Pet Owners Beware: Proposed CT Bill May Restrict Insurance Based on Dog Breed

Connecticut pet owners should pay close attention to a new legislative development that could impact how insurance services in CT are provided to households with dogs. A proposed bill, SB 1386, is making its way through the Connecticut General Assembly and could change the way insurance companies handle policies for dog owners—potentially ending breed-based discrimination in homeowners and renters insurance.

SB 1386, titled “An Act Concerning Dog Breed And Therapy Animals In Insurance Underwriting,” aims to prohibit insurance companies from denying, canceling, or increasing premiums for homeowners or renters insurance based solely on the breed or mixture of breeds of a dog. This means that if the bill passes, insurers would be required to assess dogs based on their individual behavior rather than their breed.

Currently, many insurance providers in Connecticut can decline coverage or charge higher premiums if you own certain breeds, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, or German Shepherds. This practice has long been a concern for responsible pet owners seeking fair access to insurance services in CT.

• No Breed Discrimination: Insurers would not be allowed to refuse, cancel, or non-renew a policy, or charge higher premiums, just because a household owns a dog of a specific breed or mix.
• Behavior-Based Decisions: Insurance decisions could only be based on the individual dog’s behavior, such as a history of dangerous actions, not on breed alone.
• Service Animal Protections: The bill also covers dogs trained or being trained as service animals for people with disabilities, ensuring they are not unfairly targeted.
• Penalties for Misrepresentation: The state would evaluate the feasibility of penalties for those who intentionally misrepresent a dog as a service animal to gain accommodations.

If SB 1386 becomes law, pet owners in Connecticut would have greater protection and access to insurance services in CT, regardless of their dog’s breed. This would be a significant shift from current practices, where breed restrictions can limit your insurance options or increase your costs.

For those seeking homeowners or renters insurance, this bill could mean:

• More insurance choices without worrying about breed restrictions.
• Fairer premium calculations based on your dog’s actual behavior.
• Peace of mind knowing your family pet won’t jeopardize your coverage.

Breed-based discrimination in insurance has been criticized for being unfair and unsupported by data, as a dog’s behavior is not solely determined by its breed. Many experts and advocacy groups argue that responsible ownership and proper training are far more important factors in determining risk.

By focusing on individual behavior, SB 1386 aims to create a more equitable system for all pet owners and ensure that insurance services in CT are accessible and fair.

• Stay Informed: Follow the progress of SB 1386 in the Connecticut legislature.
• Contact Your Representative: If you support the bill, reach out to your state representative and express your views.
• Review Your Policy: Check your current homeowners or renters insurance policy for any breed restrictions and discuss your options with your provider.

At Insurance Near Me CT, we are committed to helping you navigate changes in insurance laws and find the best insurance services in CT for your needs. If you have questions about how this proposed bill could affect your coverage, contact our team for expert guidance.

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