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:

1. Car insurance (under collision coverage) to cover the damage to your vehicle.
2. 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 garage door damage is covered under typical home insurance.

If I back into my detached garage, what type of insurance should I use?

It depends. If your detached garage is covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy and the garage is part of your part of the home coverage, you may be able to file a claim under homeowners’. But your auto policy may still be responsible for damage to the car.

What happens if the garage door was already damaged from wear and tear?

Insurance generally won’t cover repairs due to wear and tear. Insurance usually covers unexpected events — accidents, weather, vandalism — not gradual deterioration. In that case, you’ll need to pay for repairs directly.

Will my rates go up if I make an insurance claim?

For auto policies, accidents you cause can impact your premium. Whether you should file depends on how expensive the repair is compared to your deductible and possible increase in premiums.

Final Thoughts – What to Do If You Back Into Your Garage Door

Backing into your garage door is frustrating, but you do have options. Whether the damage is to your car, your garage, or both — insurance can help if you have the right insurance coverage.

Here’s what to remember:

• Collision insurance covers your vehicle, but you’ll pay the deductible.
• Homeowners’ insurance may not cover accidents you cause with your own vehicle.
• A damaged garage door from outside causes — like weather or another driver — is more likely to be insured.
• Always inspect the damage, call your insurer, and get a local garage door repair estimate.

Need help with a garage door repair in The Woodlands, TX? Reach out to a local professional to get your door inspected, fixed, or replaced.