Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Bears?

Bear sightings are not uncommon in certain Pennsylvania and New Jersey areas. However, are you unsure whether or not your home would be protected for any damage that might occur if a bear stumbles across your home? If you have homeowners insurance coverage, the answer is yes.

Bear attacks on your home should be covered under your insurance policy's "malicious mischief or vandalism" protection. The same protection can also be applied to any vehicles you might own if you have comprehensive coverage included in your auto insurance policy.

It is important to be aware of bear sighting warnings in your area. If you were to invite guests to your home while a warning was in effect and they were injured, you would not be covered.


Resources: CBS Philly

Will Your Dog Affect Your Homeowners Insurance?

In most states insurance companies charge higher homeowners insurance premiums for certain types of dog breeds that may live in the home. They also have the right to not renew a policy based solely on a dog's breed. If you have a dog that is not one of these breeds but bites someone, this could also result in a higher policy cost or cancellation of the policy. However, if the dog is one of the "high risk" breeds that has never bit someone, the above could also be an end result for the homeowner unless they give the dog away.

This may lead someone to not disclose this information to their insurance agency instead of shopping around for an agent that may allow their dog but charge them a higher premium. This is not a good idea because if your dog were to bite someone in your home, it could lead to the insurance company denying your claim and costing you thousands.

The following list are the top eleven dogs that insurance companies resist providing coverage for the most. The top four on the list are most often denied coverage.

1. Pit Bulls & Staffordshire Terriers
2. Doberman Pinschers
3. Rottweilers
4. German Shepherds
5. Chows
6. Great Danes
7. Presa Canarios
8. Akitas
9. Alaskan Malamutes
10. Siberian Huskies
11. Wolf Hybrids

These dogs have mostly just received a bad reputation - especially the top four and this list should not stop you from bringing one of these guys home with you. However, you should probably consult with your insurance agent, if you have plans to get any of these dogs. They could work with you about your homeowners insurance policy. Making sure that you will be covered before adopting one of these dogs is a smart way to avoid losing your coverage.

Fortunately for Pennsylvania (one of two states - Michigan is the second.) residents and those insured by Main Line Insurance, their homeowners insurance cannot be denied based on the breed of their dog. 

Resources: Bankrate, American Kennel Club, Forbes

Homeowners Insurance Protects You on Vacation

Homeowners insurance can do more for you than just protect your actual home and possessions. When you travel on vacation and rent a vacation home, your homeowners insurance comes along with you. 

Many homeowner policies have an off-site limit up to 10% of your whole policy. For example, if your policy is for $100,000, then you have $10,000 in off-site protection. This includes protecting your family and possessions from fire, wind damage, vandalism, and theft. Water damage is also usually covered but not in the case of flooding. 

So, consider what you take with you on vacation. If you need to bring an expensive personal item with you, ask your agent about a floater or endorsement to protect it. Make an inventory list of any items you are bringing along with you as well as taking pictures. It is also a good idea to ask about any supplemental insurance if you would like to rent a summer vacation home. 

Resources: houselogic