Risk Management and Claims

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

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

How long does the process take?

The time it takes to investigate claims will vary by case, depending 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 a 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.

Ineligible Claims

Incomplete Claims

Claims submitted without the following details will generally not be eligible for reimbursement.

Exact date of the incident
Approximate time of the incident
Specific location of the incident

This information is required for the County to properly investigate and assess your claim.

Normal Wear and Tear Claims

In most cases, vehicle claims resulting from normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or lack of maintenance are not eligible for compensation. Property owners are responsible for the ongoing upkeep of their vehicles.

Examples of such claims include:

Brake wear (pads, rotors wearing out)
Rust or corrosion
Suspension or alignment issues that develop over time

Pothole and Road Hazard Claims

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, the County will not be found liable 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 of Peterborough County.

Contact the Clerk's Department
470 Water Street
Peterborough, Ontario, K9H 3M3

Monday – Friday
8:30am – 4:30pm

Phone: 705-743-0380/1-800-710-9586
Fax: 705-876-1730
clerksoffice@ptbocounty.ca