New Law in Nevada Ends Insurance Dog Breed Discrimination

In Nevada, a new rule went into effect that may save pet owners hundreds of dollars. It eliminates discrimination based on dog breed when it comes to insurance prices.

Las Vegas is a dog-friendly city. However, it has a severe pet overpopulation problem, which causes shelters and rescues to get overwhelmed. Many individuals relinquish their pets not because they don’t want them, but because they don’t have any other option.

Some speculate that liability insurance is to blame.

In December 2020, Annette Merle adopted Neveah (a large dog breed). She lived in a house with a backyard and had an understanding landlord that loved dogs too. However, due to the pandemic, the house Merle and Neveah called home was sold. So, she had to look for another place that accepts a large dog.

She added that finding a new home for a large breed dog, aggressive or not, is quite difficult. Things become more challenging when the dog’s temperament enters the picture.

Merle did eventually find a landlord who was prepared to work with her, but at a high cost. Even though Neveah had never done anything wrong before, she had to purchase insurance expressly for her dog. The annual fee is $589.20.

Only liability insurance was covered. Few people can pay such a high fee. Because of the high expense of liability insurance, most homeowner associations and property managers have a list of prohibited breeds.

Large dog breeds make up over 80% of the canines at Hearts Alive Village, according to Amy Clatterbuck, who started the group for rescue and shelter dogs. She, too, has witnessed the hardship while attempting to rehome pets.

They frequently face the same breed bans, such as no pit bulls, bull terriers, rottweilers, or German shepherds. Discrimination is common even among breeds like schnauzers and Boston terriers.

Insurance companies are expected to have data that proves an individual dog is, in fact, a higher danger, according to the American S.P.C.A. Insurance companies are supposed to have data that proves an individual dog is, in fact, a higher risk.

Because some insurance firms assess risk based on breed, they may charge a higher premium or refuse coverage entirely. However, they can no longer do so in Nevada. Senate Bill 103 was signed into law on January 1, 2022. It bans insurance companies from discriminating against a property’s dog breed.

The new law is a positive step forward that may motivate more people to adopt. It won’t matter whether you live in a condo or apartment, you can get any kind of dog without worrying about discrimination.