Submitting a Damage Claim to the Region
When submitting a claim, individuals are encouraged to submit claims electronically as this facilitates the prompt review of the claim.
Claimants are also asked to provide complete and precise details of the circumstances of the claim, as well as true copies of all documentation that supports the claim, as this will reduce the delays inherent in seeking additional or clarifying information.
Note that a complete review of a standard claim usually takes approximately six to eight weeks so we ask for your patience in that regard.
Claims should be submitted as soon as possible after the incident to ensure that a claim is not invalidated by a limitation period which can occur within ten days of the incident.
In addition, the claim must be submitted online, or in writing and can also be delivered by email, regular mail, registered mail, in person or by fax.
- Your claim must contain the following information:
- your name
- your address
- phone number(s) where you can be reached;
- your email address and fax number, if available
- a detailed description of what happened outlining the specific damage, the name(s) of registered owner(s) of the vehicles/properties involved including the date, time and exact location of incident, witnesses' names and addresses, details of any construction in the vicinity of the loss and any other information that may assist in the review of your claim
- a detailed description of the damages or losses you are claiming together with copies of all repair invoices, estimates, receipts (when available) or other supporting documentation
- you must date and sign the claim
- When your claim is received, it will be date stamped at the time of receipt. Your claim will then be forwarded to our Risk Management Coordinator for review and response which, as mentioned, will take approximately six to eight weeks.
- When considering submitting a claim, you might also consider whether you have insurance coverage that might respond to the claim as this may be the most suitable way to recover your costs.
- The Region is not obliged to compensate for any losses or damages for which it is not legally liable. Also, the Region expects that the claimant will provide complete substantiation for the claim to the satisfaction of the Region. This approach attempts to reduce the number of unsubstantiated and frivolous claims which, in turn, reduces costs for the taxpaying public - who ultimately bear the cost of these claims.
- This information is intended to provide claimants with an overview of the claims submission process and should not be considered as legal advice. Claimants requiring legal advice should consult their own advisors.
Damage claims should be addressed to:
The Regional Municipality of Niagara
Attention: Clerk's Department
1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way
P.O. Box 1042
Thorold, ON L2V 4T7
Fax: 905-687-4977