Up to $7,000 · 3 years to file.
Damage to your car or property caused by someone else. In Massachusetts, small-claims cases for this kind of dispute are filed in the Small Claims session (District or Boston Municipal Court), where you can sue for up to $7,000.
Your deadline: Massachusetts generally gives you 3 years from when the claim arose to file. Miss it and the court can dismiss the case no matter how clearly you're owed.
The filing fee is around $40 (Tiered: about $40 (≤$500), $50 ($501–$2,000), $100 ($2,001–$5,000), $150 ($5,001–$7,000).). Before you file, send a written demand letter and keep proof of delivery.
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 218, § 21; deadlines: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, §§ 2, 2A. Reviewed 2026-06-17.
Note on deadlines: Contract 6 yrs; tort/property damage/personal injury 3 yrs.
Suing for something else in Massachusetts: Massachusetts unpaid loan · Massachusetts security deposit · Massachusetts unpaid rent · Massachusetts contractor dispute.
Suing for property damage in nearby states: New Hampshire ($10,000, 3 years) · Rhode Island ($5,000, 10 years) · Connecticut ($5,000, 2 years) · New York ($10,000, 3 years) · Vermont ($5,000, 3 years).
General legal information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by county and court; consult a licensed attorney or your court clerk.
Updated July 2026