American XL Bully ban: does pet insurance cover dangerous dogs?

From 1 February 2024, it will be illegal to own an American XL Bully dog unless the owner has successfully applied for it to be exempt. For those allowed to keep one, the next challenge will be finding a pet insurer willing to sell them cover.

The dogs were added to the list of banned breeds in England and Wales following a number of brutal attacks, some of which were fatal. 

Here, Which? outlines what the ban means for owners of dogs classified as dangerous and explains your options when it comes to insuring the animals.

What does the ban mean for dog owners?

The American XL Bully was introduced to the UK in around 2014 and there are now believed to be thousands here. According to campaign group Bully Watch, which called for the ban, they account for less than 1% of all owned dogs across the country, yet are responsible for about 44% of attacks this year. 

The government has announced that the dog will be banned from the end of the year. If you own an XL Bully, here are the key dates you need to be aware of: 

• 31 December: The American XL Bully will be added to the list of prohibited breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act. This means it will be a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow to stray the American XL Bully type of dog in England and Wales. From this date, dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.  
• 31 January: Owners who wish to keep their canines have until this date to register them on the index of exempted dogs. Courts will allow this if they deem that the dogs don't pose a danger to the public and their owners are responsible enough. Owners must also take out third-party insurance and comply with a strict set of rules, including having the dog neutered, microchipped and kept in a secure place where they can't escape. 
• 1 February: It will be illegal to own an XL bully, with owners facing a criminal record and an unlimited fine. Unless the dog is on the exemption list, police will have the power to seize it.

The new rules do not apply to Scotland and Northern Ireland, but the devolved governments in those countries may also decide to impose a ban in future.

Can you insure a banned breed?

The American XL Bully isn't the only type of dog to be banned. Pit Bull Terriers, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino, and the Fila Brasileiro are also on the list of breeds prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.  

Under the exemption scheme, there are almost 3,500 banned dogs living legally at home with their owners, the BBC reports. Unfortunately, owners looking to cover the high costs of vet treatment may struggle to find pet insurance.

The main comparison sites do not offer quotes for dangerous dogs and most insurers won't cover them. You'll therefore need to find a specialist provider. Even if you do find one willing to sell you a policy, the premiums could be considerably higher as these dogs will likely be seen as a higher risk by insurers.  

What is third-party liability insurance?

Under the exemption rules, you'll be legally required to take out third-party liability cover. This will cover your costs if someone decides to make a claim against you because of an injury or damage caused by your dog, so long as your canine doesn’t have a history of aggression. 

While most insurers offer it as standard or as an add-on, owning a dangerous dog undoubtedly means you'll need to buy it on its own.

The policy will usually cover you for up to £1m. It sounds like a lot, if you end up being sued for loss of earnings, costs can spiral and you might need that extra financial safety net.

Consider using a broker

With comparison sites out of the question, finding a specialist pet insurer that will cover dangerous dogs is like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, an insurance broker can help you source a suitable policy.

Brokers are professionals who serve as intermediaries between customers and insurance providers, working independently to find the best pet insurance deals based on your needs. 

But their services are generally not free. They often work on commission, meaning they usually take a chunk of your premium as their fee. However, with the cost of treating a serious condition often spiralling into the thousands, you may find the broker's fees are worth swallowing in the long run.

You can search for a regulated, authorised insurance broker through the British Insurance Brokers' Association search engine or by calling 0370 950 1790.

Other breeds can be tricky to insure 

It's not just banned breeds that can be hard to find cover for. For example, insurers may be wary about covering those with a history of hereditary medical conditions and dogs used for breeding, guarding, racing or hunting.

Size also matters. Very large dogs such as Great Danes and Alaskan Malamutes can be hard to find insurance for, simply because of the higher cost of treating an animal that size. The bigger the pooch, the more medication they need.

Other insurers base their decisions on personality traits. German Shepherds and Saint Bernard's are known for their loyalty, but that can be seen as a risk when it comes to insurance. These breeds may be more territorial and likely to attack if threatened.

Surprisingly, smaller dogs such as Pugs and French Bulldogs can also be hard to find cover for. Their flat faces mean they are more susceptible to certain medical conditions.

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Self-insure instead

If you can't find an insurer that will cover your breed, you may have no other choice but to pay vet fees out of your own pocket. 

With interest rates currently rising, consider opening an easy-access or a regular savings account to put money aside for these. Take a look at our guide to finding the best savings account for the market-leading rates and helpful tips and advice.

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