Adding coverage after getting a dog

[Yertle8]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

A few years ago my wife and I bought ahouse, and a few months ago we got a dog. So right now the dog is not covered on our HOI. After reading some posts here I realized that we should probably call up our HOI provider and make sure the coverage is extended. I mentioned this to my wife, as she has been handling it, and she says 'ok'.

Then she talks to her mother and her mother says that we shouldn't let the HOI provider know that we have a dog because since it is a pit bull (or part pit bull, we adopted it, don't know its breed for sure) that our HOI rates will either double or they'll drop our policy outright. Now my wife is afraid to even talk with someone at the HOI provider, so I told her I'd post here, and now here we are.

My mother-in-law's ideas about this don't make sense to me. Right now the dog is not covered. If the HOI provider feels that covering the dog is not a risk it wants to take, why would they then decide that the current coverage we have been receiving is no longer in their interest? Are they somehow unable to selectively decline covering the dog?

This one may be a crystal ball thing, but - any truth to the premium doubling when they find out we have a pit bull? Thanks in advance.

Some non-pertinent info: When we went to adopt the dog, everyone I know told us we shouldn't get a pit bull because they're dangerous. But after being around the dog in the pound a couple of times I just couldn't see it. I've owned four dogs in my life, three of them under 20 pounds, and all three of those were more likely to hurt someone or something than my pit bull. I've never owned a more loving dog, a dog so well-behaved. The breed has really been demonized.

[moburkes]

Well, right now the dog might be covered. It depends upon what your policy says. However, you shouldn't knowingly be dishonest with your insurance company. It doesn't really help your case when it comes time to pay a claim. Call them. The worst they can do is nonrenew the policy.

You can get insurance for your home, but the nonstandard companies will charge you more money than you're currently paying, give you less coverage, and make you sign a form excluding liaibility coverage for your dog.

It's not smar tto keep doing what you're doing.

[JustAPal00]

Originally Posted by Yertle8

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

A few years ago my wife and I bought ahouse, and a few months ago we got a dog. So right now the dog is not covered on our HOI. After reading some posts here I realized that we should probably call up our HOI provider and make sure the coverage is extended. I mentioned this to my wife, as she has been handling it, and she says 'ok'.

Then she talks to her mother and her mother says that we shouldn't let the HOI provider know that we have a dog because since it is a pit bull (or part pit bull, we adopted it, don't know its breed for sure) that our HOI rates will either double or they'll drop our policy outright. Now my wife is afraid to even talk with someone at the HOI provider, so I told her I'd post here, and now here we are.

My mother-in-law's ideas about this don't make sense to me. Right now the dog is not covered. If the HOI provider feels that covering the dog is not a risk it wants to take, why would they then decide that the current coverage we have been receiving is no longer in their interest? Are they somehow unable to selectively decline covering the dog?

This one may be a crystal ball thing, but - any truth to the premium doubling when they find out we have a pit bull? Thanks in advance.

Some non-pertinent info: When we went to adopt the dog, everyone I know told us we shouldn't get a pit bull because they're dangerous. But after being around the dog in the pound a couple of times I just couldn't see it. I've owned four dogs in my life, three of them under 20 pounds, and all three of those were more likely to hurt someone or something than my pit bull. I've never owned a more loving dog, a dog so well-behaved. The breed has really been demonized.

Most companies I know of will cancel you when they find out. You should read your policy to see if you are even covered. Many exclude certain breeds of dog. Pit Bulls are #1 on most lists of non covered dogs. I agree that most Pit Bulls are loving playfull dogs, the problem is the damage they can do when they do bite. I personally would not own one simply for the insurance problems. I inspect homes for insurance companies. I go to peoples homes unannounced and measure and photograph their home for the company. I have certain hazards I look for, and dogs are one of them. If their are certain breeds present, I will note it on the report.

[moburkes]

Cancel, yes, during freelook. Otherwise, nonrenew. This is why I said he's likely covered. Freelook has passed and the insurance company will be on the hook until they are notified and nonrenew. However, if they find out he deliberately kept the information from them...

[PA Lady]

In Pennsylvania, the carrier cannot deny or non renew coverage due to the breed of dog provided that the policy has been in effect for at least 60 days.