Insurance Claims

Insurance claims against municipalities are governed by Massachusetts General Laws and must meet certain standards in order for the City to be deemed liable. Please follow the procedures listed below to file a claim with the City of Newburyport. If you incurred damages or injuries caused by roadway defects, sidewalk defects or potholes within the City's geographical limits, or are seeking reimbursement from damages incurred as a result of a collision with a vehicle owned or leased by the City, you must complete an Incident Report, which can be downloaded here. To submit a claim through this website, click here.

Your report must include the following items: 

  • Detailed explanation of damages or injuries suffered.
  • Exact time and location of incident.
  • Date of incident.

Items that may be included with your report: 

  • Itemized estimate of damages and/or receipts.
  • Copy of Police Report, if applicable.
  • Pictures, color if possible.
  • Copy of medical bills for personal injuries.

All claims for sidewalk, roadway or pothole incidents MUST be filed within thirty (30) days of the date of the incident per the Statute of Limitations, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 84, Section 18.

All claims involving city owned or leased vehicles or personal injuries MUST be filed within two (2) years of the date of the incident per the Statute of Limitations, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 258, Section 4.

If you have a claim concerning a vehicle not owned by the City you must file your claim directly with that entity and not with the City of Newburyport. Also, the Finance Department will NOT process claims filed after the Statute of Limitations dates. The Finance Department is ONLY responsible for accepting the claim form and has no further involvement once it is forwarded to the City's insurance provider.

The City is insured by The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA).  Once the claim is filed, a representative from MIIA will be assigned and will contact you.  All questions regarding your incident should be directed to the MIIA representative that was assigned to your claim or the MIIA Claims Department at (800) 222-5963.

MIIA requires sufficient processing time to complete an investigation of your claim. Compensation is paid only if the City of Newburyport deemed liable. To preserve your rights, if the City does not pay your claim, you may pursue your matter in the appropriate state court within three (3) years from the date of the incident.