If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision that involves a City vehicle, you must contact your own insurance company (regardless of fault)  to report the incident and initiate any necessary vehicle repairs. Your own insurer will pay for any repairs to your vehicle when you are not at-fault for a collision.

Weather conditions and traffic can cause potholes to appear and grow within a few hours.  This is a natural occurrence in our climate and one that arises without warning.  In addition to regular inspections completed by the City for potholes, the City invites the public to notify us of the whereabouts of a pothole at 403-342-8238 or report the pothole online.

For the City to be liable, there must be evidence that the City was aware the disrepair existed and the City neglected to act upon that knowledge resulting in injury or damage.

Interruptions to water services and sewer backups can occur unexpectedly from various causes.  If you experience issues with your water or sewer and are unsure who to contact, please visit Fix Leaks, Floods and Sewage Issues - Who to Call

As the property owner, you are responsible for the privately owned section which is the portion of sewer line located on your property between the building and the property line.  For further information, please visit Water Service Lines.

For claims alleging the disrepair of the utility led to the damages, generally, for the City to be liable, there must be evidence that the City knew or ought to have known that the disrepair existed and the City neglected to act upon that knowledge.  Ownership of a utility does not constitute negligence.

If you carry home or business insurance, report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible; they should be your first call before contacting the City about a claim.

Interruption to electric services can occur unexpectedly for various causes, such as weather, nature, or equipment failure within a property or throughout the City.

If the power issue is within a private property, the resident may be responsible for the costs of a private contractor, if needed.

Report an outage during business hours to 403-342-8274 (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or after hours to 403-348-5700 (evenings, weekends, holidays).  More information found at If Your Power is Out

Ownership of a utility does not constitute negligence.

When making a claim against the City for property damage related to City trees, there are several factors that are considered in determining the city’s legal liability. Some of these factors include:

• Whether there was any visible evidence of decay prior to the incident
• Whether the City was put on notice or was aware of the condition of the tree prior to the incident
• If the City was aware of the condition of the tree
• Whether the City’s inspection and maintenance activities were reasonable

The mere fact that a City tree caused damage does not warrant automatic compensation from the City. An investigation will look into the history of the tree to consider all factors. A branch falling from a City tree during a windstorm or weather event does not necessarily mean the City was negligent.

If you wish to proceed with a claim for damages:

• Contact your insurance representative.  If your property was damaged due to a fall tree or branch, notify your insurance provider.  Your own insurance policy may cover the cost of your damage.  If they believe the City to be legally liable, they will attempt to recover from the City.
• File your claim within 30 days.  You have 30 days from the date of your loss or damage to report your claim to the City of Red Deer for claims involving repair to roads, public places, or public works.

The City of Red Deer takes the care and condition of its sidewalks and roadways very seriously. All reasonable attempts to inspect and maintain City property and alleviate slipping and tripping hazards are taken. However, a perfect state of repair cannot be guaranteed including slip/trip hazards that exist within the City.

If you are injured at a City facility, immediately advise City staff.

For claims alleging a slip/trip hazard led to the injury, generally, for the City to be liable, there must be evidence that the City knew or ought to have known that the hazard existed and the City neglected to act upon that knowledge.

If you are a passenger on a Red Deer Transit vehicle and have sustained a personal injury, contact a medical provider immediately for assistance and submit your Claims/Incident Report form within 30 days of the incident.

There is a “no fault” benefit available if you require medical treatment for injuries sustained from the incident. We only consider bodily injury settlements when there is sufficient evidence of the City’s negligence or wrongdoing in the use and operation of the motor vehicle.

In the interest of public safety, emergency services may be required to forcefully enter a property, which may result in damage. If a search warrant is being legally executed or emergency services must enter in order to ensure public, patient and/or staff safety, the City cannot accept liability.

We do not provide compensation for your losses unless you can provide evidence that the City committed a negligent act or omission which resulted in injury or damage.

For all other claims, please complete and submit the Claims/Incident Report to the City if you have experienced a loss and feel it was a result of the City’s negligence.  We do not provide compensation for your losses unless you can provide evidence that the City committed a negligent act or omission which resulted in injury or damage.

• Yes. Many insurance policies cover cleanup and the cost of repairing or replacing water-damaged property. Also, they may suggest methods to minimize the extent of your damage.   If your insurer believes the City is liable, they will attempt to recover from the City.  Your insurance representative can provide full details.
• Your insurance coverage is generally more extensive that what you may recover from the City through a liability claim.
• Often your insurance company will pay for your loss up front, regardless of who is responsible for your damage.
• Liability claims take time, as an investigation must be conducted by our claims analyst and/or insurance company to determine if the City was negligent.
• Payment from the City is not guaranteed.
• If the City is found to be negligent, the amount you would receive in compensation is limited to its current value, not its replacement value.
• Under the Direct Compensation for Property Damage policy, your own insurance company pays for repairs to your vehicle when you are not at-fault for a collision. You must contact your own insurance company for your repairs.

Generally, City crews will not attend private property to conduct repairs. Any repairs on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. We do not provide or make recommendations on contractors.

In most instances, during a claim investigation we will ask you to submit photos, estimates or proof of repair for your damage. We do not view the damage in-person, however there are instances where an adjuster may need to view your property or obtain a statement from you. In these cases, we arrange an appointment at your convenience.

• The City of Red Deer only pays claims when all evidence indicates it will be found legally liable. This approach minimizes costs for taxpayers who ultimately bear the cost of claims.
• We recommend that everyone whose property is damaged contact their insurance representative to report damage promptly; this is a requirement of your insurance policy.