The Insurance and Risk Management Division works with all City departments regarding claims, insurance, and risk. The Division investigates and manages claims made by or against the City, manages the City's insurance portfolio and works with City staff to minimize risk.
The Local Government Act (Part 18, divisions 1 and 2) regulates claims for damages against municipalities in B.C.
Under Section 744 of the Local Government Act, a municipality is not responsible for property damage due to the breakdown or malfunction of a sewer system, water system, or road. For a municipality to be held responsible, it must be found negligent in its maintenance of the system or road in question.
The division's areas of responsibility
Claims Management
- Receives written notices of claim from third parties
- Investigates claims and determines liability
- Works with legal counsel and insurance adjusters
- Manages claims resolution
- Manages property claims made by the City
Risk Management
- Works with staff from all departments to protect assets of the City, reduce losses and minimize risk
How to make a claim
The Insurance and Risk Management Division investigates and responds to all claims made against the City of New Westminster from persons who believe the City is responsible for their damage.
If you believe the City is responsible for your damage and you would like to make a claim against the City, you may do so by completing a claim form or provide written notice and include the following information:
- Name, home address, and daytime telephone number
- Date, time, location, and cause of the incident
- Description and photographs of the damage
- Original invoices and receipts
- Names and contact information of others involved, if applicable
- Date the claim was submitted or reported
- Any other relevant information
- You will receive written acknowledgement of your claim
- Once internal investigation is completed, you will be notified in writing of the decision regarding compensation
Please note that under Section 736 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1, notice of your claim must be received by the Legislative Services Department within two (2) months from the date on which the damage was sustained. A thorough investigation may take several weeks. Payment is considered only if the City is legally liable for the damage sustained
You may submit the completed form by mail, email or fax to:
Legislative Services City of New Westminster
511 Royal Avenue
New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9
Email: claims@newwestcity.ca
Fax: 604-527-4594
Appeal process
If you wish to appeal a decision made by the City, contact the Provincial Court of BC. The Mayor and/or Council do not hear appeals on claims-related matters.
Filing a claim with your insurance provider
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible even if you do not think the damage is your fault. Your insurance company may provide coverage for damage you have sustained. This may be the quickest way to recover costs and/or have repairs made. Your insurance company can pursue any party it believes to be responsible for the damage.
Insurance Certificates
The Certificate of Insurance (click to access) is used for food truck businesses operating in the City of New Westminster. It contains the requirements for Commercial General Liability Insurance and may specify additional coverages that are required. Please consult with your insurance broker to ensure that all risks associated with your business are covered under the insurance policies that you have in place.