Woodland, CA asked in Insurance Defense for California

Q: Am I legally required to have insurance on property if I didn't even know that I inherited it?

What happens if someone gets hurt on it?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Gerald Barry Dorfman
Gerald Barry Dorfman
Answered
  • Mill Valley, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Unless there is a loan or mortgage on the property (or some other contract) which requires insurance, there is usually no legal requirement to have insurance. If a land owner does not have insurance, they are responsible for the risks associated with ownership. One such risk is the risk of being sued, even if they are not ultimately found at fault. If they are at fault for an injury, they will be responsible for all damages awarded to the injured party. It is not clear from the question how you became entitled to property without knowing about it, but now that you do, consider insuring it for your own protection.

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