Assemblymen Neil M. Cohen, Vincent Prieto & Jeff Van Drew

ASSEMBLY PASSES LEGISLATION PREVENTING DOG BREED DISCRIMINATION BY HOMEOWNER INSURERS

(TRENTON) - The General Assembly today passed legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Neil M. Cohen, Vincent Prieto, and Jeff Van Drew that would prohibit property and casualty insurers in New Jersey from altering a homeowner's insurance policy based on the type or specific breed of dog kept on the insured property.ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS
NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE:
June 22, 2006

CONTACT:
Assemblyman Cohen
(908) 624-0880
Assemblyman Prieto
(201) 770-7303
Assemblyman Van Drew
(609) 465-0700
James Sverapa IV
(609) 292-7065

ASSEMBLY PASSES LEGISLATION PREVENTING DOG BREED DISCRIMINATION BY HOMEOWNER INSURERS

(TRENTON) - The General Assembly today passed legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Neil M. Cohen, Vincent Prieto, and Jeff Van Drew that would prohibit property and casualty insurers in New Jersey from altering a homeowner's insurance policy based on the type or specific breed of dog kept on the insured property.

"Forcing people to pay more for their homeowners insurance or denying them coverage completely based solely on the type of dog they own is discriminatory and despicable," said Cohen (D-Union). "No one in New Jersey should have to wonder if they will lose their homeowners insurance simply by buying a dog."

According to the sponsors, insurance companies across the country have adopted the practice of classifying certain breeds of dogs as "high-risk," with respect to insurance policies. As a result, homeowners in possession of a high-risk breed have seen their homeowner's insurance premiums drastically increase and, in some instances, have lost their coverage entirely.

This bill (A-2820), would prohibit property and casualty insurers from utilizing underwriting guidelines that adversely affect a homeowners insurance policy solely on the basis of the type or breed of dog kept on the property.

"Everyone has seen or owned a dog that did not fit neatly into the temperament associated with its breed," said Prieto (D-Hudson). "In fact, in most cases involving a 'dangerous' breed, the owner is the one responsible for teaching the dog its aggressive or dangerous behavior."

"Insurance companies should not have the authority to decide if you can or cannot own a certain pet," said Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). "If we allow this to continue, New Jersey homeowners will face two choices: violate their mortgage agreements by keeping 'dangerous' dogs and losing their insurance coverage, or condone the abandonment and eventual euthanizing of thousands of perfectly safe, happy house pets."

The General Assembly passed the measure 64-10-6. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

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