Homeowners Insurance That Allows Rottweilers (USA)
Homeowners Insurance That Allows Rottweilers: The Definitive Approval Guide
You know the look. You are walking your Rottweiler—a dog you know as a loyal, goofy, 100-pound lap dog—and people cross the street. The "Hollywood Villain" reputation of the Rottweiler runs deep, but nowhere is it more damaging than in the offices of insurance underwriters.
For thousands of American homeowners, the Rottweiler is the second most "blacklisted" breed in the country, right behind the Pitbull. Finding homeowners insurance that allows rottweilers often feels like a losing battle. You make call after call, only to hear the same script: "We love dogs, but we don't cover 'that' breed."
If you are worried about being dropped by your carrier, or if you are closing on a house and scrambling for a policy, take a deep breath. You do not have to choose between your mortgage and your dog.
This is your survival guide. We are going to bypass the bias, identify the "Breed-Neutral" carriers that welcome Rottweilers, and give you the specific strategies to lock in coverage that protects your home and your guardian.
Why Do Insurers Blacklist Rottweilers?
To win the game, you have to understand the rules. Why is it so hard to find insurance for Rottweilers?
It comes down to "Severity vs. Frequency." While smaller breeds might bite more often (frequency), when a powerful breed like a Rottweiler bites, the medical damage is often significant (severity).
The "Guardian" Factor: Rottweilers are historically working dogs and guardians. Insurers fear this instinct. They worry that if a delivery driver enters your porch or a neighborhood kid retrieves a ball, the dog’s protective instinct will trigger a six-figure lawsuit.
The Reinsurance Lists: Many primary insurance companies buy "insurance for themselves" (reinsurance). These global reinsurance giants often dictate the "Prohibited Breed Lists." If the reinsurer says "No Rottweilers," the local agent’s hands are tied, no matter how nice your dog is.
But the market is shifting. Data-driven companies are realizing that a well-trained Rottweiler is less risky than an untrained small dog. You just need to find those companies.
The Top Companies: Homeowners Insurance That Allows Rottweilers
Your search should start—and hopefully end—with companies that have officially adopted a "Breed-Neutral" philosophy. This means they do not have a list of banned breeds; they only care about the history of your specific dog.
1. State Farm: The Best Overall Choice
State Farm is widely considered the champion for Rottweiler owners in the US.
The Policy: They do not ask "What breed is it?" to determine eligibility. They ask, "Has your dog ever bitten anyone?"
Why it works: State Farm has publicly stated that breed is not a reliable indicator of risk.
The Cost: Typically, you will not pay a "high-risk surcharge" just for owning a Rottweiler. It is standard pricing.
Pro Tip: If you have a local agent who seems hesitant (some old-school agents still have bias), quote the corporate policy or find a different State Farm agent in the next town over.
2. USAA: The Hero for Military Families
If you are eligible (Active Duty, Veteran, or family of a member), USAA is often unbeatable.
The Policy: Like State Farm, USAA does not discriminate against Rottweilers. They understand that military families often favor large working breeds for protection while a spouse is deployed.
The Perks: Their liability coverage is robust, and their customer service is consistently ranked #1.
3. Farmers Insurance (Select States)
Farmers has been moving toward breed neutrality, but it is a patchwork.
The Nuance: In states like California, Nevada, and Arizona, regulatory pressure has forced insurers to stop using breed as the sole reason for denial.
The Requirement: Farmers may require you to fill out a "Canine Questionnaire." If your Rottweiler has basic obedience training, this is a viable option.
4. Amica Mutual
Amica is a smaller, high-reputation insurer that often flies under the radar.
The Stance: They are generally rottweiler friendly home insurance providers, provided the dog is a family pet and not a "guard dog" or used for breeding.
The Hook: They are known for excellent claims handling, though their premiums can be slightly higher than State Farm.
The "Conditions" Strategy: How to Turn a "No" into a "Yes"
Some companies are on the fence. They might insure a Golden Retriever with no questions asked, but for a Rottweiler, they need reassurance. If you can't get State Farm or USAA, you can often negotiate with other carriers by proving your dog is a "Low Risk."
