Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Doors?
Homeowners insurance may cover damage to your garage door if it’s caused by a covered event, like a fire, vandalism, or a vehicle collision.
Your garage door is an essential part of your home, providing security, privacy, and easy access to your vehicle and belongings. Over time, however, garage doors can experience wear and tear from frequent use, weather, and age. But what happens if it gets damaged suddenly or stops working properly?
Does homeowners insurance cover garage doors? With over an experience of 20 years in the insurance industry, I’ll guide you on whether or not your homeowners insurance policy will protect you if your garage door is damaged or destroyed, and what steps you might need to take to ensure you’re covered.
Key Takeaways
Homeowners insurance typically covers both attached and detached garages for risks like fire, vandalism, and damage from vehicles.
Garages attached to your home are covered under dwelling insurance, while detached garages are covered under other structures insurance.
It’s a good idea to only file a claim for garage door damage if your deductible is much lower than the cost of repairing the door.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Doors?
Homeowners insurance may cover damage to your garage door if it’s caused by a covered event, like a fire, vandalism, or a vehicle collision. If your garage is attached to your home, it is usually covered under your dwelling insurance. If it’s a separate, detached garage, it’s typically covered under other structures insurance.
However, if the damage is due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance, it is not covered. Also, keep in mind that if the cost of repairs is close to or less than your deductible, it might not be worth filing a claim. Always check your policy to understand what’s covered and the terms.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Doors?
When it comes to protecting your home, your garage door plays a significant role in both security and curb appeal. But if something happens to it, you may wonder if homeowners insurance will cover the damage. In this section, I will explain when homeowners insurance covers garage doors.
Damage From Covered Peril
Homeowners insurance typically covers garage doors when the damage is caused by events included in your policy, such as fire, vandalism, or a vehicle collision. If your garage door is damaged by a covered event, your insurance may help pay for repairs or replacement.
When The Garage Is Attached To Your Home
If your garage is attached to your home, it is usually covered under your dwelling insurance. This means that damage to the garage door, as part of your home, can be repaired through your homeowners policy if it’s caused by a covered peril, like a storm or fire.
Sudden Or Accidental Damage
If the garage door is damaged suddenly or unexpectedly, like from a tree falling or a car crashing into it, it is more likely to be covered. Accidental damage is often included, but it depends on the cause and your specific policy details.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Garage Doors?
While homeowners insurance can cover garage doors in certain situations, there are times when it won’t provide coverage. Here are some situations where your policy may not help:
Wear And Tear
Homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance. If your garage door breaks down over time due to aging parts or neglect, you’ll have to pay for repairs yourself.
Damage From Non-Covered Event
If the damage to your garage door is caused by something not listed in your policy, like flooding or an earthquake, homeowners insurance typically won’t cover it. These types of damage may require additional, separate coverage like flood insurance.
Deductibles Are Higher Than Repair Cost
In some cases, the cost of repairing your garage door may be lower than your insurance deductible. If this is the case, it may not make sense to file a claim, as you’ll have to pay the deductible out-of-pocket.
Note: Homeowners insurance will also not cover garage damage caused by pest infestations, or maintenance issues. It also won’t cover certain types of water damage, mechanical breakdowns, power surges, or flooding.
Should I File Homeowners Insurance Claim For Garage Door Repair?
Whether it’s a good idea to file a homeowners insurance claim for garage door repairs depends on your policy. In some situations, it might be helpful to file the claim early and for the full amount of the repair costs.
However, keep in mind that some insurance policies have deductibles that are higher than the cost of the repairs. In these cases, you’ll need to carefully consider the pros and cons of filing a claim to determine what will work best for you financially.
How To File A Claim For A Garage Door
Filing a claim for a damaged garage door is simple if you follow these steps:
Check the Damage
Look at your garage door to see how much damage there is. Take clear pictures from different angles to show the insurance company.
Contact Your Insurance
Call your homeowners insurance company to report the damage. You can do this online, by phone, or through their app. Be ready to explain what happened and share the photos.
Provide Documents
The insurance company may ask for details like a description of the damage and any repair estimates. You might also need to fill out a “proof of loss” form.
Get Estimates
If your claim is approved, get repair quotes from contractors. Share these quotes with your insurance company to help them figure out how much to pay.
Review the Settlement
After your claim is processed, your insurance company will make an offer. Check the amount carefully, especially after considering your deductible. If you think the offer is too low, you can try to negotiate.
How To Prevent Garage Door Damage
To prevent garage door damage and keep it working properly, follow these simple tips:
- Regularly Inspect the Door: Check the door for any visible damage or wear, such as rust or cracks. Look for loose parts or anything that seems out of place.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Lubricate the garage door tracks, rollers, and springs regularly to keep them functioning smoothly and avoid wear and tear.
- Keep Tracks Clean: Clean the tracks of dirt and debris to ensure smooth movement of the door. Dirt buildup can cause the door to get stuck or move unevenly.
- Maintain Springs and Cables: Garage door springs and cables handle a lot of pressure. Have them inspected periodically by a professional to ensure they’re in good condition and replace them when needed.
FAQs
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Doors?
Homeowners insurance may cover garage door damage if it is caused by a covered event, like a fire or a storm. However, it typically won’t cover damage from regular wear and tear or maintenance issues.
Are Garage Door Openers Covered by Home Insurance?
The garage door opener, which makes your garage door work, is usually covered under your dwelling or other structures’ coverage. In some cases, it might also be covered by your personal property insurance, depending on your insurance provider.
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Door Damage Caused By A Car Accident?
Yes, if your garage door is damaged by a car accident, your homeowners insurance may cover the repairs. However, if the accident is due to a vehicle owned by you or a family member, your auto insurance might be the one to cover the damage instead.
