Is My Pet Covered by Apartment Insurance?
Renters Insurance BasicsIn most cases, pets are covered by apartment insurance in two ways. The first is as part of your personal property, which is protected against loss by your renter’s policy. Secondly, pets are usually covered in the liability portion of your policy for the damage or injuries they cause. However, some insurers will not offer coverage for certain breeds and types of pets. Read on to learn if your pet is actually covered by your apartment insurance policy.
Liability Protection
Your apartment insurance policy’s liability protection should extend to your pet, but certain conditions must be met for coverage to apply. First, you must have disclosed your pet to your insurer. Most carriers ask renters if they have any pets when they apply for coverage, so your coverage should apply as long you responded truthfully. If you got a pet after your policy was issued, your liability protection will most likely not apply unless you informed your insurer of the pet. Secondly, the pet must have damaged property that does not belong to you or injured someone who does not live with you. Finally, the pet cannot be excluded from coverage because of its type or breed.
Blacklisted Pets
Certain types of pets and breeds may not be eligible for coverage by your apartment insurance. For instance, your insurer may not cover exotic pets, such as snakes, spiders, lizards, etc. Moreover, your apartment insurance company may not offer coverage if you have a dog that is a blacklisted breed. Blacklisted breeds are dogs whose histories and temperaments insurers consider too risky for coverage. Here are the most common breeds insurers blacklist:
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Chow Chow
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd
- Pit Bull
- Presa Canario
- Rottweiler
- Siberian Husky
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Wolf hybrids
Covering High-Risk Pets
If you have a blacklisted pet or a pet with a history of aggression, you may still be able to find apartment insurance or keep your existing policy, but you probably will not receive coverage on your pet. Some insurers allow policyholders with high-risk pets to qualify for apartment insurance as long as they sign a liability waiver. The waiver indemnifies the insurer against all liability claims related to your pet. Depending on the type of high-risk pet you have, you may be able to find an insurer that will still offer apartment insurance coverage, but the premiums will undoubtedly be high.
Finding out If Your Pet Is Covered
When you apply for an apartment insurance policy, your agent or insurance company representative will ask you if you have a pet and can tell you whether coverage will apply. In some cases, the insurer may ask you to find another home for the pet before you can qualify for coverage. If you already have an apartment insurance policy but have recently gotten a pet, you will need to read your policy to find out if the animal is covered. If you are unsure, you should contact your insurance company for an answer. Either way, you will need to disclose your pet to the insurance company before coverage will apply.
