Can There Be Dog Breed Exclusions in Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?
CALL/TXT UTAH DOG BITE ATTORNEY JAKE GUNTER (801) 373-6345. FREE CONSULT.
ANSWER: YES, homeowner’s insurance policies can include dog breed exclusions. Understanding the potential for these exclusions is essential for dog owners in Utah.
While some states have enforced these exclusions in homeowner’s policies, I have personally never encountered such exclusions in Utah homeowner’s policies. In fact, there have been no litigated cases regarding dog breed exclusions in Utah.
Dog Breed Exclusions and Insurance Policies
The Utah Insurance Commissioner Bulletins do not mention dog breeds or exclusions in any bulletin that I can find. For reference, you can check the bulletins at Utah Insurance Bulletins. This lack of mention further suggests that these type of exclusions are not a common practice in Utah.
Moreover, the Utah dog bite statute at Utah Code 18-2-101 prohibits municipalities from regulating breed-specific matters. This means local governments cannot enforce exclusions related to dog breeds. The statute states:
18-2-101 Regulation of dogs by a municipality.
(1) A municipality may not adopt or enforce a breed-specific rule, regulation, policy, or ordinance regarding dogs.
(2) Any breed-specific rule, regulation, policy, or ordinance regarding dogs is void.
(Enacted by Chapter 424, 2014 General Session)
Conclusion
In summary, while exclusions related to dog breeds may exist in some states, they are not commonly found in Utah homeowner’s insurance policies. Understanding your rights and the limitations of local municipalities is crucial for dog owners. If you have questions or need legal assistance regarding dog bites or insurance coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out.
