Frequently Asked Questions

The City of Pierre has a standard claim form that can be used for your convenience. The form must be filed with the Finance Officer, located at 2301 Patron Parkway, Pierre SD 57501.

You can access the form here or pick one up in person at the Business Office at City Hall or you may call (605)773-7407 or request a form at finance@ci.pierre.sd.us

Per SDCL 3-21-3, a person has 180 days to file written notice of their potential claim.

If the notice statute has expired since the incident occurred, more than likely your claim will be denied for failure to file timely notice/failure to comply with the notice statute.

When pursuing a claim, you should include a copy of any law enforcement investigative reports, appraisals of the property damage, estimates, or any other documentation that you intend to use to support your claim for damages. Claims can be turned in without the information and notice should not be delayed due to not having all of the documentation you wish to present.

It is each party’s responsibility to allow a reasonable amount of time for inspection of property which is asserted to have been damaged due to another. However, there is also a duty to mitigate damages relative to any incident. The answer to this question varies and should be addressed with the claims adjuster assigned to investigate your claim.

Once a claim is filed, it is submitted to the City’s Insurance Carrier and an adjuster is assigned. The assigned adjuster will investigate each claim received and make a liability determination based upon the facts and evidence presented.

If you have additional information which you feel will change or alter the adjuster’s determination, you can present the same to the adjuster. You also have the option at any time to utilize your own insurance. You may proceed with challenging your claim via small claims or circuit court as is appropriate.