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 responsibility. Some of these factors include:
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. If the tree/limb failure occurred as a result of a storm event, then the City will not be responsible for your property damage.
You are encouraged to submit your claim as soon as possible using the Claim Submission Web Form.
For more about the claims process in general, please visit Make a Claim Against the City.
For more about trees, please visit Trees in Toronto.
There will be an investigation by the City’s adjusters to determine if the City is responsible for your loss. The investigation will consist of gathering information from you and the City’s Forestry Operations. Records obtained through the City’s maintenance management system(s) will be reviewed to determine if the City was on notice of the condition of the tree prior to the loss and if so, whether reasonable maintenance, inspection and response standards were met.
In addition, Environment Canada weather records are collected and reviewed to confirm wind speeds, precipitation and if a severe weather system was passing through the City at the time of the loss.
It should be noted that the presence of internal decay in a tree discovered after a loss does not necessarily mean that the tree was unhealthy or that the City is responsible.
If reasonable standards have not been met, the adjuster will contact you in an effort to resolve your claim.
Typically, property damage claims related to City trees are completed within 90 days.
In cases of extreme storm events such as heavy rain, snowstorms or windstorms, the City does receive a higher volume of claims which generally extends the time it takes to process insurance claims. In these cases, the City’s investigation may take longer than 90 days. The adjuster will advise you if your claim falls in the “storm event” category.
You should be contacting your insurer about your loss. Repairs may be expedited by making a claim through your insurance company.
The City’s adjuster will outline the results of their investigation in a letter and provide you with the division’s report that justifies the City’s denial.
It’s important to know that the majority of property damage claims made against the City of Toronto are denied as City divisions regularly meet or exceed standard service levels.
If you still wish to pursue your claim after being denied compensation, your next option is to proceed with legal action.
For more information regarding the claims process, please contact the City of Toronto’s Claims Inquiry Line at 416-397-4212.
Before a claim is filed and investigated, ClaimsPro cannot authorize payment for a rental vehicle. If you need to rent a vehicle, it is your own decision.
Please note that the claims adjuster must complete an investigation to determine if the City is responsible for your property damage before it can approve any costs related to a rental vehicle. You may consider contacting your own automobile insurance company for assistance in the meantime.
If you choose to rent a vehicle before hearing from your insurance company, you may be responsible for all or part of that expense.