Yes, you can get homeowners insurance if you own a pit bull. While some insurance companies have breed restrictions, many now take a more individualized approach—focusing on your dog’s behavior and your responsibility as an owner. By working with breed-neutral insurers and providing proper documentation, pit bull owners can secure reliable, affordable home insurance coverage.
If you’re the proud owner of a pit bull, you already know they’re often misunderstood. Loyal, loving, and family-oriented, these dogs make incredible companions—but not every insurance company sees them that way.
When it comes to homeowners insurance for pit bulls, things can get complicated. Some insurers still view certain breeds—including pit bulls—as “high-risk” and may deny coverage or impose extra conditions. Insurance costs can also be higher for pit bull owners due to this perceived risk, but there are ways to manage or reduce these costs, which we’ll cover in this article. But don’t worry: if you’re wondering, “Can I get home insurance if I have a pit bull?”—the answer is yes.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about navigating homeowners insurance with a pit bull in 2025—and how to find coverage that protects your home and your pup.
For many pit bull owners, finding the right homeowners insurance can feel like navigating a maze. Many insurance companies still impose breed restrictions, which can mean higher premiums, limited liability coverage, or even outright denial of coverage for homes with pit bulls. This is often due to outdated perceptions about the breed, rather than an assessment of your individual dog’s behavior.
Fortunately, not all homeowners insurance companies take a one-size-fits-all approach. Some insurance providers, like State Farm, Allstate, and USAA, are more progressive and willing to cover pit bulls, especially when they can evaluate your dog on a case by case basis. These insurers recognize that a dog’s temperament and training matter more than breed stereotypes.
Understanding the ins and outs of pit bull homeowners insurance is crucial. By knowing which insurance companies are more accommodating and what documentation you’ll need, you can better navigate the market and secure coverage that protects both your home and your beloved pet.
Home insurance includes personal liability coverage, which helps cover costs if your dog bites someone or damages property. With dog bite claims costing insurers over $1.1 billion in 2023, companies use breed data and risk models to decide what (and who) they’re willing to insure. The insurance industry relies on risk assessment processes that consider a dog’s breed, perceived risk, and historical data from various dog breeds.
Certain breeds, including pit bulls, are often flagged as high-risk—not necessarily because they’re dangerous, but because of claim severity and media attention. The perceived risk associated with certain dog breeds, including pit bulls and other dog breeds like Rottweilers and Dobermans, influences insurance company decisions.
These are examples of certain dog breeds commonly found on banned lists, but the insurance industry evaluates various dog breeds differently depending on their risk assessment models:
Pit bulls and Staffordshire terriers
Rottweilers
Dobermans
Wolf hybrids
German Shepherds
But here’s the good news: more insurers are shifting toward evaluating dogs individually, based on training, temperament, and behavior.
You can read more of our blogs about Homeowners Insurance for more information.
DID YOU KNOW? According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims in 2024 averaged over $69,000 each (up from $58,000 in 2023), with total payouts exceeding $1.1 billion. Despite the stigma, pit bulls are not the most common offenders—many insurers are now realizing that responsible ownership matters more than breed.
Some states are cracking down on breed-based insurance denial. Breed specific legislation has been enacted in these states to prevent insurers from discriminating based on breed. As of 2025, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania have laws in place that prevent insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog’s breed. Instead, they must assess dogs on a case-by-case basis—giving pit bull owners more fair treatment.
If homeowners have questions about their rights or need help finding coverage, they can contact their state insurance departments for guidance.
If you’ve run into a wall with breed-restricted insurers, don’t give up. Several breed-neutral home insurance providers may offer coverage depending on your state and individual circumstances. Pit bull friendly insurers are those that do not deny coverage based solely on breed and instead focus on individual dog behavior.
State Farm – Known for a breed-neutral approach. Typically, they evaluate a dog’s behavior and bite history rather than focusing solely on breed.
Allstate – Often conducts case-by-case assessments, considering factors like obedience training, temperament, and veterinary history.
USAA – Available to military families. USAA has historically reviewed dog behavior on an individual basis rather than enforcing breed bans.
Nationwide – May provide homeowners policies that consider a dog’s training and health record instead of applying blanket breed restrictions.
📝 Note: Insurance company policies and underwriting rules can change over time and may vary significantly by state. It’s best to consult with an insurance advisor to confirm current eligibility.
Farmers
AAA
Travelers
Erie Insurance
These insurers may include pit bulls on their restricted breed lists or exclude liability coverage for dog-related incidents involving certain breeds. Always review policy details closely.
Here’s how to improve your chances of approval—and even lower your premium. Being a responsible pet owner and a responsible owner can help reassure insurers that your pit bull is well-trained and properly cared for, which may improve your insurability and lower your insurance costs.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification
Obedience training certificates
Behavioral evaluations
Spay/neuter records
Vaccination and vet records
Start with State Farm, Allstate, USAA (if eligible), or Nationwide. They’re most likely to consider your dog based on behavior rather than breed.
