Insurance and Claims
If you have suffered a loss for which you believe Northumberland County may be responsible, you must follow the process outlined below for the County to consider your claim.
The Municipal Act 2001 requires that we receive claim notification in writing. In some situations, you are required to place the County on notice within 10 days of the incident. To make sure your claim will meet the notice requirement, always notify the County as soon as possible.
Our liability
Note that payment in respect of property damage or bodily injury is contingent upon the County being found legally liable. When making a claim against the County for road maintenance (e.g. pothole damages), it is important to note that the County will not be held responsible for damage if it has met the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highway, under the Municipal Act of Ontario, 2001. O.Reg 239/02. Any records that show the standards were met will result in a denied claim. The County may also have other legal defences, which it reserves the right to claim in appropriate circumstances.
Car accidents
Under the Ontario Automobile Insurance Act, you are required to report automobile accidents to your own insurer. You are responsible to mitigate your damages and ensure your car is in proper repair for safe driving.
Insurance coverage
Prior to submitting a claim please consult your insurance company or broker to determine if you are covered for your specific type of damage, injury or loss. Your auto insurance policy requires that any accident involving injury or property damage, be reported to your insurance company within seven days, regardless of who is at fault. If you are unable to report within seven days, you must report it as soon as possible after the accident. If your insurer believes the County is liable, your insurer will seek compensation from the County on your behalf.
Incident investigation
Upon receipt of your claim, the County will commence an investigation based on the information you provide. The County will not be held responsible for your costs unless you can provide evidence that the County committed a negligent act or omission which resulted in injury or damage. Like most Canadian municipalities, the County of Northumberland only compensates when it is legally liable for the damage sustained. This approach helps to reduce costs for our taxpayers—who ultimately bear the cost of these claims.
Claims for contractor work
If a contractor was working in your area under a construction or capital projects agreement with the County, your claim will be referred to them for investigation.
To submit a claim, please complete and submit our online Claim Form:
Alternatively, a written notice can be submitted by mail or email and should include the following information:
- name, address, phone number and email address of the person making the claim;
- date, time and exact location (address or closest intersection) of the incident causing damage, injury or loss;
- complete description of what happened and how it happened;
- photographs, police report (if available), diagrams, estimates and/or repair invoices to substantiate your loss;
- details of the type of damage or injury;
- the name of any other party involved including County staff or contractor;
- list name(s) and contact information of any witnesses;
- if you have reported the incident to your insurance company, provide the name and contact information of the insurance adjuster assigned to your insurance claim.
Please note: Fraudulent claims cost all taxpayers. The County will prosecute all fraudulent claimants to the full extent of the law.
Where to mail your written Notice of Claim
Corporation of the County of Northumberland
555 Courthouse Rd.
Cobourg, ON K9A 5J6
Attn: Risk Management/Claims
Claims involving lower-tier municipalities
Claims involving the any of our lower-tier municipalities (i.e. vehicle damage occurring on a municipal road) should be sent directly to the appropriate municipal office:
- Township of Alnwick/Haldimand
- Municipality of Brighton
- Town of Cobourg
- Township of Cramahe
- Township of Hamilton
- Municipality of Port Hope
- Municipality of Trent Hills
Collection of personal information
The personal information collected to investigate your claim is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 29 and will be disclosed to staff and service providers who require the information to investigate your claim against the County of Northumberland.
Confirmation of receipt of your submitted claim will be provided within 72 hours and an investigation will commence shortly after receipt of claim. Please keep in mind that this is not a guarantee and that there are times where the response time may be longer.
If you have any further questions about the claims notification process, please email us or call 905-372-3329 ext. 2610.
Northumberland County seeks recovery of costs from individuals responsible for damage to County property such as street lights, hydrants, guardrails, signage, etc.
Email our Risk Management team to report any damage. Please include the date, location and description of damage along with your contact information and your insurer’s contact information.
If you observe a hazard in the community during regular business hours, please contact 905-372-3329. For after-hours assistance, please contact 1-866-856-3251. You can also report an issue using our online form.