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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Property Damage in Iowa?

In Iowa, the statute of limitations for property damage is generally 5 years under Iowa Code § 614.1(4).

5 YEARS
Property Damage · Iowa
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Property damage Deadlines in Iowa

How long do you have to file a property damage claim in Iowa?

In Iowa, the statute of limitations for property damage is generally 5 years under Iowa Code § 614.1(4).

When does the clock start for property damage in Iowa?

Five years for injury to property — more than double what Iowa gives injury to the person.

Can the Iowa deadline for property damage be extended?

One incident yields a two-year injury deadline and a five-year property deadline.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Iowa?

Often, yes. Generally 2 years; no short universal notice under Iowa Code §§ 670.5, 669.13. Iowa Code ch. 670 governs tort liability of governmental subdivisions, with § 670.5 setting a two-year period. Claims against the State run under ch. 669 with a two-year period in § 669.13 and a requirement to present the claim to the State Appeal Board first…

How does Iowa compare to other states for property damage?

Iowa's 5 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 51 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for property damage ranges from 2 years to 10 years, and 3 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Property Damage Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the property damage deadline in Iowa:

01 Vehicle collisions causing property damage
02 Water or fire damage from a neighboring property
03 Construction or excavation damage
04 Damage to stored or personal belongings
05 Trespass-related property destruction
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Other Filing Deadlines in Iowa

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed Iowa attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in Iowa, or compare property damage across all states.
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