Damage caused by Council's fleet

Cleopatra has replaced two ageing diesel trucks and two trailers.JPG

As part of delivering services to our community such as waste collection, mowing of open spaces and various other maintenance activities, we ensure to do so safely and take preventative measures. While uncommon, these activities can at times cause unintentional damage to private property or vehicles.

If you have suffered damage or loss caused by Council’s fleet, the information below explains what to do and how Council can assist you in these circumstances.

Initial steps you should take

  1. Report the incident
     Where safe and possible, notify onsite staff immediately so they can verify circumstances and record the incident.

  2. Mitigate further damage
     Take reasonable steps to prevent additional loss. Arrange urgent or make safe repairs if needed and ensure you keep all invoices and receipts for reimbursement.

  3. Gather evidence
     If staff are unaware of the incident, provide evidence showing Council caused the damage (e.g. witness statements, dashcam or CCTV footage).

  4. Contact your insurer
     If you have motor or home insurance, contact your insurer first for immediate assistance. They can pursue recovery from Council on your behalf. An excess may apply which you should discuss with your insurer.

  5. Lodge a claim with us
     If you wish to claim for the damage or loss directly from Council - please refer to the instructions under the below heading 'How to lodge a claim' 

How we will investigate and respond to your claim

Upon receipt of your claim, we will investigate to determine whether Council or a contractor acting on our behalf is responsible for causing the damage or loss.

Once our investigation is complete, we will advise you of the outcome and next steps by providing one of the following options:

  • Compensation or reimbursement
    If Council is responsible, we will pay the property or vehicle owner upon receiving sufficient evidence of the loss or repair costs (e.g. invoices, receipts, or two comparable quotes). Payments are made without admission of liability and require a signed Release Agreement
  • Referral to our insurer
     If the damage was caused by a Council vehicle (e.g. waste truck or mowing fleet), we will lodge the claim with our insurer, who will manage your claim on our behalf.
  • Referral to a contractor
     If a contractor was responsible, we will provide their contact details so you can lodge your claim directly. With your consent, we can also forward your details to the contractor and request they contact you.
  • Referral to Cleanaway
     For damage caused by recycling waste trucks (yellow-lid bins), you should lodge your claim directly with Cleanaway. Contact them on 131 339 or via their website: https://www.cleanaway.com.au/general-enquiries

Can Council arrange repairs?

No. Council cannot arrange repairs or pay repairs directly.

If your vehicle is damaged by a Council vehicle, waste truck or mowing fleet, our insurer can arrange repairs via their preferred repairer network.

Alternatively, you can choose your own qualified repairer and you will be reimbursed or compensated upon receipt of sufficient evidence of the repair costs or loss is provided.

How long does a claim for damage by Council fleet take to assess?

Claims may take up to 10 days or longer, depending on the information required and any complexities of the claim.

If your vehicle or property requires urgent repairs whilst we are assessing your claim, we recommend you either:

  1. Contact your insurer - If you have motor or home insurance, its recommended you contact your insurer first as they can usually provide you with immediate assistance and can pursue recovery from Council on your behalf. An excess may apply which you should check with your insurer.

  2. Arrange repairs or replacement yourself – Contact a suitable and qualified repairer or contractor to repair the damage as soon as possible and send us a copy of all invoices and receipts for reimbursement with your claim documents.

How to lodge a claim for damage by Council fleet

All claims for damage by Council fleet must be submitted in writing along with supporting evidence. If you wish to submit a claim, you can do so by:

  • Completing the online claim form below; or

Evidence required:

Please ensure you attach all supporting evidence which may include, but not limited to:

  • map/diagram marking the exact location where the incident occurred
  • photographs of the damage to the property or vehicle
  • a copy of the vehicle registration certificate valid at the time of the incident confirming the registered owner of the vehicle, if applicable
  • evidence confirming the cost of repairs such as:
    • A copy of the receipt/invoice confirming the costs incurred to repair the damage; or
    • 2 comparative quotes confirming the cost to repair the damage.

Damage caused by Council fleet Claim Form

Click here to view form.

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