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Making a Claim with the City
In The Event of Property Damage
- Notify your Insurer. Your Insurance policy may be primary, and provide coverage for the property damage. Your Insurer will conduct an investigation into the cause and origin of the property damage, and if coverage is afforded, will compensate you directly for repairs.
- Keep any damaged items as your insurer may need this for inspection or to assist in pursuing recovery costs from those they believe to be responsible for the property damage.
In The Event of Bodily Injury
- Seek health and medical assistance
- Remember to save copies of any out of pocket expenses, including receipts or invoices.
Making a Claim with the City
If you believe your property has been damaged, and/or you have been injured as a result of actions by the City of Coquitlam, and you wish to make a claim against the City, you may do so by completing and submitting a City of Coquitlam Claim Form (PDF), or in writing.
Making a Claim in Writing:
Under the Local Government Act, you have up to two (2) months from the date the damage or injury occurred to submit your claim. When submitting in writing please use the City of Coquitlam’s Making a Claim Form (PDF) or include the following your written submission:
- Contact Information:
- Claimant's name, home address, daytime telephone number, and email address
- Name(s) and contact(s) of anyone else involved, including contractors, equipment operators, etc., and witnesses
- Details surrounding the loss you’ve experienced:
- Incident date and time
- Description of property damage and/or injury and cause or suspected cause
- Specific location where damage and/or injury occurred
- Supporting documentation:
- Copies of any repair invoices or estimates you’ve received
- Copies of any out of pocket expenses that haven’t already been covered by your insurer or other agency
- Photographs of the location where the incident occurred, and/or of the property damaged.
Submit your claim in person, by mail or email:
City of Coquitlam
Attention: City Clerk’s Office
3000 Guildford Way
Coquitlam, B.C. V3B 7N2
Once you have submitted your claim in writing you will be contacted by the City to acknowledge your claim has been received. You will be able to submit any additional claim related information.
The City will conduct an investigation into the claim including requesting details from all relevant departments. Investigation may take several weeks to complete. All documentation received will be carefully reviewed and you will be advised on the status of your claim.
The submission of a claim does not constitute acceptance of liability on the part of the City.
Payment of a claim will require that the City be found legally liable for the damages that you have incurred.
All claims are thoroughly investigated on facts as they present themselves and under standard legal practices and principles.
The City will not pay claims based on estimates or anticipated costs. If the City is legally liable for property damage, the City will only consider reimbursement following receipt of copies of paid, claim related invoices.
Mutual respect and professionalism is to be expected from both claimants, and City Staff.
The City is committed to settlements that are fair, reasonable and within standard industry, legal and municipal practice. Although the result of the claim may not be in your favour, the City is dedicated to providing open communication to clarify the basis and rationale of any decisions.
If you wish to appeal a decision that the City has made concerning your claim, you may do so through the Provincial Court of B.C. or Supreme Court of B.C.
The Mayor and/or Council do not entertain appeals on claims-related matters.