Dear Uncle Matty: AAA of Southern California refused to write homeowner's insurance for me because I own a purebred Siberian Husky. The representative further stated that if the dog were a mix of any kind, then I wouldn't be refused. I'm still in disbelief, as my experience with this breed of dog is consistent with the character of most Siberian Huskies: They are known for passive behavior. I'm interested in pursuing my rights in this area with regard to denial based on breed profiling. Any further information would be appreciated. — G.S., Anaheim, Calif.
Dear G.S.: Breed discrimination by insurance companies in order to reduce dog-bite claims is hopeless, because there are aggressive dogs in every breed. The problems are irresponsible owners and untrained dogs, those who ignore the signs of aggression, bad breeding and, of course, those who breed, raise and train dogs for the express purpose of dog fighting.
However, if you think that the cost of dog bites is not a big issue, consider that about 20 percent of total homeowner's insurance liability payouts in the United States are dog-bite related. In 1999, that was $310 million. The total annual cost of dog bites is well over a billion dollars. Insurance companies that have "do-not-insure-breed lists" have decided that this will at least cut down on their liability — and increasing numbers of insurance companies are joining their ranks.
On May 1, 2002, the Inter-Insurance Exchange of the Automobile Club of Southern California expanded the list of breeds it will no longer include in liability coverage. Previously, it included the "Pit Bull," all varieties; Rottweiler, pure and mixed breeds; guard dogs, which they qualify as any dog trained to attack, including "protection" dogs; and the Wolf/Hybrid. Additions are the Akita, Bernese Mountain Dog, Pressa Canario, Chow, Doberman Pinscher, American, Eskimo and Greenland Huskies, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, Karelian Bear Dog and the Russo-European Laika. Service dogs, regardless of breed, are exempt. I was informed that the ban did not include the Siberian Husky unless the dog had a bite history.
In April 2002, AAA of Northern California, Nevada and Utah designated the Wolf and Wolf Crossbreeds, Rottweiler, Pit Bull (the broad definition), Doberman Pinscher, Akita and Chow as non-insurable for homeowners and renters. There are about 80 AAA clubs in the United States, and they all have their own policies.
Nationwide Insurance will not write new coverage for owners of Dobermans, Rottweilers, any of the Pit Bull breeds, the Chow or Wolf/Hybrid.
Among insurance companies that do not breed-discriminate are Met Life and State Farm Insurance, so you should check with these companies. Met Life does not exclude any breed of dog, and it does not impose a surcharge if you own a particular breed, which, by the way, can be the case with some insurers. The company will not write coverage if there is a local law in the homeowner's area that bans a particular breed or lists the breed as vicious. A spokesperson for Met Life said that the company doesn't make those laws; it just obeys them. Met Life has a company statement that I certainly agree with, and that is "Dogs that are obedience trained, well cared for and responsibly supervised are rarely a threat."
State Farm Insurance does not exclude any breed, nor does the company impose a surcharge for certain breeds. The current exception is in the State of Ohio because of its Revised State Code 955.11, which defines the "Pit Bull" as vicious. Vicious-dog laws in any area would be a problem.
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So what can you do? Make sure your homeowner's coverage is with a company that does not breed-discriminate. If you are denied coverage, ask for a written explanation and a copy of the company's published breed-discrimination list. Protest policies and their decision. Be aware that not all agents are well informed. Check local and state ordinances for existing and pending breed legislation. Write and call your representatives. Tell them you disagree with breed discrimination. If you have a dog, make training a priority. If your dog shows signs of aggression, do something about it. Work with a competent behaviorist, and confine your dog to adequate run and fencing.
If we do not function as responsible dog owners and protest breed discrimination, we may lose the right to own the breed of our choice. —Uncle Matty
Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest and host of the PBS series "Woof! It's a Dog's Life!"
WEB SITE: www.unclematty.com