Independent agents, like those at ALLCHOICE Insurance, have access to multiple carriers—and know which companies are most pet-friendly.
If you’re denied or want extra protection, consider:
Canine liability policy (standalone dog bite coverage)
Umbrella insurance (extra liability beyond your home policy)
These can protect you financially even if your homeowners policy has exclusions.
Dog bite risks are a top concern for homeowners insurance companies, especially when it comes to pit bulls. While pit bulls are often labeled as high-risk due to their strength and reputation, research shows that most dog bite incidents are the result of poor training, lack of socialization, or irresponsible ownership—not the breed itself.
As a pit bull owner, you can take proactive steps to reduce these risks and reassure insurance providers. Regular veterinary check ups, obedience training, and proper socialization are key to preventing bite incidents. Demonstrating responsible ownership—such as keeping your dog leashed in public, providing a secure yard, and maintaining up-to-date vaccination records—can make a significant difference when applying for homeowners insurance coverage.
Insurance companies look at dog bite statistics and claim costs when setting premiums for pit bull owners. By showing evidence of your dog’s good behavior and your commitment to safety, you can improve your chances of getting affordable homeowners insurance and protect your home from the financial impact of dog bite claims.
Owning a pit bull comes with important insurance responsibilities. Most homeowners insurance policies include a personal liability portion that covers dog bite injuries and property damage caused by your pet. However, many insurance companies impose breed restrictions or exclude coverage for certain breeds, including pit bulls.
As a responsible dog owner, it’s essential to be upfront with your insurance provider about your dog’s breed and history. You’ll likely need to provide information about your pit bull’s behavior, any training certifications, and details about their health and temperament. Failing to disclose your dog’s breed or misrepresenting their history can result in denied claims or even cancellation of your homeowners insurance policy.
To ensure you’re fully protected, work with insurance companies that evaluate dogs on a case by case basis, rather than relying solely on breed restrictions. Providing documentation of your dog’s training, such as a Canine Good Citizen certificate, and demonstrating responsible ownership can help you secure the right homeowners insurance coverage for your situation.
Dog bite claims can have a major financial impact, with the average claim ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 . Insurance companies pay close attention to dog bite incidents when determining premiums and coverage options for pit bull owners. Because of the potential costs, many insurance companies are cautious about offering liability coverage for dog bites, especially for certain breeds.
To protect yourself, consider adding extra liability coverage to your homeowners insurance policy. Many insurers, including State Farm and Allstate, offer liability insurance that covers dog bites, but the amount and terms of coverage can vary. For added peace of mind, pit bull owners can also look into canine liability insurance or umbrella policies, which provide additional protection beyond standard homeowners insurance limits.
Understanding how dog bite claims are handled—and making sure you have adequate insurance coverage—will help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure you’re prepared in the event of a bite incident.
If you’re a pit bull owner who’s been denied coverage by an insurance company, don’t lose hope—there are still options available. Start by shopping around and reaching out to other insurance providers, as some companies are more willing to cover pit bulls or offer policies tailored to high-risk breeds.
Specialty insurers and companies that focus on pet-friendly policies may be able to provide the homeowners insurance coverage you need. You can also consider purchasing a standalone canine liability policy or umbrella insurance to supplement your existing coverage and protect against dog-related claims.
If you believe your denial was unfair, you may be able to appeal the decision or work with an experienced insurance agent who understands the needs of pit bull owners. Demonstrating responsible ownership—such as providing proof of training, certifications like the Canine Good Citizen, and a clean bite history—can strengthen your case and improve your chances of securing insurance coverage for your home and your pit bull.
✅ Apply with State Farm or consider specialty liability policies designed for dog owners.
✅ Shop multiple carriers, provide training and health records, and consider higher deductibles to reduce your rate.
✅ Review renewal notices carefully, and keep backup coverage like umbrella insurance in place to avoid lapses.
Yes, many insurers now offer breed-neutral policies or assess dogs based on behavior and training. Companies like State Farm and Allstate are good starting points.
State Farm, Allstate, USAA, and Nationwide are among the top carriers that don’t automatically exclude pit bulls from coverage, depending on the state and individual underwriting criteria.
Yes—always disclose your dog’s breed. Hiding this information can lead to denied claims or canceled policies.
Insurance companies don’t necessarily “hate” pit bulls, but they often label them as high-risk due to historical data showing a higher frequency or severity of bite-related claims involving certain breeds. This risk-based approach means pit bulls may face breed restrictions not because of individual behavior, but because of generalized liability concerns. However, many insurers are shifting toward evaluating dogs on a case-by-case basis—looking at training, temperament, and the owner’s responsibility rather than breed alone.
Owning a pit bull shouldn’t mean choosing between your home and your dog. Yes, some insurers still discriminate based on breed, but there are plenty of options available for responsible pit bull owners. With the right documentation, a little preparation, and help from a knowledgeable insurance advisor, you can get the protection your family (furry members included) deserves.
Let ALLCHOICE Insurance help you find a homeowners insurance policy that covers your home and loves your dog as much as you do.
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