How to Calculate Property Damage for Small Claims

Small claims courts handle monetary claims that do not exceed a certain value as determined by the state legislature. If you have a suffered a property damage loss you may be able to file your lawsuit in a small claims court. Before you can determine whether or not your claim qualifies to be filed in small claims court, you must determine the value of the damage to your property.

Instructions

1. Consult the Kelley Blue Book or other resource for valuing vehicles if the property damaged was a vehicle and the loss was a total loss. Courts will refer to resources such as the Kelley Blue Book to determine the current market value of a totaled vehicle.

2. Research replaced cost for property other than a vehicle by visiting a local store that sells the item or by searching online. If the property cannot be repaired, then you are generally entitled to replacement cost of the property.

3. Obtain repair estimates if the damage did not create a total loss by contacting at least three repair shops/companies and finding the average value.

4. Include in your calculations any consequential damages such as the cost to rent a vehicle or the cost of filing the lawsuit.

References

• Whitley Law Firm: Common Questions About Property Damage Claims
• Nolo: Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court