Nassau County Homeowners Face Insurance Crisis as Untrained Dogs Drive Premium Increases to Record Highs in 2025

Nassau County families are experiencing a perfect storm of rising homeowners insurance costs in 2025, with untrained dogs playing a significant role in driving premiums to unprecedented levels. According to S&P Global, New York homeowners insurance rates rose by 19% from 2018-2023, and the situation has only worsened as insurers grapple with mounting dog-related liability claims.

The Staggering Cost of Dog-Related Insurance Claims

The numbers paint a sobering picture for Nassau County homeowners. Liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries cost homeowners insurers $1,570 million in in 2024, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm®. The number of dog bite claims nationwide increased in 2024 to 22,658 from 19,062 in 2023—a 18.9 percent increase. Even more concerning, the average cost per claim rising by nearly 86% from $37,214 in 2015 to $69,272 in 2024.

For Nassau County residents already dealing with insurers raising rates by about 8%+ in many areas for 2025, above inflation, to cover increasing losses. Premiums for New York homeowners are climbing faster than the national average, these dog-related claims are adding fuel to an already blazing fire of insurance cost increases.

How Untrained Dogs Are Costing Families Thousands

The connection between untrained dogs and insurance costs is more direct than many homeowners realize. Some insurance companies will not insure homeowners who own certain breeds of dogs categorized as dangerous, such as pit bulls. Others decide on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether an individual dog, regardless of its breed has been deemed vicious.

Insurance companies are taking increasingly aggressive steps to limit their exposure. Some companies require dog owners to sign liability waivers for dog bites, while others charge more for owners of breeds such as pit bulls and Rottweilers and others are not offering insurance to dog owners at all. Some will cover a pet if the owner takes the dog to classes aimed at modifying its behavior or if the dog is restrained with a muzzle, chain or cage.

The financial impact extends beyond just premium increases. In some cases, insurers are offering a “one-bite exclusion.” That is, the insurer will cover a homeowner the first time a dog bites, but not the second time. Insurers are also offering plans where they will only cover a dog if it has undergone behavioral training or is restrained by a leash or with a muzzle.

New York’s Legislative Response to the Crisis

The insurance crisis has become so severe that it’s caught the attention of state lawmakers. State lawmakers said they intend to investigate New York’s residential property insurance market as policy premiums continue to rise amid changing climate patterns that indicate more frequent and more severe natural disasters. Orange County state Sen. James Skoufis and New York City senators Brian Kavanagh and Jamaal Bailey, all Democrats, announced this week they would launch a joint investigation into the property insurance industry.

There’s even proposed legislation to limit premium increases. NO INSURER SHALL INCREASE THE RATE OF HOMEOWNERS’ INSURANCE SUCH THAT THE RATE IS MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE RATE OF THE SAME POLICY FROM ONE YEAR PRIOR UNLESS AGREED TO BY THE POLICY- HOLDER PRIOR TO THE POLICY BEING ISSUED, RENEWED, MODIFIED, ALTERED OR AMENDED.

The Solution: Professional Dog Training as Insurance Protection

While the insurance crisis may seem overwhelming, there’s a proven solution that can help Nassau County families protect themselves: professional dog training. Well-trained and socialized dogs, regardless of breed, are less likely to be aggressive. Some insurance companies acknowledge this by offering discounts to homeowners who provide proof of professional training for their pets.

Professional training programs can make a significant difference in insurance outcomes. Dog training and behavior assessments can influence insurance terms and premiums. Professionally trained dogs or those with positive behavior evaluations may be viewed as lower risk by insurers. Some companies offer discounts for dogs with certifications from recognized training programs. Providing documentation of training or behavior assessments can lead to reduced premiums and more favorable coverage terms.

For Nassau County residents seeking expert help, Dog Training Nassau County services from K9 Mania Dog Training offer comprehensive solutions. We’re dedicated to transforming the overall quality of life of dogs and their owners. Whether it’s to enjoy a calm, peaceful life with your dog or to help them reach their full potential, we believe in setting you up for success. We do this by providing excellent training services for dogs based on positive and holistic dog training methods.

Comprehensive Training Programs That Address Insurance Concerns

K9 Mania Dog Training understands the insurance implications of untrained dogs and offers programs specifically designed to address behavioral issues that concern insurers. Whether you need help with aggressiveness, anxiety, reactivity, or general behavioral issues, our dog trainers can help you. Whether you need help with aggressiveness, anxiety, reactivity, or general behavioral issues, our dog trainers can help you.

Their comprehensive approach includes addressing the specific behaviors that lead to insurance claims. Whether it’s separation anxiety, fear issues, nervousness, jumping on people, excessive chewing and barking, counter surfing, growling, snapping, or more, we can help you fix them!

The company’s Board and Train programs are particularly effective for serious behavioral issues. Our board and train program varies on a case-to-case basis. We offer a 3-week program for mild to moderate behaviors and 5 weeks or more for serious behavioral issues.

Taking Action to Protect Your Family and Finances

With Nassau County homeowners facing an insurance crisis that shows no signs of abating, taking proactive steps to address dog-related liability risks isn’t just about pet behavior—it’s about financial protection. As a responsible dog owner, you can take steps to minimize risks and lower your insurance premiums. Ensure your dog has proper training and vaccinations. Pursue a Canine Good Citizen certification, sometimes leading to insurance discounts.

The cost of professional dog training pales in comparison to the thousands of dollars in increased premiums or the potential financial devastation of an uninsured dog bite claim. Dog owners who fail to obtain adequate insurance coverage are at risk of bankruptcy and loss of their home and other assets if their canine bites and seriously injures someone.

As Nassau County families navigate the challenging insurance landscape of 2025, investing in professional dog training isn’t just about having a well-behaved pet—it’s about protecting your family’s financial future and ensuring you can maintain affordable homeowners insurance coverage in an increasingly difficult market.