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Claim for damage caused by the roads

Pothole / road-defect damage, or a trip & fall on a footpath

Prefer to hand it off?

An autonomous agent can draft the letter, send it (with your approval), and chase the council until it's resolved.

Let's put in this claim. Where and when did it happen, what got damaged, and what did it cost you? Photos of the defect and the damage are really useful, upload what you have.

Attach a photo of your notice, signage, or receipts (click the clip or drag and drop). General information, not legal advice. Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line.

Your rights

Negligence / duty of care
The road-controlling authority owes road and footpath users a duty to take reasonable care. If it knew (or should have known) about a hazard and failed to fix it in reasonable time, it may be liable for the damage.
Honest limits
Councils and NZTA have some defences (e.g. a reasonable maintenance system), so these claims aren't guaranteed, but a well-evidenced claim is often paid without a fight.

Who to contact

The road-controlling authority, your local council for local roads, or NZTA Waka Kotahi for a state highway.

Timing

Lodge as soon as possible, evidence fades fast and legal time limits apply. Photograph everything immediately.

Refund is an independent service. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any council, transport authority or government agency. It provides general information and document drafting to help you exercise your rights, this is not legal advice. For complex or high-value matters, talk to a lawyer or your free local community law centre.