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I know this is sort of off track, but has anyone else ran into the case of "NO" when it comes to certain animals from Underwriters on Homeowners, and if so which companies are you using for these?

Most of the companies I use won't write an "exotic" animal. This resulted in one company denying homeowners insurance because they had a pet Chinchilla. I own a chinchilla, they're a small furball smaller than a rabit. I had to edumacate that underwriter to get the policy put though.

Most companies I also work with have dog restrictions, for obvious reasons. Foremost has a dogbite waver if the dog has bitten before.

You need to be more specific. You also need to review the company's application very carefully and fully answer questions asked. If the animal
is illegal to own, the policy provisions is not enforceable--no coverage. I don't know how to reply as I don't understand what the problem is.

We are speaking mainly of Dogs, not the exotic or illegal animals, just mainly dogs, ie. rotties, shepards, pitbulls,etc.

Knowing that you have a dog breed that has a propensity to bite needs special consideration. If this is a risk you wish to place, you will need to ask more questions about the caring and past history of this particular animal.

Then discuss risk with the HO underwriter about acceptability. If you need to place risk with a surplus lines carrier, it will take more work to find a
market. You will also be facing severe restrictions on liability limits and
even property coverages being offered.

Before I go that route, I talk to the client about the risk problems and ask if they are willing to pay higher premiums for nonstandard coverage if they keep the animal. You also have to ask yourself how much commission is your time worth. I have found perfect solutions that the client was not willing to pay for.

Certain breeds of dogs have been on the unacceptable list for quite a long time and most of us have at one time or another had to deal with this - whether it's for our selves or a large client. If you personally know the animal and feel safe vouching for it go ahead and take the exception route with the underwriter. It's not the size of the account but the age and personal information you can give about the animal that will get you an exception (8 yr old shepard that lets the baby crawl on it) However, keep in mind that if you are not familiar with both the animal or the owner, and there is a claim, you are putting your credability at risk with that underwriter. There are plenty of carriers that are putting animal liability exclusions on policies. Don't waste your time unless it's worth it.

We use NWGF (a regional carrier) when we run into dog or tampoline problems. They will exclude the animal or trampoline which will allow us to write the home. We make sure to explain that there is no coverage for any injuries or claims involving the dog or trampoline & have them sign the exclusion. I have had several homeowners immediately get rid of the tramps when you explain that most injuries/deaths involve young people & the ins payouts can be huge (lost future income, etc). They don't think of those things when buying a fun "toy" for the kids. If the dog is truly as gentle as they say (my nephews pit bulls are the "let the kids crawl on it" gentle), the exclusion shouldn't be a problem for them. If the dog is truly vicious or agressive, you don't want the exposure.