Below are the steps to follow in the event that you’ve caused damage to a garage door with your vehicle.

What to Do If You Damaged Your Own Garage Door with Your Car?

• Stay Calm and Ensure Safety: First and foremost, ensure that everyone involved is safe. If there are any injuries, call emergency services immediately.
• Assess the Damage: Evaluate the extent of the damage caused to the property and your vehicle and take photos if you’re planning to contact your insurance company.
• Secure the Site: If the garage door has suffered major damage, do not attempt to open or close it. Notify everyone in your household.
• Arrange Repairs: Contact a licensed garage door repair company immediately. Hire a company that offers emergency repair services to ensure the security of your home or property on the same day.
• Gather Documentations: If you plan to use your auto insurance, obtain written estimates or invoices detailing the scope of work and expenses. Additionally, request proof of the contractor’s licensing and insurance to ensure they are qualified, as required by your insurer.

What to Do If You Damaged Someone Else’s Garage Door with Your Car?

• Stay Calm and Ensure Safety: Ensure that everyone involved is safe. If there are any injuries, call emergency services immediately.
• Assess the Damage: Evaluate the extent of the damage caused to the property and your vehicle. Take photos of both the property damage and your car for documentation purposes.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the property owner or any individuals affected by the damage. Include your name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance details.
• Contact Authorities: Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to contact local police. In some jurisdictions, it’s legally required to report accidents, especially if there are injuries or significant damage to property and garage doors.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and file a claim. Provide them with all the relevant information, including the details of the property owner and any other parties involved.
• Determine How to Proceed: If the garage door has only sustained minor damages, it may be more beneficial to pay for the repairs or panel replacement yourself since the cost may be below your deductible. However, if the damage is extensive and the entire garage door needs to be replaced, consider filing a claim with your insurance company.

Does Car Insurance Covers Garage Door Repairs?

The property you damaged, whether it’s a garage door or something else, should be covered under your insurance’s property damage liability. However, coverage for damaged property and garage door repairs or replacement can vary depending on your insurance provider and policy. Review your policy details or consult with your insurance agent to understand the specifics of your coverage in such situations.

Always use a licensed garage door repair company to ensure compliance with safety regulations, industry, and local standards, and to maximize the likelihood of full reimbursement from your insurance. Additionally, consult with your insurance company and thoroughly review your policy to understand any specific requirements or recommendations regarding licensing, assessments, and repairs.

Common Garage Door Damage Caused by Vehicles

People typically backing into a partially open garage door or driving into a closed one. These incidents can result in minor to major damage. Here are the most common types of damage caused by vehicles to garage doors:

• Dents and Bent Door Panels: Dents are the most common damage garage doors suffer, often resulting from cars backing into or bumping them head-on, which can usually be repaired. In cases where the vehicle is moving at a higher speed, the panels could be severely bent and may require replacement.
• Broken Rollers and Hinges: Bent garage door panels can cause damage to the rollers and hinges, leading the door to come off its tracks. If the damage is minimal, the rollers can be replaced, and the garage door can be put back on its tracks.
• Damaged Tracks: Slightly bended tracks often can be adjusted and aligned back into place. However, severely damaged tracks are a safety hazard and likely will need to be replaced.
• Damaged Garage Frame: When a vehicle impacts the garage door with significant force, it can damage the foundations of the garage opening. In such cases, the damaged garage door must be removed, and a general contractor is typically needed to repair the opening foundations before a new garage door can be installed by a professional garage door company.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Garage Door Damage Caused by Vehicles?

Repairing a garage door after a collision typically costs between $300 and $900, depending on the extent of the damage. If only a garage door panel needs replacing, the cost ranges from $800 to $1700 for a standard steel door, depending on factors such as the extent of damage, door manufacturer, and labor involved. For replacing an entire standard garage door, expect to pay roughly $1,400 to $1,900, with costs varying based on size and specifications. Insulated, energy-efficient, wood, and aluminum garage doors generally incur higher replacement costs. In cases of extensive damage, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a full replacement and installation rather than attempting repairs.

While it may seem unusual, vehicle damage to garage doors is not uncommon. According to a study by the National Safety Council, there are over 50,000 crashes in garages each year, resulting in approximately 60,000 injuries and 500 fatalities.