My horse was involved in a accident but the place I am renting from and they have no homeowners insurance...?

Question

The place I am renting from is also the place where my horse was kept. Since they have no home owners insurance, I was told that I have to pay the fines (close to $10,000). Is there anything I can do about this?

Answer 1

The main factor in this question is....what state do you live in? In my state(Tennessee) the laws are set up to protect farmers and animal owners. If you've never had an animal get out and your fences seem to be in good shape, then you aren't liable if your animal gets a wild hair and jumps the fence and is involved in an accident. You should check your state's laws regarding this situation before you pay anything to anyone.

But.....if your state law says that you're liable, it will be YOUR responsibility to pay for the damages, not the landlord. Your landlord wasn't the owner of the animal.

Answer 2

Whether they have homeowners insurance is really irrelevant. If they were liable for some sort of accident, they need to pay. Their insurance would not pay if they were not liable.

As the other poster stated, there is not enough information in your question to give much more advice. With an amount that large, you should seek some local help. Start with your insurance agent to see if you have any coverage for your horse; I have never worked with that kind of coverage.

Make sure to keep copies of everything you send/receive regarding this issue.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Hi Mystic:

Without further detail it is difficult to say what is possible for you in this situation in particular.

However, please understand that Tenant insurance is very inexpensive and for next time . . . you'll know how very important it is and why.

Answer 4

Homeowner's insurance wouldn't have covered a rental property w/ quarters for horses. That is a business policy, to begin with. Nor would your tenant's policy, if you have one, cover a horse and fines such as you describe. This is not an insurance matter, it's a legal one. See a lawyer.