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If you are filing an insurance or property damage claim against the City of Surrey, we can help you navigate the insurance claims process, document damage and reconstruct your property.
Common examples of Surry property damage might include:
- Flooding or water damage allegedly caused by blocked or failed city storm drains or sewers
- Damage from water main breaks or other municipal infrastructure failures
- Property damage caused by fallen city trees
- Damage from negligent tree maintenance or delayed removal of hazardous trees
- Damage from snow, ice, or drainage issues on city-owned property
- Cracked driveways, landscaping, fences, or structures allegedly caused by nearby city works
- Damage from debris, gravel, or materials left behind by city crews or contractors
- Damage resulting from failures in retaining walls, sidewalks, boulevards, or other city structures
- Property damage caused by sewer backup where the city is alleged to be responsible
- Damage from improper grading, drainage design, or water runoff from city property
- Damage to lawns, landscaping, underground sprinklers, or private surfaces during city operations
- Damage caused by garbage trucks, snowplows, maintenance vehicles, or other city-operated equipment
- Damage arising from negligent inspection, repair, or maintenance of municipal property
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1. Protect the Property and Stop Further Damage
If the damage involves flooding, sewer backup, a water main break, road hazard, construction issue, or another urgent City-related problem, the first step is to make the area safe and prevent further damage. For urgent service issues such as flooding, water main breaks, pump station failures, missing stop signs, traffic signals, or dangerous potholes, Surrey says to call 604-591-4152.
For sewer backups, Surrey recommends being aware of electrical hazards, contacting a professional plumbing or restoration contractor, notifying the City, and contacting your insurance company.
2. Document Everything Immediately
Before cleanup or repairs begin, take clear photos and videos of the damage, the suspected source, surrounding conditions, and any affected belongings or building materials. Keep notes showing:
- The exact date and time the damage happened
- The exact address or location of the damage
- What happened and how the damage occurred
- Why you believe the City of Surrey may be responsible
- Names of any City crews, contractors, witnesses, plumbers, restoration contractors, or insurance adjusters involved
- Repair invoices, estimates, cleanup costs, reports, and correspondence
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
For many types of property damage, especially sewer backups, water damage, flooding, and sudden property loss, your own insurance company may be the fastest way to begin repairs and recover costs. Surrey’s own property damage guidance also advises homeowners to call their insurance company for sewer backups and water main break damage.
4. Submit a Written Notice of Claim to the City Clerk
To make a claim against the City of Surrey, you must submit a Notice of Claim form or a written letter to the City Clerk’s Office. Surrey states that the claim letter must include the date, time, place, and manner in which the damage occurred, along with an explanation of how the City is liable.
The claim should be addressed to:
City of Surrey
Attention: City Clerk’s Office
13450 – 104 Avenue
Surrey, BC
V3T 1V8
Email: clerks@surrey.ca
5. Do Not Miss the Two-Month Notice Deadline
This is the most important deadline. Under the BC Local Government Act, written notice must be delivered to the municipality within two months from the date the damage was sustained. Surrey’s claim page also states that the letter must be received by the City Clerk within two months or the claim cannot be considered.
The City’s Notice of Claim form repeats that the notice must be delivered in writing within two months and asks for the exact damage location, date, time, reason for the claim, and estimated repair cost.
6. Surrey Investigates the Claim
Once Surrey receives the Notice of Claim, the City says an investigation is started, the claimant receives written acknowledgement, a decision is made after the investigation is complete, and the claimant is notified in writing.
Surrey also notes that City work crews are instructed not to discuss claim circumstances with claimants, so claim-related questions should be directed to Risk Management.
7. The City Decides Whether It Has Liability
Submitting a claim does not mean Surrey will automatically pay for the damage. Surrey states that it only pays claims where there is a liability exposure, and its claims policy says claims are not paid unless Risk Management and/or legal counsel believe there is liability.
In practical terms, the claimant usually needs to show that the City knew or should have known about the issue, failed to act reasonably, or that City work, City infrastructure, or a City contractor caused the damage.
8. If the Claim Is Denied
If the City denies the claim and the claimant disagrees, Surrey says the appeal process is through the Civil Resolution Tribunal, Provincial Court of BC, or Supreme Court of BC, depending on the nature and value of the claim.
For significant damage, missed deadlines, denied claims, or disputes over liability, it is best to speak with a BC lawyer before taking further legal steps.
Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, insurance advice, or other professional advice. While we aim to keep the information accurate and up to date, we make no representations, warranties, or guarantees, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information on this page.
Any claim, notice requirement, limitation period, filing procedure, or legal right may vary depending on the facts of your situation and may change over time. You should not rely on this page as a substitute for obtaining advice from a qualified lawyer, insurance professional, or other appropriate advisor.
Accessing or using this page does not create a solicitor-client, advisor-client, fiduciary, or other professional relationship between you and our company. Our company is not responsible for any loss, damage, cost, or liability arising from any reliance placed on the information provided on this page or from the use of any linked third-party websites.
If you need advice about a specific claim or legal matter, you should promptly contact the City of Surrey, your insurer, ICBC if applicable, and/or a qualified legal professional to confirm the current requirements, deadlines, and procedures that apply to your circumstances.
