Does Allstate Have Dog Breed Restrictions for Homeowners Insurance?

When you’re buying homeowners insurance, the price and coverage options are probably two of your top priorities. But you may have additional considerations if you own a dog. In some states, home insurance companies might not cover owners of dog breeds that they consider to be “aggressive.” 

But some companies, including Allstate, are more dog-friendly than others. Allstate is worth considering if your dog is a “high-risk” breed but lacks a history of aggression. 

Here’s what to know about Allstate’s stance on dog breed restrictions.

Does Allstate home insurance have dog breed restrictions? 

When writing home insurance policies, Allstate doesn’t restrict or deny coverage based solely on a dog’s breed. The company determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. 

This means if you own a breed that Allstate considers to be aggressive but your pup has never bitten or attacked people or other animals, you can probably still get the home insurance coverage you need.

Why insurers restrict certain dog breeds from coverage

Homeowners insurance companies restrict coverage for certain dog breeds to reduce risk. Every year in the U.S., dogs bite more than 4.5 million people, and most of them are children. 

Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover the legal costs and medical expenses associated with dog bites, up to the policy’s limits. The average cost per dog bite claim was $58,545 in 2023.1 

Insurance companies know there’s a high risk of paying out claims if a homeowner has a dog that’s prone to biting or they consider to be an aggressive breed. As a result, some insurance companies take precautions to reduce risk. They may do one or more of the following:

• Decline insurance coverage for homeowners who own restricted dog breeds

• Charge the homeowner a higher premium

• Decide not to renew the homeowner’s insurance policy

• Exclude the dog from coverage

• Ask dog owners to sign liability waivers for dog bites

• Require the dog to attend behavior classes to prevent problems

• Ask the owner to restrain the dog with a muzzle, chain, or cage

Can home insurance companies legally deny or cancel coverage for people who own a restricted dog breed?

It depends on your home’s location. Many states allow breed-specific legislation, so insurance companies can legally deny, cancel, or increase your premium because of the type of dog you own.2

But the following states prohibit insurers from denying or canceling home coverage based solely on your dog’s breed:

• Arizona

• Colorado 

• Connecticut 

• Illinois

• Maine 

• Michigan

• Nevada

• New York

• Pennsylvania

• Vermont

In some states, like Ohio, insurance companies can require dog owners to buy liability insurance if their pets have been classified as vicious.

Common restricted dog breeds

Insurers with dog restrictions typically exclude the following breeds from coverage either because of their size or their perceived likelihood to bite:

Does home insurance cover dog bites?

Homeowners insurance policies typically cover dog bites under two main types of coverage: liability and medical payments. These coverages help handle costs that arise from injuries your dog causes, providing financial protection for both the victim and you as the dog owner.3

If your dog bites someone and their claim exceeds your policy’s limits, you’ll be responsible for the expenses above what your insurer covers. If you want higher liability limits, consider buying an umbrella insurance policy for more protection.

How to get home insurance with a restricted dog breed 

If you have a restricted dog breed, here are a few steps you can take to get home insurance:

1. Order a DNA test for your dog. If you or your insurer is unsure whether your dog is a commonly restricted breed, you can order a DNA test online or from your vet. The results may show your dog doesn’t belong on a restricted breed list.

2. Ask about exceptions. Some insurance companies will still cover a restricted breed if the dog is a service dog or has earned a Canine Good Citizen certificate from the American Kennel Club.4

3. Research dog-friendly insurance companies. You may be able to find a dog-friendly insurer that will cover your dog. Some companies with flexible dog breed policies include Allstate, American Family, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, State Farm, and USAA. Contact these companies and ask for quotes to see which one offers you the lowest price.

4. Train and socialize your dog. Some insurance companies may restrict or cancel coverage after your dog bites a person. So once you have coverage, it’s important to make sure your dog behaves well and doesn’t bite others. Consider enrolling your pet in a reputable training program and socializing it with people to reduce the risk of it biting someone.

Allstate dog breed restrictions FAQs