Michigan's Bill Aims to Stop Insurers from Discriminating Based on Dog Breeds

A bill introduced in the Michigan House seeks to prevent home insurers from adjusting policies or premiums based on the dog breeds owned by homeowners or tenants. According to data from a 2025 Forbes Advisor report, breeds often restricted by insurers include Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Pit Bull Terriers. The American Pet Products Association highlighted that Pit Bulls were the most popular breed in Michigan that year. Additionally, statistics from pet-sitting app Rover identified Pit Bull mixes as the most prevalent breed statewide.

Michigan Humane has pointed out that many insurers impose higher premiums or deny coverage for owners of certain dog breeds, whether purebred or mixed. They also face challenges in breed identification after incidents. The ASPCA has criticized breed-specific policies, asserting they lack evidence to support a correlation with increased insurance claims. Representative Penelope Tsernoglou of East Lansing, who reintroduced the bill, argues that while breed can influence behavior, it does not universally determine aggression. Therefore, policy restrictions or premium increases can negatively impact property owners and renters. She believes that insurance companies should not dictate pet ownership choices.

Currently, Nevada, New York, and Illinois prohibit breed-based insurance discrimination, with several states considering similar legislation. The proposed Michigan bill is currently awaiting review by the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee, with support from representatives Emily Dievendorf, Kimberly Edwards, and Veronica Paiz.