If you have incurred a loss as a result of property damage, personal injury or vehicle damage and you believe the City of Prince Rupert may be responsible, please follow the process outlined below.
- Damage or loss to your property or home - (i) please contact the City department involved to ensure they are aware of the incident; (ii) contact your personal property or home insurer; (iii) fill out a "Notice of Claim" form and submit using options listed below. Your insurer will contact the City in respect to all financial matters.
- Damage to your vehicle - please contact ICBC and/or your private insurer (where applicable) to report the accident and to make a claim (ICBC - Dial-a-Claim 1.800.910.4222 or online at www.icbc.com(opens in new window)). Your insurer will contact the City.
- All other claims, please proceed with the following process - If you wish to make a claim, please complete a "Notice of Claim" form and submit using options listed below. In the event you have sustained property damage and believe the City of Prince Rupert is at fault, please contact your home or vehicle insurer. Your insurance company can pursue any party they believe is responsible for damages. Pursuant to Section 736 of the Local Government Act, you or your insurer may Submit a Claim with the City by obtaining a form at the front desk of City Hall or using the form below.
- Please be aware that the City will not financially settle claims prior to proceeding through the process stated below. Like most insured parties, our insurance requires certain processes be followed before decisions on compensation are made.
Note - Submitting a claim form does not mean the City of Prince Rupert has accepted responsibility for your claim, and acceptance of the form is not an admission of guilt or responsibility on behalf of the City. It also does not mean you will receive coverage or compensation.
What happens after I submit a claim form?
- Once you submit your claim form, you will be contacted to confirm the City has received your submission. The initial investigation may take several weeks.
- The City may engage its insurer, the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia (MIABC), to assist with an independent investigation and determining liability. All claims are investigated without discrimination, based on the facts provided.
- You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your claim.
- Should the City be found responsible for damages, paid invoices must be submitted as the basis for payment.
- The City understands that a property loss or personal injury is a stressful situation. Our staff will work with property owners, residents and visitors in a courteous and respectful manner. We also ask that anyone making a claim against the City also maintain a level of professionalism in their communications with the City and our insurer.
Claim Restrictions and Limitations
If you wish to file a claim, there are restrictions and limitations that may apply. The City of Prince Rupert is governed by the Local Government Act (the Act), and there are certain parameters around claims against local governments to be aware of, namely:
- Part 18, Division 1, Section 736 of the Act states that notice must be provided in writing to the municipality within 2 months from the date on which damage is sustained, and action against the City must commence within 6 months after the cause of action first arose. See the full section of the Act for additional details.
- Part 18, Division 1, Section 744 of the Act states local governments are granted immunity from liability if damages arise from breakdowns or malfunction of sewer systems, water systems, dikes or roads, unless due to the negligence of actions by the City. See the full section of the Act for additional details.
Disclaimer
The content of this document is provided for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice. While consulting a lawyer is not required, it can be helpful to understand and support you in the claims process.