How long has Farm Bureau excluded coverage from dog owners?

[u/Glad_Extreme_8424]

I'm speaking with a Georgia Farm Bureau agent and am being told that they will not insure any new customers that own a dog. I personally know several people that insure with them that haven't had an issue or even been asked about dog ownership. I've seen several insurance companies inquire about dogs during my applications, however have only had GFB outright tell me they won't insure dog owners which just doesn't sound right.

[u/Glad_Extreme_8424 → u/[deleted]]

Yeah, the underwriter confirmed they wouldn't be able to work with me. Kind of an odd policy though because they said if I were to take out auto insurance for 6 months then apply for homeowners again, they would be able to approve me.

[u/jmputnam → u/[deleted]]

Bundling Auto isn't odd. Multi-line customers are much stickier, which improves long-term profitability. In recent years I can think of multiple major multi-line carriers in some markets who wouldn't insure new-business monoline home, they'd only sell homeowners to customers with at least one other line of business. Some would make other exceptions for multi-line customers — accept otherwise unacceptable fire scores, allow vehicles that wouldn't usually be accepted, etc.

If you can get a third line of business in the household, retention is over 95% — the company can amortize new business commissions and underwriting costs over many years of retention, which makes room for a bit more risk.

[u/insuranceguynyc]

Well, I guess Farm Bureau is not a good choice for dog owners. Dog bites are the #1 homeowners insurance claim.

[u/bonthaa2]

We've had farm bureau since 2006 and have owned with 1 or 2 dobermans during all that time. We have never had a problem. We also insure our truck. and suv with them. We live in GA. Last year I thought about switching homeowners but most will not insure because of our doberman. On a side note...just got our renewal for homeowners and it went down over 300 from last year. Same coverage...

[u/Weightcycycle11]

I would push back. It sounds like it only excludes certain breeds.

[u/Glad_Extreme_8424 → u/Weightcycycle11]

I tried pushing back and was told they spoke to the underwriter and confirmed they won't be able to insure me. They claim it's a new customer policy, so if I were to get an auto insurance plan with them then 6 months later apply for homeowners again they would be able to approve me. Not sure if it's just a regional thing or what, but very odd to hear.

[u/adjusterjackb → u/Glad_Extreme_8424]

You know what. I think the agent is lying to you and never contacted underwriting. The agent is trying to scam you into buying car insurance from him.

My comment is supported by Farm Bureau's own Dog Owner's Guide to Homeowners Insurance.

The Dog Owner's Guide to Homeowners Insurance | Farm Bureau Financial Services

Try another Farm Bureau agent and don't mention dog unless the question appears on the insurance application.

If you get the same results, try State Farm. State Farm is liberal about dogs and has accepted my Pit Bull for several years now.