While most high-quality garage doors are built to last 10-15 years, accidents can and do happen. Your kids can accidentally crash into it during a hockey game, or severe weather may leave it battered and in need of repairs.
Whatever the cause, fixing a damaged garage door is expensive. Based on your location, the type of door, and the extent of the damage, local garage door repair costs can add up to several hundred dollars or more.
Fortunately, if you have homeowners insurance, your policy might help cover some or all of the repair costs. But it’s worth knowing what’s included to make sure you’re not caught off guard. In this post, we will walk you through the key points you need to know about homeowners insurance for garage doors. We’ll cover the situations where damage might be covered, what might be excluded, and offer some practical advice on filing a claim.
Table Of Content
1. Understanding Homeowners Insurance2. Garage Door Coverage Under Homeowners Insurance
3. When Are Garage Door Repairs Covered?
4. When Are Garage Door Repairs Not Covered?
5. Factors that Affect Your Insurance Coverage
6. Filing a Claim for Garage Door Repairs
7. Preventing Future Damage
8. Talk to Thompson Garage Doors Today
Understanding Homeowners Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance covers your home and everything inside it. If something goes wrong like a fire or theft the policy helps reimburse you for repairs or replacements.
Most homeowners insurance policies typically include:
- Property Damage: Covers damage to your home’s structure and any attached or detached buildings, like garages.
- Liability Coverage: Protects you if someone gets injured on your property and decides to sue.
- Personal Property: Covers items in your home or garage, like tools, bikes, or other valuables.
Garage Door Coverage Under Homeowners Insurance
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “Does insurance cover garage door repair?” To make the most of your policy, you must know exactly what’s included and what’s not.
Learn About Garage Door Coverage Here!
When Are Garage Door Repairs Covered?
Natural Disasters
If your garage door is damaged by hail or wind-blown debris, your insurance will probably cover part of the repair costs. However, certain things you might expect to be covered, like damage from earthquakes or floods, usually aren’t.
Vandalism or Theft
Homeowners insurance will likely cover damage from malicious activity, including things like graffiti, vandalism, and more serious situations like break-ins.
Accidental Damage
Depending on your policy, you might be covered for accidents like a tree falling on your garage door or a car accidentally crashing into it.
When Are Garage Door Repairs Not Covered?
Normal Wear and Tear
Garage doors wear out over time. Routine issues like rusty springs or worn-out rollers won’t be covered.
Maintenance Problems
Routine maintenance is your responsibility. If the door gets damaged because of a lack of upkeep, such as ignoring broken sensors, your insurance likely won’t cover it.
Damage from Neglect
If you leave the garage door open for days and bad weather ruins it, your insurer may see this as neglect and deny the claim.
Factors that Affect Your Insurance Coverage
Several factors determine whether your homeowners insurance policy will cover garage door damage and how much it will pay:
Type of Homeowners Insurance Policy
Different insurance company policies offer different levels of coverage. A HO-3 policy, the most common one, typically covers sudden or accidental damage, including issues with your garage door. However, other policy types, like HO-1 or HO-2, may offer limited coverage and leave out certain risks.
Deductibles and How They Impact Claims
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance takes over. For example, if garage door repair in your area costs $700 and your deductible is $1,000, you’ll be responsible for covering the entire repair yourself.
On the other hand, if the repair costs $1,500, your insurance will only cover the amount beyond your deductible (that is, $500). It’s important to weigh your deductible against the cost of smaller garage door repairs to see if filing a claim makes sense.
Endorsements and Riders
Endorsements and riders are optional add-ons that offer extra protection. If your standard policy doesn’t cover certain risks like flood damage or specific forms of accidental damage you can add an endorsement to fill the gaps.
Uncover Insurance Facts for Garage Repairs!
Filing a Claim for Garage Door Repairs
If your garage door is damaged and you think it’s covered by your homeowners insurance, here’s what you should do:
Document the Damage
Take clear photos of the damage from different angles. If the damage was caused by weather, try to document the event (e.g., photos of fallen trees or storm damage).
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Some policies have time limits for filing claims, so it’s best to act quickly. When you call, ask them what documentation they need and if they have preferred contractors.
Understand the Claims Process
Ask your insurer about what documents are needed and how long the process will take. Also, consider getting everything in writing- emails or written confirmation will be useful if any issues arise.
For a smooth claims process:
Keep Records and Receipts
Save receipts from any temporary repairs or inspections you’ve done. If you had to call a technician for an emergency fix, make sure to hold onto that paperwork it might be reimbursed.
Consult with a Contractor for Estimates
Have a contractor look at the damage and provide an estimate before submitting your claim. This way, you’ll have a point of reference if the insurance company offers less than you expected.
Is Your Garage Door Covered? Find Out!
Preventing Future Damage
While homeowners insurance for garage doors can cover unexpected damage, it usually won’t apply if the problem is due to poor maintenance. Regular upkeep goes a long way in preventing issues and can save you from unnecessary repair costs down the road.
Importance of Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular inspections help you catch small problems before they turn into bigger ones. Be sure to check the garage door’s springs, rollers, tracks, sensors, and openers every few months to make sure they’re working smoothly. Also, watch out for any signs of rust, fraying cables, or loose bolts.
The more consistent you are with these simple checkups, the lower your chances of dealing with accidents or mechanical failures.
Follow these simple steps to protect your garage door further:
Weatherproofing
Add weatherstripping to the door’s edges to keep rain, wind, and snow from damaging the interior.
Security Against Vandals
Unsecured garage doors can be easy targets for vandals or burglars. Consider installing strong locks and motion-sensor lights outside the garage to deter miscreants.
Protective Installations
Install bumpers inside the garage to prevent accidental damage from vehicles. You can also add surge protectors for automatic door openers to safeguard them from power surges.
Talk to Thompson Garage Doors Today
Understanding how homeowners insurance applies to your garage door can save you time, money, and frustration. While your policy may cover damage caused by natural disasters, theft, or accidents, it likely won’t pay for repairs due to wear and tear or neglect.
Be proactive, review your policy carefully and talk to your insurance agent to clarify any doubts. You can also add extra coverage if your area is prone to risks that are not covered.
Have more questions? Reach out to the team at Thompson Garage Doors! We’ve been helping Reno homeowners with their garage door needs for years. Whether it’s repairs or safety inspections, we do it all. Contact us for best-in-class service that always puts your needs first.