Does Insurance Cover Backing Into a Garage Door? What to Do Next
Does Insurance Cover Backing Into a Garage Door? What to Do Next It happens more often than you might think — you’re running late, backing out in a rush, and before you realize it, you’ve driven your car straight into your garage door. Now there’s a dent in your garage door, your vehicle might be damaged too, and you’re left wondering: “Does insurance cover backing into a garage door?” If you live in The Woodlands, Texas, and you’re in this situation, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple, clear guide to understanding what your insurance does — and doesn’t — cover, and what to do next. Will Insurance Cover the Damage to the Garage Door? Let’s break this down. Whether your insurance will cover garage door damage depends on the type of insurance policy and who caused the accident. When You Back Into Your Own Garage Door If you, the homeowner and driver, hit your own garage door with your own car, this kind of incident may be covered, but not all on one policy. Auto insurance typically covers damage to your car itself (if you carry collision coverage). Home insurance usually covers damage to structures like a garage door — but not if you were the one who caused the damage with your own vehicle. Here’s why: most home insurance policies won’t cover damage you cause with a vehicle you own. That scenario is viewed as a car insurance problem. So you might have to file two insurance claims: Car insurance (under collision coverage) to cover the damage to your vehicle. Homeowners’ insurance to assess if it can step in and cover the garage door repair — though it often won’t unless another insured person caused the damage. What Type of Insurance Covers This Kind of Garage Door Damage? Collision Coverage – Auto Insurance If your car backed into your garage door, collision insurance under your auto policy is what applies. It typically covers the damage to your vehicle if you: Drove into the garage door Were in control of the vehicle The accident wasn’t caused by external factors like weather or theft Keep in mind the deductible — the amount you must pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in. If the cost of repairs is lower than or close to your deductible, you might decide against filing a claim. Homeowners Insurance – Does It Help? Most homeowners insurance policies include structures coverage, which protects parts of the home — like a garage door — from various causes. However, when the damage is caused by your own vehicle, many home insurers won’t cover the garage door damage, seeing it as a vehicle-related issue. But there are exceptions. Some insurance policies may still cover garage door repair if: The garage is a detached garage Someone else (not part of your household) drove into it It occurred during a covered event (like a tree falling during a storm) Bottom Line on What Insurance Will Cover Scenario Insurance That May Cover You hit your own garage door backing out Collision coverage from auto insurance Another driver hits your garage door Their liability coverage Tree or storm damages your garage door Home insurance Garage door damaged in burglary Homeowner’s insurance will cover burglary damage Each insurance provider has different inclusions, so always check your insurance policy for details. How to File a Claim for a Damaged Garage Door If you’ve decided the damage is worth claiming, here’s what to do in The Woodlands, Texas: 1. Inspect the Garage Door for Damage Before calling your insurance company, take photos and assess the extent of the damage. Is the door still functional? Is there just a dent, or is it off its track? 2. Review Your Insurance Policies Check your auto insurance first — particularly collision coverage. Then review your homeowners insurance to see whether structures like the garage door are protected under certain situations. 3. Contact Your Insurer(s) Explain what happened and ask what’s covered. Clarify if both home and auto policies apply. Some insurance companies may suggest filing on your collision insurance, even for garage door damage, while others might route you to your home insurance if the door is part of a detached garage and wasn’t struck by your car. 4. Decide Whether You Should File a Claim If your deductible is high and the damage is minor, consider covering the cost yourself. However, if the damage is severe or you’ll need a garage door replacement, it’s worth going through the insurance claim process. 5. Call a Local Professional for a Repair Estimate Reach out to a trusted local company like 2Quick Garage Doors’ garage door repair services to repair any damage or give a quote on a new door, if needed. What if Someone Else’s Car Backed Into Your Garage Door? If someone else’s car hits your garage door, their property damage liability usually steps in. This is part of their car insurance policy, and it typically pays to cover garage door damage caused by the driver at fault. You’d work through their insurer to file a claim, and you shouldn’t be responsible for the cost or deductible if it wasn’t your fault. You’ll still want to: Call the police and document the incident Exchange insurance details Take photos of all property damage What Happens If You’re a Renter? If you’re renting your home in The Woodlands and damaged the garage door in an accident, things can get tricky. Your auto policy may still handle damage to the car. But damage to the garage door? That’s usually considered property damage to the owner’s structure. The landlord’s house insurance typically covers damage from accidents, but if you caused it, they may pursue costs from you or your liability insurance (if you have renters insurance). FAQs on Garage Door Accidents and Insurance Does home insurance cover garage door damage if it’s weather-related? Yes, home insurance will pay for damage caused by severe weather like storms, falling trees, or hail. Weather-related
