311Cincy

Service Request Type:

• Damage Claim

Used when:

• This SR type is used to submit a Damage Claim to the Department of Public Services.

---

Routes to:

• Department of Public Services (DPS)

---

More Information provided by DPS:

• A Damage Clam is a request for reimbursement for property damage incurred by a property owner due to negligence on behalf of the City of Cincinnati. The City of Cincinnati settles claims directly with property owners - not with with insurance representatives or other entities. The Department of Public Services (DPS) only reimburses claims for property damage.
• Section 2744.05 (B) of the Ohio Revised Code limits the rights of a person who has a claim against a municipal corporation to the amount of the loss sustained less the total of all insurance benefits the person is entitled to receive under all applicable insurance policies. The net effect of this provision is that the City of Cincinnati is liable only for the payment of the claimant’s insurance deductible.
• By submitting damage claim information, the claimant agrees and understands that the filing of a damage claim does not guarantee payment nor reimbursement. Damage claims are reviewed in accordance with the State of Ohio laws and the Ohio Revised Code.

---

Process:

• Claimant should expect to receive an email (from damageclaims at cincinnati-oh.gov) requesting the required information within a couple business days of DPS receiving notification of the claim. DPS asks for patience; due to the high volume of claims, the department does its best to respond as quickly as possible.
• Claimants should begin assembling the required documents in anticipation of this request:
  • Claimant’s name, mailing address, telephone number and email. Written statement describing the incident, including any photos and the address of the incident.
  • Proof of insurance (car, medical, or home), including the Declaration Page detailing the amounts of coverage and deductible.
  • Summary of out-of-pocket expenses, including (2) repair quotes, receipts, etc.
  • A copy of the police report (if applicable).
  • Documentation or proof that damage was caused by City staff or vehicles; without clear evidence of this we cannot reimburse your claim. In most auto accidents, the police report will reflect this.
• See these Detailed Instructions (link coming soon) for the full process.

---

Checking the Status:

• Enter your SR number at 311Cincy.com or in the 311Cincy app to check the status of your request.
• If the status of the request is "New," DPS has not yet processed the claim or reviewed the submitted documents. The department will reach out when they have done so; monitor your email for updates.
• If the status of the request is "In Progress," detailed notes should be present regarding the steps DPS has taken, or the materials that have been requested.
• Delays in responding to DPS with the requested documentation will delay the overall claims process. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on claim volume and the responsiveness of the claimant. Claim volume is especially high after winter events.