Car Accident Damage
If another driver caused damage to your vehicle and refuses to pay — or their insurance isn't covering the full cost — you can sue them in small claims court for the repair costs.
Typical claim amount
$500 – $12,000
Statute of limitations category
Property damage (varies by state)
Common examples
Other driver caused an accident and has no insurance
Insurance won't cover the full repair cost
Hit and run where you identified the driver
Someone damaged your parked car
Borrowed vehicle was returned damaged
Evidence you should gather
The stronger your evidence, the better your chances. Start collecting these items before you file:
Police report (if one was filed)
Photos of damage to your vehicle
Repair estimates from mechanics (get 2-3)
Actual repair receipts if already fixed
Insurance correspondence showing denied or partial coverage
Witness information
Dashcam footage (if available)
Ready to take action?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court. Our free guide shows you how to write one in minutes.
Read the demand letter guideDemand letter tip
Include your repair estimate, photos of damage, and a copy of the police report with your demand letter. Give the other party 14 days to respond. Mention that you will add court filing fees and service costs to your claim if they don't pay.
Read the demand letter guide →Court preparation tip
Get at least two repair estimates to show the judge you're asking for a fair amount. If the car is totaled, bring evidence of the vehicle's fair market value (KBB or NADA printout) before the accident.
Filing deadlines by state
Your statute of limitations depends on your state. Here are some examples for this type of case:
| State | Deadline | Max claim |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 6 years | $6,000 |
| Alaska | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Arizona | 2 years | $5,000 |
| Arkansas | 3 years | $5,000 |
| California | 3 years | $12,500 |
| Colorado | 2 years | $7,500 |
| Connecticut | 2 years | $5,000 |
| Delaware | 2 years | $25,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 years | $10,000 |
| Florida | 4 years | $8,000 |
| Georgia | 4 years | $15,000 |
| Hawaii | 2 years | $5,000 |
| Idaho | 3 years | $5,000 |
| Illinois | 5 years | $10,000 |
| Indiana | 2 years | $10,000 |
| Iowa | 5 years | $6,500 |
| Kansas | 2 years | $10,000 |
| Kentucky | 2 years | $2,500 |
| Louisiana | 1 year | $5,000 |
| Maine | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Maryland | 3 years | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 years | $7,000 |
| Michigan | 3 years | $7,000 |
| Minnesota | 6 years | $20,000 |
| Mississippi | 3 years | $3,500 |
| Missouri | 5 years | $5,000 |
| Montana | 2 years | $7,000 |
| Nebraska | 4 years | $7,500 |
| Nevada | 3 years | $10,000 |
| New Hampshire | 3 years | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 6 years | $5,000 |
| New Mexico | 4 years | $10,000 |
| New York | 3 years | $10,000 |
| North Carolina | 3 years | $10,000 |
| North Dakota | 6 years | $15,000 |
| Ohio | 4 years | $6,000 |
| Oklahoma | 2 years | $10,000 |
| Oregon | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years | $12,000 |
| Rhode Island | 10 years | $5,000 |
| South Carolina | 3 years | $7,500 |
| South Dakota | 6 years | $12,000 |
| Tennessee | 3 years | $25,000 |
| Texas | 2 years | $20,000 |
| Utah | 4 years | $20,000 |
| Vermont | 3 years | $10,000 |
| Virginia | 5 years | $5,000 |
| Washington | 3 years | $10,000 |
| West Virginia | 2 years | $20,000 |
| Wisconsin | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Wyoming | 4 years | $6,000 |
Other case types
Security Deposit Not Returned
Your landlord won't return your security deposit
Unpaid Invoice or Loan
Someone owes you money and won't pay
Contractor or Repair Disputes
A contractor did poor work or didn't finish the job
Defective Product or Service
Something you bought doesn't work and the seller won't fix it
Breach of Contract
Someone broke a written or verbal agreement
Unpaid Rent (Landlord vs Tenant)
Your tenant owes rent and won't pay
Property Damage by Neighbor
Your neighbor damaged your property
Auto Repair Disputes
Mechanic overcharged, did bad work, or caused damage
Moving Company Damage
Movers broke or lost your belongings
Wedding Vendor Disputes
Wedding photographer, DJ, venue, or vendor didn't deliver
Bad Check or Bounced Payment
Someone paid you with a check that bounced
Pet-Related Disputes
Dog bite, vet malpractice, or pet purchase gone wrong
Roommate Disputes
Roommate owes rent, utilities, or damaged shared property
Online Purchase or Marketplace Disputes
Item never delivered, counterfeit, or not as described
Dry Cleaner or Laundry Damage
Dry cleaner ruined or lost your clothing
Travel and Airline Disputes
Airline, hotel, or travel company ruined your trip
Insurance Claim Disputes
Insurance company denied or underpaid your claim
Gym or Membership Cancellation
Gym or club keeps charging after cancellation
Towing and Vehicle Impound Disputes
Your car was illegally towed or you were overcharged
Home Appliance or Electronics Warranty
Manufacturer or retailer won't honor a warranty
Freelance or Gig Work Payment
Client won't pay for freelance or contract work you completed
Utility Billing Disputes
Overcharged by a utility company or service provider
Dental or Medical Billing Disputes
Overcharged for medical or dental services
Tenant Suing Landlord for Repairs
Landlord won't fix habitability issues in your rental
Ready to take action?
A demand letter is often the first step. Many car accident damage disputes are resolved without ever going to court.
Read the demand letter guide