Insurance is not man’s best friend

Brooklyn: Owning and caring for a dog can be a massive responsibility, one that requires both resources and compassion. And providing good food, housing and veterinary care for a dog can be especially difficult for those threatened with housing insecurity. These housing barriers are further intensified when insurance companies deny or overcharge for property insurance simply because a family owns a certain breed of dog, which is a practice that is entirely legal throughout New York State.

While some breeds of dog have long been considered generally aggressive thanks to popular depiction and misconceptions, the truth is that a dog’s individual history and behavior are much stronger indicators in determining the risk of aggression. But don’t take my word for it: Insurance claims data also contradicts the argument that certain dog breeds present more of a risk than non-restricted breeds, showing that insurers don’t always rely on the facts when making coverage decisions (which shouldn’t be surprising to anyone who has ever dealt with insurers).

Fortunately, New York State legislators have taken a stance against this practice and have passed S.4254/A.4075, which will prohibit insurance companies from denying or overcharging property coverage based on the breed of dog within a home. With the tangible benefits of caring for a pet being well-known and the irrationality of insurers’ actions now being equally clear, Gov. Hochul has an opportunity to ensure that financial need isn’t a bar to keeping New Yorkers and their pets united.

I urge Hochul to sign this bill into law, growing her record of reasoned and compassionate leadership.