Dogs and insurance are more connected than many dog owners realize. While dogs are beloved companions and family members, insurance companies often view them as a potential liability risk. Understanding this can help you avoid major coverage gaps, issues with your coverage, and higher premiums and unexpected claims.
So, when you’re buying those new pet supplies, remember to think about insurance coverage. Let’s learn more about how dogs can affect your insurance rates.
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Driving with Pets: How Dogs Affect Car Insurance
While owning a fur baby won’t directly increase your car insurance rate, having a “crowding driver’s seat” traffic conviction can. It’s not unusual to see a dog’s head or nose sticking out of the rear window of a passing car. But if you drive with your pet on your lap, you could face a hefty fine and even demerit points.
In Ontario, the Highway Traffic Act states: “No person shall drive a motor vehicle with persons or property in the front or driver’s seat so placed as to interfere with the proper management or control of the motor vehicle.”
However, if your pet is interfering with the safe control of your vehicle, you may be charged with “crowding the driver’s seat” under Section 162 HTA and/or “careless driving” under Section 130 HTA. If a collision resulting in serious injury or death occurs, criminal charges can apply.
What is the “Crowding the Driver’s Seat” Offence in Ontario?
If convicted, you can receive three demerit points on your driving record, plus an $85 fine and an additional $25 in fees, including a victim surcharge and court costs. If found guilty of crowding the driver’s seat in a community safety zone, the fine can increase to $120, plus fees. In one case, the OPP Central Region issued a Caledon driver a $110 traffic ticket and three demerit points for driving with a poodle-mix on their lap.
When you receive a traffic ticket, you have 15 days to dispute the charge. If you do not, you will likely get a conviction for the violation, which can increase your auto insurance rate upon renewal, depending on the severity of the traffic conviction(s).
Paws and Policies: How Dogs Affect Home Insurance
While you have opened your home to your pet, you may not realize how your dog can impact your home insurance. As previously stated, your insurer views your dog as your property, which means they expose you to potential liability and risk. Any injuries or damage your dog may cause are your responsibility.
The Ontario Dog Owner’s Liability Act Explained
Very few people know that Ontario has an act called the Ontario Dog Owner’s Liability Act. It essentially states that as a dog owner, you are liable for any medical bills, pain, suffering, loss of income, or property damage that the acts of your dog may have caused.
Does home insurance cover dog bites?
Home insurance providers assess the risk associated with all aspects of your property, including your furry friend. By adopting a dog, you increase the risk your insurer takes when providing you with coverage because of the possibility of your dog biting someone.
In North America, 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year, with about 900,000 of these requiring medical treatment. Even the most well-trained dog can act unexpectedly if it is forced into an uncomfortable situation. Luckily, that’s where your home insurance provider will step in and cover the costs for you, so long as you are covered.
Understanding dog owner liability in Ontario
Third-party liability insurance is an important part of your home insurance. If there is a chance that your pet can pose a threat to people in your home or the surrounding area, then you may find you have an increased rate, need to purchase higher liability coverage, or even be denied insurance altogether. Like with any accident that happens on your property, if your dog causes damage or injures someone, you are considered liable.
Your home insurance provider should know if you have a dog or any other pet. Some cover them under your home policy; some may not. This is because your furry friend may present a liability exposure. You may be liable if your pet is found to have harmed another person. You’ll then be legally obligated to compensate the victim in some way. The good news is that most homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites under liability coverage. So, whether it’s an injury bill or the bill for damaged possessions, your insurer is likely to swoop in and save the day.
While you might think it’s not important to advise your insurance broker that you own a dog, think about this…the Humane Society of Canada estimates that someone suffers a dog bite every 60 seconds in Canada.
High-risk dog breeds and insurance
Letting your home insurance provider know you are thinking of getting a dog is the first step towards ensuring adequate coverage. Learning how dogs may affect your insurance is important for adequate coverage. However, your provider may ask you about the breed when calculating your home insurance quote. In fact, you may need to pay a higher rate for your home insurance if you have a particular dog breed, or they may refuse coverage altogether. This is because certain dog breeds are more frequently involved in lawsuits than others, and therefore may not be covered.
Which dog breeds are considered high risk by insurers?
Each insurance provider has different requirements for which dog breeds homeowners can have and still keep their home insurance. Some breeds are typically considered more high-risk than others:
- Pitbulls
- Rottweilers
- Mixed breeds that have Rottweiler or Pitbull in them
- Dobermans
- Siberian Huskies
- German Shepherds
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Dogs with past aggressive behaviour
While some insurance companies won’t cover homes with certain types of dogs, others will offer you a policy, but insist you buy additional liability coverage.
According to a study from the Applied Animal Behaviour Science Journal, large dogs aren’t any more likely to bite than small ones. Siberian Huskies, Greyhounds, Pitbulls and even Rottweilers were all marked as fairly calm dogs. Meanwhile, two of the tiniest breeds, the Dachshund and the Chihuahua, were ranked the most aggressive.
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How to Prevent Dog Bites and Avoid Claims
For the most part, your pet’s behaviour has little to do with its breed and more to do with how we raise it and the situation it is in. Try to socialize your pet, treat them with love and respect, and do not force them into a situation where they feel they must defend themselves. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society have these safety guidelines:
- Babies and children must be supervised around dogs at all times, and children should be taught how to play with dogs gently and approach them correctly.
- Teach kids to be safe around dogs and treat all animals with respect.
- Do not tease, chase, or yell at a dog.
- Do not crowd or corner a dog, as they may feel defensive.
- Do not approach unattended dogs.
- Do not try to take food away from a dog or pick up dropped food.
- Stay away from their bowls and toys to avoid reactions like resource guarding.
- If a dog gets too excited or becomes aggressive, stand still with your arms folded inwards and avoid eye contact. The dog will lose interest and walk away.
- Approach dogs calmly and at a slight angle, avoiding eye contact. If you are greeting a small dog or one who is lying down, crouch sideways instead of standing over them. Let the dogs smell your hand by extending it to them in a fist.
- Pet dogs on the chest or the side of the neck, but not over the head.
- Take a dog training class when you adopt a dog, especially if they’ve experienced trauma.
What happens if my insurer doesn’t cover my pet?
Having a dog is a huge responsibility. They are, after all, family members who require care and attention. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage to protect yourself if your dog causes an injury. As more Canadians adopt dogs, it’s important to let your isure broker know. If you own a dog and aren’t sure how your coverage handles dog-related injuries, contact your insurer immediately to confirm your protection.
Frequently asked questions about dogs and insurance
Can owning a dog impact your insurance?
Yes. Owning a dog can impact your home insurance because insurance companies view dogs as a high liability risk. Depending on the provider, you may require additional liability coverage or face higher premiums.
Can a dog increase my car insurance rates?
No, a dog does not directly increase your auto insurance rates. However, traffic convictions from unsafe transportation of a pet can lead to higher premiums.
Do insurance companies ask about dog breeds?
Yes. Some insurers evaluate dog breeds when assessing liability risk and underwriting home insurance policies.
Can my insurance company deny coverage because of my dog?
In some cases, yes. Certain insurers may refuse coverage for some specific breeds or require additional liability protection.
Should I tell my insurance company I own a dog?
Yes. Failing to disclose a dog could create issues when filing a liability claim.
Protect Your Pet and Your Finances
Understanding the relationship between dogs and insurance can help you protect both your pet and your finances. Dog owners should review their coverage regularly to ensure they have the protection they need.
At isure, our brokers regularly help Ontario homeowners understand how pets and liability risks can affect their insurance coverage. Contact one of our licensed and experienced brokers today about getting the best coverage for your four-legged friend.
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