How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Pitbull? The Complete 2025 Guide

Are you a proud pitbull parent wondering about insurance costs? You’re not alone! As a pitbull owner myself, I know the struggle of finding affordable insurance that actually covers our beloved breed. Insurance companies often label pitbulls as “aggressive” or “high-risk,” making coverage challenging and sometimes expensive.

But don’t worry – I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Let’s dive into the real costs of insuring your pitbull in 2025 explore your options and find ways to save money while keeping your furry friend protected.

The Basic Costs: What to Expect

When it comes to insuring a pitbull. you’re looking at two main types of insurance

1. Pet health insurance – Covers veterinary care, illnesses, and injuries
2. Dog liability insurance – Covers damages or injuries your dog might cause to others

Here’s what you can typically expect to pay:

• Pet health insurance for pitbulls: $30-$90 per month
• Liability insurance for pitbulls: $10-$100 per month (depending on coverage amount and provider)

These costs vary significantly based on several factors which we’ll explore below. But first, it’s important to understand why pitbulls often face higher insurance rates.

Why Pitbulls Cost More to Insure

Insurance is all about risk assessment, and sadly, pitbulls have gotten a bad rap. According to data from XINSURANCE, dog bite liability claims cost homeowners across the United States $1,116 million in 2023 alone, with the average cost per claim rising 82.5% between 2014 and 2023.

Insurance companies look at statistics like these and often place pitbulls on their “restricted breed” lists. This means:

• Many standard homeowners insurance policies won’t cover pitbulls
• Landlords frequently ban pitbulls or require special insurance
• You might need a separate policy specifically for your pitbull

It’s not fair, but it’s the reality we face as pitbull owners. The good news? There are still plenty of options available.

Factors That Impact Your Pitbull Insurance Costs

The exact amount you’ll pay depends on several key factors:

1. Your Dog’s Age and Health

Younger pitbulls generally cost less to insure than older ones, as they typically have fewer health issues. However, puppies might have slightly higher premiums due to their unpredictable nature and tendency to get into accidents.

2. Your Location

Where you live significantly impacts insurance costs. Urban areas typically have higher premiums than rural ones due to:

• Higher veterinary costs in cities
• More opportunities for dog-related incidents
• Local regulations and breed-specific legislation

3. Coverage Level and Deductible

Just like with human insurance, you can adjust your coverage level and deductible:

• Higher deductible = Lower monthly premium
• More comprehensive coverage = Higher monthly premium

4. Your Dog’s History

Has your pitbull ever been involved in an incident? If so, expect higher premiums. Insurance companies will want to know:

• Bite history
• Behavioral assessments
• Training certificates

5. Insurance Provider

Different companies have vastly different approaches to insuring pitbulls. Some specialize in covering “restricted breeds” while others avoid them altogether.

Types of Insurance for Your Pitbull

Let’s break down the different insurance options available:

Pet Health Insurance

This covers your pitbull’s medical expenses. For pitbulls, you can expect to pay:

• Basic accident-only coverage: $30-$40 per month
• Comprehensive coverage (accidents + illnesses): $50-$70 per month
• Premium coverage (accidents + illnesses + wellness): $70-$90+ per month

Most pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions, so it’s best to insure your pitbull when they’re young and healthy.

Dog Liability Insurance

This is often the more challenging type of insurance to secure for pitbull owners. It covers damages if your dog injures someone or damages property.

• Basic liability coverage ($100,000): $10-$30 per month
• Mid-level coverage ($300,000): $30-$60 per month
• High coverage ($500,000+): $60-$100+ per month

Companies like XINSURANCE and Bark Insured specialize in providing liability coverage for pitbulls and other restricted breeds when standard insurers won’t.

