New bill to prevent carriers from excluding dog breeds

‘Dangerous dog’ owners may be able to insist their homeowner’s insurance covers their pets in future

Insurance News

By Lyle Adriano

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Financial Services has taken up a bill that would protect clients from insurance companies that raise their premiums or refuse them coverage based on the breed of dogs they have.

Sponsored by State Senator Anne Gobi, Senate Bill 501 makes new regulations for homeowners insurance companies that offer policies insuring against liability for injury to persons or property. Should the bill be passed, insurers would be prohibited from refusing to write, renew, or cancel a policy; or levy an increased premium if their clients own a specific breed of dog.

The bill would allow for such actions if and only if the dog in question has been declared dangerous.

Additionally, the bill dictates that all dog bites or attacks that result in medical attention must be reported to theMassachusetts Department of Public Health within 60 days. Should no report be filed within the period, then the insurer is released from the liability of paying for damages.

The American Kennel Club has expressed its support for these provisions, noting that it would protect dog owners from being discriminated against by insurers.
 

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