Idaho · Deadline to sue · Updated Oct 2026
Deadline to sue after a car accident in Idaho
Time limits, government claims and a calculator.
Short answer
In Idaho, you generally have 3 years to sue for car damage and 2 years for an injury, counted from the crash. Before suing a city, county or other local government, you must file a written claim with its clerk or secretary within 180 days (Idaho Code § 6-906).
- Property damage (your car)
- 3 years
- Injury
- 2 years
- Law
- Idaho Code § 5-218(3) (injury to goods or chattels, 3 years); § 5-219(4) (personal injury, 2 years)
- Small claims limit
- $15,000
Claims against a government in Idaho
- Before suing a city, county or other local government, you must file a written claim with its clerk or secretary within 180 days (Idaho Code § 6-906).
- For a claim against the State of Idaho, file with the Secretary of State within 180 days (Idaho Code § 6-905).
Deadline to sue in Idaho
Protecting your deadline in Idaho
- Your earliest deadline in Idaho: 2 years.
- If a government was involved, act fast. Before suing a city, county or other local government, you must file a written claim with its clerk or secretary within 180 days (Idaho Code § 6-906).
- Small claims, for car damage up to $15,000: Idaho small claims guide on Small Claims Map
- Don't wait for the insurer: talks with an adjuster don't stop the clock.
Free help in Idaho
Questions about deadlines to sue in Idaho
How long do you have to sue for an injury after a car accident in Idaho?
2 years from the crash (Idaho Code § 5-218(3) (injury to goods or chattels, 3 years); § 5-219(4) (personal injury, 2 years)).
How long do you have to sue for car damage after an accident in Idaho?
3 years from the crash (Idaho Code § 5-218(3) (injury to goods or chattels, 3 years); § 5-219(4) (personal injury, 2 years)).
How do claims against a government work in Idaho?
Before suing a city, county or other local government, you must file a written claim with its clerk or secretary within 180 days (Idaho Code § 6-906). For a claim against the State of Idaho, file with the Secretary of State within 180 days (Idaho Code § 6-905).
What is the small claims limit in Idaho?
$15,000 since July 1, 2026 (it was $5,000 before). Small claims can't award money for pain and suffering.
More for Idaho drivers
- All car accident rules in Idaho
- Comparative fault
- Reporting a crash
- Uninsured driver
- Deadlines to sue in every state
- Small claims court for car damage
- Fault and payout explainer
- Insurance claim letter
- Police report request letter
Nearby states
- Idaho Code § 49-1305 (immediate notice of accidents)
- Idaho Code § 49-1306 (officer written reports)
- Idaho Code § 6-801 (comparative negligence)
- Idaho Code § 5-218 (3-year limits)
- Idaho Code § 5-219 (2-year limits)
- Idaho Code § 49-117 (proof of financial responsibility, 25/50/15)
- Idaho Code § 49-1229 (required insurance)
- Idaho Code § 49-1232 (proof of insurance, penalties)
- Idaho Code § 41-2502 (UM/UIM coverage)
- Idaho Code § 41-1329 (unfair claim settlement practices)
- Idaho Code § 6-906 (claims against local government)
- Idaho Department of Insurance: Auto Claims
- Idaho Transportation Department: Crash Reports
- Idaho Code § 6-905 (claims against the state)
- Idaho Department of Insurance: Required Auto Coverage
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.