Risk Management and Claims

How to Make a Claim

Notifying your insurance provider of the loss is the best way to protect your interests. Failure to notify your insurer at the onset of the loss may prejudice your right to recover under your insurance policy. 

If you choose to make a claim to the County for property damage or personal injury, you must provide written notice as specified in the Municipal Act 2001. In most situations, you are required to place the County on notice within 10 days of the incident.  To ensure that your claim meets the notice requirements, please complete the Make A Claim form within the 10-day period. 

Make A Claim Form

Claims will be investigated without prejudice, based on the facts as they present themselves and under standard legal practices and principles. 

The personal information collected to investigate your claim is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act 2001, S.O. 2001, C. 25, and will be disclosed to staff and service providers who require the information to investigate your claim against The County of Peterborough. Questions about the collection of this personal information should be directed to the Director of Legislative Services/Clerk, 470 Water Street, Peterborough, ON K9H 3M3 or 705-743-0380. 

Fraudulent claims cost all taxpayers. The County will prosecute all fraudulent claims to the full extent of the law. 

Claim Handling Process

After a notice of claim is received, Peterborough County will provide acknowledgment of receipt. Depending on the nature of the claim, you may then be contacted by an insurance adjuster for more information. 

How long does the process take?

The length of time it takes to investigate claims will vary from case to case based on claim complexity and severity. Generally, the investigation will be completed within 90 days. 

How is the claim evaluated?

The considerations in evaluating a claim include:

• The particular facts of the alleged loss;
• The applicable law;
• Whether Peterborough County has legal responsibility;
• The Claimant's role in the situation; and 
• The nature and extent of damages claimed, as well as supporting documentation. 

Is there a limitation period to file a claim?

Yes, under the Limitations Act 2002, you must issue legal action (a Statement of Claim) in an Ontario Court within 2 years of the date of loss. Written notice to Peterborough County alone does not satisfy the requirement. 

Pothole and Road Hazard Claims

Will the County pay for my damages?

The County adheres to the provisions of the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) for Municipal Highways (Ontario Regulation 239/02).  These provisions dictate the frequency of road inspection and repair. 

By meeting the MMS provisions, liability will not be found against the County for damage to privately owned vehicles. If you feel your vehicle has been damaged due to an improperly maintained road, you should immediately contact your automobile insurer. They may seek compensation from the County on your behalf. 

Claims for non-repair of a municipal roadway must be received in writing by the County within ten (10) days of the incident. Follow the procedure outlined above.

It is important to note that the County is not responsible for all the roads in the region. Provincial highways, township roads, private lanes and parking lots are not under the control fo Peterborough County.