Homeowners and Renters Insurance Considerations

If you own a home or rent, your pitbull can impact your insurance in several ways:

For Homeowners

Many standard homeowners insurance policies exclude pitbulls or charge significantly higher premiums to cover them. According to XINSURANCE, you have several options:

1. Find a pitbull-friendly insurer – Some companies don’t discriminate by breed
2. Purchase an umbrella policy – This provides additional liability coverage
3. Buy separate dog liability insurance – Companies like XINSURANCE offer standalone policies

For Renters

If you rent with a pitbull, you’ll likely need:

1. Dog liability insurance – Many landlords require $100,000+ in coverage
2. Certificate of Insurance (COI) – Proof of coverage to provide to your landlord
3. Banned breed renters insurance – Specialized policies for restricted breeds

Bark Insured notes that providing proper insurance documentation can often convince landlords to accept your pitbull, even when they initially have breed restrictions.

Ways to Lower Your Pitbull Insurance Costs

Don’t want to pay top dollar? Here are some proven ways to reduce your insurance costs:

1. Train Your Pitbull

Insurance companies love responsible owners. Consider:

• Completing certified obedience training
• Getting the Canine Good Citizen certification
• Working with a professional behaviorist

2. Spay or Neuter Your Dog

According to XINSURANCE, spayed or neutered pitbulls are generally considered lower risk and may qualify for better rates.

3. Shop Around

Different insurers have wildly different rates. Get quotes from:

• Specialized pitbull insurers like XINSURANCE or Bark Insured
• Pet-focused insurance companies
• Companies that evaluate dogs individually rather than by breed

4. Bundle Policies

Some companies offer discounts when you bundle different types of insurance together.

5. Adjust Your Coverage

Consider:

• Raising your deductible
• Lowering coverage limits
• Excluding certain optional coverages

Real-World Example: My Pitbull’s Insurance Costs

I adopted my pitbull, Max, two years ago, and finding insurance was one of my biggest challenges. After shopping around, here’s what I pay:

• Pet health insurance: $65/month for comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible
• Liability insurance: $35/month for $300,000 in coverage

That’s $100/month total, or $1,200 per year. It’s not cheap, but the peace of mind is worth every penny. Last year, Max needed emergency surgery that cost over $3,000, and my insurance covered 80% after the deductible.

Insurance Requirements in Different States

Some states have special considerations for pitbull owners:

• Pennsylvania, Florida, Utah, and Illinois – These states prohibit insurers from denying coverage based solely on dog breed
• California – Has strong protections against breed discrimination
• Ohio – Requires pitbull owners to carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance

Check your local and state regulations, as they can significantly impact your insurance options and costs.

Is Pitbull Insurance Worth the Cost?

Absolutely! Consider these facts:

• The average cost of a dog bite claim was approximately $58,000 in 2023
• Without insurance, you’re personally responsible for all damages
• Some states require proof of insurance to retrieve your pitbull from a pound after an incident
• Veterinary emergencies can easily cost thousands of dollars

While pitbull insurance might seem expensive, it’s much cheaper than covering these costs out-of-pocket.

Finding the Right Insurance Provider

Not all insurance companies are created equal when it comes to pitbulls. Here are some that specialize in covering restricted breeds:

1. XINSURANCE – Offers customized liability insurance specifically for pitbulls
2. Bark Insured – Specializes in liability coverage for renters with restricted breeds
3. Specialized pet insurers – Many pet-specific insurance companies will cover pitbulls

When comparing providers, look at:

• Coverage limits
• Exclusions
• Claim processing time
• Customer service ratings
• Premium increases after claims

Final Thoughts

Insuring a pitbull might be more challenging and expensive than insuring other breeds, but it’s absolutely possible and worth the effort. The typical cost range of $30-$90 per month for health insurance and $10-$100 for liability insurance is a small price to pay for protecting both your dog and your financial security.

Remember that the best approach is to:

1. Shop around for quotes
2. Invest in training and preventative care
3. Consider bundling different policies
4. Be honest about your dog’s breed and history

As pitbull owners, we know these dogs are loving, loyal companions that deserve the same protection as any other breed. With the right insurance in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for whatever life throws your way.

Have you insured your pitbull? What has your experience been like? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!

How does the cost of pet insurance differ across dog breeds?

For Pit Bulls, some of the top pet insurance providers include Lemonade, MetLife, and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.