Massachusetts small claims limit, fees and rules
Massachusetts small claims sessions hear claims of $7,000 or less (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 218, § 21). The statute makes an exception for actions to recover property damage caused by a motor vehicle, which may exceed $7,000. Slander and libel cannot be brought in small claims.[1][2]
| Rule | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Dollar limit | $7,000$7,000 or less. |
| Court | District Court / Boston Municipal Court / Housing Court (small claims session) |
| Filing fee | Set by the court |
| Lawyers | AllowedParties may represent themselves or use a lawyer; a business may appear through an employee or officer. |
| Appeal |
Car accident property damage in Massachusetts small claims
Because the limit does not apply to motor-vehicle property damage, a driver whose insurer refused a repair or total-loss claim can sue the other driver for the full amount in small claims. Personal injury from the same crash is a different claim with its own deadline; see the car accident settlement calculator.
- Lawyers: optional; a business may appear through an employee or officer.
- Fees and appeal: confirm the current filing fee and appeal steps with the clerk-magistrate of your court.
Deadline to file in Massachusetts
Small claims cases have the same filing deadline as any lawsuit: once the statute of limitations runs, the court will dismiss the claim if the defendant raises it.[3][4][5]
| Claim | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid loan or written contract | 6 years | M.G.L. c. 260, § 2 |
| Oral agreement | 6 years | M.G.L. c. 260, § 2 |
| Credit card or open account | 6 years | M.G.L. c. 260, § 2 |
| Property damage (e.g. fender bender) | 3 years | M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A |
See the full Massachusetts statute of limitations list for other claims, compare the small claims limit by state if the defendant is elsewhere, and read how to file a claim in small claims court for the general steps. Whether to bring counsel is covered on the small claims attorney page.