The City of St. Catharines may help recover costs for any damage or loss from an accident if the City is legally liable. You are required to submit claims in writing as soon as possible after the incident to ensure that a claim is not invalidated by a limitation period or other deadline, which can occur as early as 10 days from the incident.
If you have any questions about submitting a claim to the City, email Citizens First or call at 905.688.5600.
Things to consider before submitting a claim
Consider the following before deciding to submit your claim to find the most suitable way to recover your costs:
- Can this be covered by your insurance broker?
- Is the City legally liable for losses or damages?
- Do you have proof or competent evidence of the event, can you substantiate the claim?
- Do you have supporting files (e.g. photos, videos) as part of your claim? Please ensure the files are under the 10 megabytes (MB). You must submit files over 10 MB using the City's Drobox.
View the possible damage and injury claims scenarios before applying.
Vehicle damage claims |
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If you have an accident involving your vehicle, please report it to your insurance provider immediately, regardless of fault. Your vehicle insurer will then determine if it feels the City (or any other party) is responsible in any way for the accident and will contact the City or the at-fault party directly, on your behalf. |
Property damage claims |
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If you suffer loss or damage to your own property, you should immediately report it to your property insurance provider. Your property insurer will then determine if it feels the City (or any other party) is responsible in any way for the loss or damage and will contact the City or the at-fault party directly, on your behalf. |
Claims for bodily injury |
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If you suffer an injury that you believe to be the fault of the City, you must report the incident to the City immediately. The City's insurance policy may not respond to claims brought forward after the limitations period has expired. This period will differ depending on the claim details. |
Other losses |
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If you suffer a loss that you believe to be the fault of the City, you must report the incident to the City immediately. The City's insurance policy may not respond to claims brought forward after the limitations period has expired. This period will differ depending on the claim details. |
How to submit a claim
You can submit a claim form online to have the City reclaim your costs. You can also download the Claim Form and submit it through mail to the address:
City of St. Catharines
50 Church St.
PO Box 3012
St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2
What to include in your claim
Your claim must contain the following information:
- Your name
- Your address
- Phone number(s) where you can be reached
- Email address (if available)
Include a detailed description of what happened, outlining:
- The specific damage
- The name(s) of registered owner(s) of the vehicles or properties involved
- The date, time and exact location of the incident
- Witnesses' names and addresses
- Details of any construction in the vicinity of the loss
- Any other information that may assist in the review of your claim
Include a detailed description of the damages or losses you are claiming together with copies of all:
- Repair invoices
- Estimates
- Receipts (when available)
- Other supporting documentation
Please ensure that you date and sign the claim form.
What happens after you submit a claim
After you submit your claim, you will receive a letter receipt to acknowledge your claim. The process to review the claim takes approximately six to eight weeks to complete.