1. The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Gold Star
We cannot stress this enough: Get your Rottweiler CGC Certified. The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen test is proof that your dog acts like a gentleman (or lady).
Why it matters: A CGC certificate tells an underwriter: "This isn't a junkyard guard dog; this is a trained, socialized pet." Companies like Nationwide or Liberty Mutual (who are often strict) have been known to make exceptions when presented with this certificate.
2. The "Housing" Check
Underwriters fear escape artists.
Fencing: Having a 6-foot privacy fence with a locking gate is often a mandatory requirement for Rottweilers. If you only have an electric fence (invisible fence), many insurers will deny you because a high-drive dog can sometimes run through the shock.
Indoor Sleeping: Confirming the dog sleeps indoors (not chained outside) reduces the perceived risk of aggression significantly.
Liability Coverage: The "Rottweiler Premium" Protection
When you find homeowners insurance that allows rottweilers, your job isn't done. You need to structure the policy correctly. A standard policy is often insufficient for the risks associated with a large breed.
Why $100,000 is NOT Enough
Most basic policies come with $100,000 in Personal Liability protection.
The Reality: If a Rottweiler bites a child or causes a serious fall, medical reconstruction bills can hit $150,000 instantly. Once the insurance limit is exhausted, the lawyers come for your assets (your home equity, your savings, your future wages).
The Fix: Always upgrade to $300,000 or $500,000 in liability. The cost difference is usually less than the price of a large pizza per year ($20-$30).
The Umbrella Policy Safety Net
For Rottweiler owners, an Umbrella Policy is virtually mandatory.
This kicks in after your home insurance runs out.
It provides an extra $1 Million+ in coverage.
Crucial: Verify that the Umbrella Policy also allows Rottweilers. Sometimes a carrier will give you a home policy but deny the umbrella due to the breed. Ensure both are aligned.
What if I Get Dropped? (The "Last Resort" Options)
Sometimes, you receive a non-renewal notice in the mail. Maybe your carrier changed their rules, or maybe you are in a high-risk fire zone where choices are limited. If you cannot find a standard carrier, do not panic. You can use the "Exclusion + Standalone" method.
The Exclusion: Ask a carrier to write the home policy but exclude animal liability entirely. They cover the house burning down; they do not cover the dog.
The Standalone Policy: Purchase a specific Dog Liability Insurance policy from specialists like Einhorn Insurance or XINSURANCE.
Pros: These companies cover Rottweilers with no issues.
Cons: It’s an extra bill (usually $300-$800/year), but it secures your home and keeps you legal.
Frequently Asked Questions for Rottweiler Owners
My dog is a Rottweiler Mix. Do I have to tell the insurance company?
Yes. If you lie and say "It's a Shepherd Mix" or "Lab Mix," you are committing Material Misrepresentation (Insurance Fraud).
The Risk: If a claim happens, the adjuster will interview neighbors and check vet records. If they find out it's a Rottweiler and you lied, they will deny the claim (even if the claim was for a fire, not a dog bite) and cancel you for fraud. Always be honest.
Does professional obedience training lower my premium?
Directly? Rarely. Indirectly? Yes. Most insurers won't give you a discount coupon for training, but training (like CGC) acts as the "key" to unlock eligibility with companies that would otherwise reject you. It gets you in the door.
Are Rottweiler puppies insured differently than adults?
Sometimes. Some insurers are lenient with puppies under 6 months because they haven't developed "territorial aggression" yet. However, they may require you to sign a document stating you will spay/neuter the dog and complete a training course by their first birthday to maintain coverage.
Conclusion: Advocacy Through Responsibility
Owning a Rottweiler is a privilege that comes with extra paperwork. The bias against the breed is unfair, but ignoring it puts your financial future at risk.
By switching to a breed-neutral carrier like State Farm or USAA, and backing it up with solid training credentials, you prove the stereotypes wrong. You secure homeowners insurance that allows rottweilers not by hiding your dog, but by demonstrating that a responsible owner makes any breed a safe breed.
Your Next Step:
Check your current policy's "Declarations Page" for any breed exclusion endorsements.
If you find one, call a State Farm agent or an independent broker today.
Don't ask "Do you cover dogs?"; ask "Are you a breed-neutral carrier?"
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