Ban Unfair Insurance Practices Targeting Certain Dog Breeds in Illinois

Insurance companies have been re-evaluating their coverage for homeowners who have dogs such as “pit bulls,” rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Akitas and chow chows.

One-third of all liability claims against homeowners are dog-bite-related, and insurers claim dog bites cost them $351.4 million in 2006. Consequently, some insurance companies are declining, terminating or limiting the amount or type of insurance coverage a property owner can have, as well as imposing increased premiums under a homeowner’s insurance policy based on the type or specific breed of dog living at the residence.

Insurance discrimination is another form of breed-specific legislation (BSL). BSL generally refers to legislation, regulations or municipal ordinances that restrict the ownership of certain dog breeds, sometimes designating certain breeds as dangerous or illegal.

However, studies have shown that it is not the breeds themselves that are dangerous, but unfavorable situations that are creating dangerous dogs. Dogs that have attacked or bitten humans generally are:

• Dogs that have been obtained for negative functions such as fighting or guarding.
• Dogs that the owners have failed to humanely care for, control and properly train.
• Dogs that are left unsupervised with children.
• Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered.

The consequences of insurance discrimination are wide-ranging. Penalizing certain dog owners not only causes financial challenges for them, but also results in a greater number of dogs surrendered to shelters.

Assembly Bill 1279 would prevent insurance companies from unfairly discriminating against consumers based on the breed of dog at their residences. It stops insurance companies from declining, terminating or limiting the amount or type of insurance coverage a property owner can have if a certain breed lives on the property. The bill also prevents companies from imposing higher premiums under a homeowner’s insurance policy on the basis of the type or specific breed of dog living at the residence.

Please support this important bill along with American Humane by contacting your legislators!