It’s a fairly common scenario: You’re in a hurry and the garage door seems to be lifting up at a snail’s pace. You think you have enough room and start to go, only to find out you didn’t have as much room as you thought you did.
One of the first questions that typically arise in cases of accidental garage door damage is whether insurance will cover it.
There’s no straightforward answer to this question, but this quick guide will help to point you in the right direction to find out whether your accidental garage door damage is covered!
What Type of Insurance Covers Garage Door Damage?
Typically, accidental damage to your garage is the result of bumping it with your car, which can lead to dents and broken springs. If the damage was the result of an accident with a vehicle, you may be wondering if your car insurance will cover it.
When it comes to car insurance, it all boils down to who’s at fault. If you accidentally ran into your own garage door, the answer is no, as you’ll be the one liable for the damage.
If someone else accidentally hits your garage door with their car, there’s a chance their insurance will cover the damages.
Homeowners’ insurance is most often where you’ll find your coverage for garage doors.
How to Find Out if Accidental Garage Door Damage Is Covered by Your Homeowner’s Insurance
In most cases, accidental damage to your garage door is covered by homeowners’ insurance. You’ll need to read over your policy just to make sure. Pay special attention to the parts that talk about attached and detached garages!
Attached Garages
If your garage is attached to your home, standard homeowners’ insurance should cover it.
Detached Garages
Coverage for detached garages isn’t always as clear-cut. A detached garage isn’t considered to be part of the home, but it may be covered under the “other structures” part of your homeowners’ insurance.
Determining Whether You Should File a Claim
Get estimates to repair the damage first. If the estimates are less than your deductible, then it makes more sense to fix it yourself. If the estimate is higher than the deductible, then it might be worth it to file a claim.
Remember, every claim you file counts against you and may raise your premiums. You’ll need to decide whether filing a claim is worth it.
Expert Garage Door Repair in Portland, OR
Need some help with your garage door? From repairs to installations, D Bar Garage Doors technicians are happy to help. We proudly service all of the major garage door brands. Contact us today for a free estimate.
