Commentary on Judgment No. 11478/2024: Right to Compensation and Ownership of the Property

Judgment No. 11478 of April 29, 2024, by the Court of Cassation addresses a highly significant issue in the field of civil law: the right to compensation for damages and the ownership of the damaged property. In particular, the Court has established that the right to receive an insurance indemnity belongs to the person who is the owner of the property at the time of the incident, even in cases where the ownership has been acquired through forced sale, pursuant to Article 2919 of the Civil Code.

The Principle of Insurability of Ownership

The Court clarified that, in the absence of a formal identification of the insured party at the time of the policy's stipulation, the compensation for damages belongs to the owner of the damaged property. This principle, already affirmed in previous rulings, is grounded in the following articles of the Civil Code:

  • Article 1918: Definition of the insured's rights.
  • Article 1891: Norms regarding the insurance contract.
  • Article 2919: Transfer of ownership in case of forced execution.

The Court thus confirmed the applicability of the principle even in situations of forced sale, where the new owner acquires the rights and protections provided by the insurance policy.

Maxim of the Judgment and Its Implication

In general. The principle that the right to compensation for damages, or to insurance indemnity, in the case of a lack of express and formal identification of the insured party at the time of the policy's stipulation, belongs to the person who is the owner of the damaged property at the time of the incident, also applies to the person who has become the owner of the property pursuant to and for the effects of Article 2919 of the Civil Code, as the forced sale must be equated to a voluntary sale.

This maxim highlights a fundamental principle in insurance law: the link between ownership and the right to compensation. In fact, the Court establishes that anyone who becomes the owner of a property, even through enforcement procedures, has the right to receive the insurance indemnity. This represents an important protection for new owners, ensuring that they are not disadvantaged compared to previous holders in the event of an incident.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 11478/2024 by the Court of Cassation represents a significant step towards clarity regarding the right to compensation for damages. It emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying the insured party and the ownership of the property at the time of the incident. This decision aligns with principles of equity and justice, confirming the protection of owners' rights, whether in cases of voluntary or forced sale. It is essential that legal professionals and citizens are informed of such developments, to ensure proper application of the rules and more effective protection of property rights.

Bianucci Law Firm