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Post by sibemom on Mar 13, 2004 12:22:49 GMT -5
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Post by Nicole on Mar 13, 2004 15:55:12 GMT -5
It is called breed discrimination and sadly many insurance companies reject or refuse to renew based soley upon breed. But there are companies that do base their decision upon an individual dog and bite history and even those who (gasp ) consider the circumstances of the bite. Also, some states forbid the insurance company to make a decision upon breed alone but that doesn’t stop it from happening. The breeds that come within the “bad dog” list are Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Husky, Rottweiler, Pit bull, Presa Canario (since the case involving that woman who was killed) and GSD. There may be others as well. The people making these decisions don't know anything about dogs. They read the newspaper...
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Post by Nicole on Mar 13, 2004 16:23:21 GMT -5
I forgot the Chow Chow. They are on the list too.
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Post by Richard on Mar 13, 2004 16:51:42 GMT -5
The only really sad part is that the ones who are good dog handlers/owners even with those breeds Nicki listed (and yes, I saw the GSD there - sad but true) get penalized cuz of lot of incompetent dog owners (and I don't call them handlers cuz they've never put a day's worth of training into thier dog) who don't care but then again, I refer to that as a "group spanking"...one screws up, you all get in doo-doo and in this case, all dog breeds get tarred with the same large brush.
I think it should be on a more case-to-case scenario..the insurance companies have the resources to check on individuals and thier credentials for ownership of such dogs..as long as you can prove your dog is tempermentally stable (good breeders), well trained and that the owner is a responsible owner then there should be no qualms about issuing a policy.
That way, if you are a lunk-head with a large breed dog that is outta control and never been trained and you feel that it deserves the right to wander the streets and terrorize the neighbourhood with its antics then you won't be able to get any property insurance....that sounds like a plan to me!!
But then again, I'm for sending negligent dog owners to the North Pole and let the polar bears deal with them......
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Post by amyjo on Mar 13, 2004 16:56:02 GMT -5
They give safe driver discounts and discounts for alarm systems in your home - if they wanted to be fair they could charge all dog owners an extra fee and then you should be able to get it waived when your dog becomes a CGC or equivalent.
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Post by sibemom on Mar 13, 2004 17:01:34 GMT -5
When I first got Blade I of course informed my insurance agent so that the liability coverage was increased because we had a dog. I know that it makes a difference. I asked my agent at that time if the company had problems with certain breeds. He said well we question you if you own a Pit, Rot, Akita, or a Dobie, but we do not charge you more. He said that it is their policy that unless a bite has been reported they treat all dogs the same. When Blade passed his OB class I brought my certificate in and he took a copy and put it in our file. I just wish that the insurance industry would not say it's the dog that needs the certficate of training it should be the OWNER.
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Post by Nicole on Mar 13, 2004 17:21:49 GMT -5
Richard you are exactly correct. It is the bad owners that sully the entire breed. It is so unfortunate.
If I ever had a problem I would invite the agent over to my house and have them meet my dog and have them see my secure fence so they could determine first hand that my dog is not a menace to society and that I am responsible owner.
I also forgot the Dobe. They are on the list too.
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Post by Laura on Mar 13, 2004 17:42:39 GMT -5
Ann, here's a link to the AKC site that has a listing of insurance companies that have fair policies concerning specific breeds and homeowners. www.akc.org/love/dip/legislat/insurance_chart0702.cfmI have Allstate, and as far as I know, they don't breed discriminate, but I do have a rider on my policy because we have multiple dogs on the premises at any given time . But I have heard of other companies overlooking dogs on their "hit list" if the dog has a CGC or equivalent.
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Post by sibemom on Mar 13, 2004 18:00:19 GMT -5
Thanks Laura. We have American Family Insurance and there are no problems with them. I know that when a dog bites someone this company then does an investigation to determine if it was the dogs fault or not. Of course your premium will jump but if your dog is found not to be at fault they do not cancell your coverage.
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Post by Laura on Mar 13, 2004 18:01:53 GMT -5
Oh shiznit, I just checked that link, Sibes are on it!! Never used to be, and my agent knows damm well that I have them on a regular basis , what's up with that?!
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Post by Richard on Mar 13, 2004 18:50:53 GMT -5
Perhaps he does Laura, but also he probably knows and respects you for your responsible dog handling skills....plus, you're just darn good at working with dogs and not taking any B.S. from anyone!! (including insurance guys!)
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Post by Willow on Mar 13, 2004 19:28:00 GMT -5
I think some Ins. co's go by size/weight of dog too, and not necessarily by breed don't they? The reason I say that is because I had a fellow in my last ob class with a Lab and he said he had to get an ob certificate or his ins. would be cancelled....unless labs are on *the list* now too.
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Post by Richard on Mar 13, 2004 19:32:27 GMT -5
If they consider it like the lab's in our area (especially a chocolate one with a nutzo attitude) it could be true....
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Post by Aussienot on Mar 13, 2004 19:35:38 GMT -5
So in insurance land, dogs are pre-judged at birth, and some, by virtue of breed alone get a free pass, and some by virtue of breed alone are banned?
Substitute the word 'religion' or 'race' for breed, and it brings up visions of Germany before WW2. This is totally whack.
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Post by Laura on Mar 13, 2004 23:11:44 GMT -5
Richard, you're a charmer, ya know that? Flattery will get you everywhere with me . But seriously, I bet my agent doesn't have a clue, it's not like I see him on a social basis, and frankly, having dogs as long as I have, it never occurs to me to mention them because they've always been here. You know ? Hmm, I think a phone call is in order for Monday morning, with a "hypothetical" question . Regardless, I've had it with this breed ban crap, if people were really honest and reported EVERY dog bite, small dogs like Cockers and the like would be on top of the list . It's only because they do a little less damage because of their size, that the bites they inflict don't get reported. Hell, the one of the worst bites I ever took was from a Bichon, the little SOB nearly took off my finger !
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