Insurance claims against the council

If you experience damage, loss or harm to yourself or your belongings, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation against the council. Before making a claim for compensation against the council, please be aware of the following

Basis for considering claims

Events can often occur that result in injury or a financial loss that are not due to any party’s negligence. All claims are fully investigated to establish whether the council is legally at fault for the incident. If there is no negligence, then no offer of compensation will be made.

Highways claims (for example slips/trips and potholes on pavements or roads)

Claims for damage and injury caused by a defect on the highway are dealt with by Surrey County Council. To report an incident visit Surrey County Council website

• Highway insurance claims 

Leaseholders

This information applies to you if you own a flat that has been purchased under the ‘Right to Buy’ Scheme. If you wish to make a claim on your buildings insurance, email insurance@runnymede.gov.uk

How to make a claim against the council

Email the council’s Risk and Insurance Team directly with as much information about your claim as possible. This must include a description of the events that caused the injury or loss, the specific location where the injury or loss occurred and should include any supporting evidence you have such as photos. It is important that you provide this information to us as soon as possible after a loss because the investigation process will not begin until all relevant items have been received. Depending on the nature and complexity of the claim, it can take up to 90 days before a decision on whether the council is liable to pay any compensation is made.

You should keep hold of any damaged items for inspection. If items constitute a health hazard then we have no objection to these being disposed of, but you should take photographs.

You must provide full and accurate details to enable your claim to be investigated properly.

Email:insurance@runnymede.gov.uk

How to get help making your claim

Making a claim can be complicated and confusing. If you need help to make your claim, get in touch with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau for free independent advice.

Other insurance policies

If you have your own insurance that covers the loss of your property, for example a vehicle or home buildings and contents policy, then you can approach them.

If your insurer agrees your claim and considers us at fault, they will approach us themselves for a recovery.

Fraud

Claims payments made by or on behalf of the council are made from public funds.

If anyone tries to make a claim against us that is totally untrue or that has been partly embellished this is fraud and is illegal.

We will notify the police immediately and the claimant will be liable for prosecution.