HB 1049

Abstract

Creates the Dog Breed Insurance Underwriting Protection Act. Provides that with respect to homeowner's insurance policies and renter's insurance policies issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after the effective date of the Act, no insurer shall refuse to issue or renew, cancel, or charge or impose an increased premium or rate for a policy or contract, or exclude, limit, restrict, or reduce coverage under a policy or contract based solely upon harboring or owning any dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds. Provides that with respect to homeowner's insurance policies and renter's insurance policies issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after the effective date of the Act, the provisions shall not prohibit an insurer from refusing to issue or renew or from cancelling a contract or policy nor from imposing a reasonably increased premium or rate for a policy or contract based upon the designation of a dog of any breed or mixture of breeds as a dangerous dog based on sound underwriting and actuarial principles reasonably related to actual or anticipated loss experience. Provides that the Department of Insurance shall have the authority to adopt rules that are not inconsistent with and that are necessary to administer and enforce the provisions. Effective 6 months after becoming law. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that "dangerous dog" shall have the meaning ascribed to that term under the Animal Control Act. Makes a change in provisions concerning underwriting and actuarial principles reasonably related to actual or anticipated loss experience. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: New Act Adds reference to: 215 ILCS 5/143.10e new 215 ILCS 5/143.10d rep. Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that with respect to homeowner's insurance policies and renter's insurance policies issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, no insurer shall refuse to issue or renew, cancel, charge or impose an increased premium or rate for a policy or contract, or exclude, limit, restrict, or reduce coverage under a policy or contract based solely upon harboring or owning any dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds. Provides that an insurer may cancel or refuse to issue or renew any homeowner's or renter's insurance policy or impose a reasonably increased premium for such policy based on the determination of an individual dog as a dangerous or vicious dog under the Animal Control Act. Repeals provisions concerning claim information for a dog-related incident. Effective immediately, except that specified provisions take effect 6 months after becoming law.