Is your Dog Breed Covered Under Your Homeowners Insurance Policy?

As a homeowner, insurance is one of the most crucial aspects of safeguarding your property and personal belongings. It also includes liability protection for injuries that occur on your property. However, this coverage is not always blanket—there are certain exclusions that homeowners should be aware of.

Many homeowners are unaware that injuries caused by certain dog breeds may not be covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. This exclusion often arises when a policy contains breed-specific restrictions—policies that refuse to cover damage or injury caused by certain breeds of dogs.

Insurers may use breed-specific exclusions based on the perceived risk of these breeds being more likely to cause harm. Common breeds that may be excluded from coverage include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and others deemed "aggressive" or "dangerous."

In a recent 6^th District Court of Appeals ruling, Garlock v. Jordan, the Ohio Court heldthat insurance companies have the right to exclude certain dog breeds from coverage in homeowners insurance policies.

What Should Homeowners Do?

If you are a homeowner with a dog, especially if you own one of the breeds that commonly appear on exclusion lists (e.g., Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans), here are a few steps to ensure you're adequately protected:

Review Your Insurance Policy: Carefully read your homeowners insurance policy and note any breed-specific exclusions. If you own a breed that is excluded, contact your insurer to inquire about possible alternatives or seek coverage from a specialty insurer.
Safety First: Regardless of your dog’s breed, always prioritize safety. Proper training, socialization, and responsible ownership can significantly reduce the risk of incidents, which in turn can help protect both your dog and your insurance coverage.

In the end, understanding the nuances of your insurance coverage could make a significant difference in protecting your home, your family, and your furry friends. If you have questions about what your homeowners insurance policy covers, the attorneys at Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd., LPA are able to review your policy for you and discuss how any policy exclusions may put you and your family at risk.

Taylor L. Agler, Esq. is an Associate at Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd., LPA.

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Congratulations to Taylor Agler: A Rising Star in the Legal Community

We are thrilled to announce that Taylor Agler, one of our firm’s outstanding attorneys, has been named a Rising Star in the latest Super Lawyers publication. This prestigious recognition highlights her exceptional skill, dedication, and passion for the practice of law.

A Well-Deserved Honor

Super Lawyers, a respected legal industry ranking service, annually selects Rising Stars to recognize the top up-and-coming attorneys who have demonstrated excellence in their practice and earned the respect of peers and clients alike. Only a small percentage of attorneys are honored with this distinction, and it’s no surprise that Taylor has been chosen.

Taylor’s Journey

Since joining our firm, Taylor has quickly made a name for herself with her deep understanding of the law, exceptional client service, and a commitment to advocating for those she represents. She has earned praise for her meticulous attention to detail, her ability to think critically and strategically, and her compassionate approach to complex legal issues.

Taylor’s practice focuses on personal injury and other civil litigation matters, where she works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients. Her passion for her practice area and for her clientsis evident in every case she handles, and she consistently works to ensure that each client feels heard and supported throughout the legal process.

A Rising Star with a Bright Future

Taylor’s Rising Star award is just the beginning. Her career trajectory is one to watch as she continues to grow and make significant contributions to the legal field. We have no doubt that her recognition today will be just the first of many as she ascends to even greater heights in the years to come.

Please join us in congratulating Taylor on this well-deserved honor. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing her continued success as she shapes the future of the legal profession.

If you’d like to learn more about Taylor Agler and her practice, feel free to visit https://lawyerscolumbusohio.com/our-firm/taylor-agler/.

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Disclaimers: Artificial intelligence is used as a tool to supplement, enhance, make suggestions, and generate blog language from the thoughts, ideas, and opinions of our human lawyers. The final product is reviewed and edited by an attorney.