Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm trying to find a homeowners insurance policy. I've been turned down by a couple companies because I have 12 snakes, none of them are bigger then 4 ft. or venomous. This is crazy, you can get all kinds of stupid dogs passed but not snakes. Does anyone have any ideas?

You could just not tell them about the snakes. Or, you might be able to work out a deal where you pay a little extra but have locks on the cages or something like that. Lots of insurance companies will work with you, they only want your money. Or, you could have more failsafes built into your equipment to protect against fire. Lots of choices. Just ask them what it will take. But I'm sure most of them end up with you paying more money. Good luck.
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0.2 Leopard Geckos (Fire and Mello)

I would think there would be bigger concerns.
It never came up with my condo association, except that I have 'a few small reptiles in cages'.
What they will never know won't hurt you.
My insurance company never asked about pets, except if I had a dog or cat.
I wouldn't tell them about a rodent breeding colony unless you are prepared for a 'no' answer.
If you said you had 'some gerbils' or 'hamsters' they would never ask question #2 (How many.)

I remember reading a similar thread on another forum. I think someone mentioned that State Farm would still insure you, but I'm not 100% sure. I'll try to look it up tonight after school. We have never had an issue, but then everything is on our farm policy (house, tractors, equipment, horses, everything), and the company really isn't picky. We use Rain and Hail; they do crop insurance, farm policies, and liability so they'll cover your house, too if you have a policy with them. I doubt you could get a farm policy, though, unless you have something that resembles a farm (we're not a commercial farm, we just have some land and some horses).

It was State Farm that several people mentioned. Apparently they don't (or didn't - the discussion took place a while back) have any policies against exotics. You should check with them if you haven't already.

Thanks! I'll try them, but from what I've read, they are the most expensive Ins. company here in Fl.

I don't know what state you are in, but if you are in California you should contact California Coastal Insurance in San Ramon (925)866-7050. Ask for Brad Martin. These folks were able to get both "Homeowners" and a general liability policy for me. I have 100's of snakes and I do public presentations for schools.

No, I'm in Florida, but thank you for your info!

Alot of animal owners, not just herps, are having trouble finding homeowners insurance. This is a response by the insurance industry to dog bite lawsuits. It is actually aimed at large aggressive dogs but they choose to include any dangerous animal that may open them to liability.

Farm Bureau not State farm will work a policy around your needs. If they did it for us and our group of Nile crocodiles a few snakes will be no problem.

website

Thank You very much! I'm going to give them a call tomm..

No Luck!! Farm Bureau insurance hasn't accepted any new homeowners policies in Florida for a year and a half. An agent for them told me this. Oh Well! Insurance companies wonder why people lie on their policies -- gee I wonder why!!!!!!!!