What is Renters Insurance?
Also known as tenants insurance, renters insurance is an insurance policy designed to provide much of the same benefits as a homeowners insurance policy, but does not include coverage for the dwelling or structure. It provides limited liability insurance and the tenant's personal property is covered against certain damages including fire, theft, and vandalism. It also pays expenses when the dwelling becomes uninhabitable.
What is Breed Specific Legislation?
Breed specific legislation is an ordinance that restricts ownership or possession of certain breeds of dogs. The ban lists physical characteristics of prohibited breeds, or specific breeds that are prohibited, or both. Historically, breed specific legislation has restricted ownership of breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.
How Many States Have Dog Breed Restrictions?
Breed specific legislation is present in many U.S. cities and counties in one form or another. As of 2016, at least 36 states have breed specific legislation on the books. This included 1,052 cities, 38 counties, and 292 military bases which imposed breed specific laws. See which dogs have the Strongest Bite Force.
Which States Prohibit Dog Breed Restriction Legislation?
The following states prohibit local jurisdictions from passing breed-specific laws: Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, Nevada, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Utah and South Dakota. California prohibits most breed-specific laws, but does allow breed-specific spay/neuter.
Which Dogs are Typically Restricted?
When renting an apartment or house, it is important to know whether the property owner regards your dog as a restricted breed. Keep in mind that apartments may also prohibit dogs mixed with restricted breeds. Breed restrictions vary greatly from one location to another, but a restricted breed list typically includes:
- American Bulldogs
- American Pit Bull Terriers
- Boxers
- Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Akitas
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Mastiffs
- Malamutes
- Great Danes
- Cane Corso
- Chow Chows
- Huskies
- Wolf Hybrids
Will My Renters Insurance Drop Me if My Dog Bites Someone?
In most cases, renters insurance will pay for medical costs and legal expenses if your dog bites a person. However, restricted breeds are difficult to insure or excluded from coverage altogether. You may also be denied renters insurance coverage if your dog has a history of aggressive behavior.
Related:
- My Dog Was Hit by a Car: Who Is Responsible?
- VA Benefits Camp Lejeune Lawsuit: Will Filing Affect Me?
Will My Insurance Go Up After a Dog Bite?
Once a dog has bitten someone, it poses an increased risk. When this occurs, the insurance company may charge you a higher premium, not renew your policy or exclude the dog from coverage.
Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
