Insurance company considers dog owner a high risk

By Carol Kennedy

Published on March 27, 2006

Mary Ellis alleges that a Commerce Insurance Company representative told her she was considered a "risky customer" because she owned the dogs.

Ellis has been an owner and breeder of Siberian huskies for 25 years. She stated that she has never filed an insurance claim and her dogs have never bitten anyone. Ellis said she believes the action is clear discrimination against owners of dogs that are perceived as vicious.

A proposed law, supported by the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners, has been introduced that would make it illegal for insurance companies to refuse coverage based on the type of dog a person owns. Similar legislation is pending in at least 10 other states.

Commerce Insurance Company underwrites more homes in the state of Massachusetts than any other insurer and has a list of dogs that the company considers "unacceptable." The company would not comment on the Ellis case.

The American Kennel Club describes the Siberian husky as "friendly and gentle."

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