the insurance can issue and quickly rescing a policy if you filled everything out correctly. YOU could have a lawsuit on your side for discrimination if you complied to what was asked for on the initial application.