Is garage door repair covered by homeowners insurance? It’s a question many of us ask when unexpected damage happens to our garage doors. The answer often depends on your policy and what caused the damage—like a storm or an accident.
This guide breaks down what’s typically covered and what might not be. Keep reading to see how your insurance could step in to help!
Key Takeaways
- Homeowners insurance may cover garage door repairs caused by insured events like storms, vandalism, or burglary.
- Damages due to wear and tear, neglect, or intentional acts are not covered by most policies.
- Car insurance usually covers damage if a vehicle hits the garage door accidentally.
- Some policies exclude coverage for floods, earthquakes, or damages during the first 72 hours of policy activation.
- Take photos of damage and contact your insurer quickly to file a claim effectively.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Door Repairs?
Homeowners insurance can help if your garage door gets damaged by events like storms or accidents. The coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the damage.
Damage from natural disasters
Storms, floods, and earthquakes can cause serious damage to your garage door. If the damage is due to these insured events, most home insurance policies will cover repairs or replacement. However, it is essential to assess the extent of the damage carefully before proceeding with repairs, as there may be garage door repair safety concerns that could put you at risk. Always consult a professional to ensure that the repairs comply with safety standards and local building codes. Additionally, regular maintenance can help prevent issues from escalating, protecting both your garage door and your home.
For example, wind from a storm might rip the door off its tracks or water from a flood could ruin it.
Coverage depends on your specific insurance policy type—Home and Contents or Building Only—and its terms. Some policies won’t cover events in the first 72 hours after you sign up.
Always check what’s included before filing a claim… Next, let’s explore coverage for vandalism or break-ins.
Vandalism or break-ins
Garage doors damaged by vandalism or break-ins may be covered under home insurance. If someone intentionally damages the door, like spray-painting it or breaking parts of it, most policies consider this an insured event.
Theft-related damage from a burglary, such as forcing the door open, is also likely to be covered by your insurance.
AAMI Home & Contents Insurance can help with repair or replacement costs in these situations. Coverage will depend on your policy and exclusions listed. It’s crucial to file a claim quickly after discovering the damage caused by malicious acts or theft.
Always check if you have optional accidental damage coverage for extra protection against other risks.
Accidental vehicle damage
If we hit our garage door with a car, the damage is usually covered by our car insurance. This type of accident falls under comprehensive car insurance policies. Costs may vary depending on whether it’s a minor fix or major structural damage that requires replacing the door.
Homeowners insurance might help cover extra repair costs, but only up to policy limits. We could be responsible for any deductible or costs beyond those limits. It’s smart to check specifics in both home and vehicle insurance plans before filing an insurance claim.
“Accidental hits happen—insurance can save us from high repair bills.”
When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Garage Door Repairs?
Homeowners insurance has its limits. Some situations, like aging parts or everyday use, might not qualify for coverage.
General wear and tear
Most insurance policies don’t cover repairs for normal wear and tear. This includes damages like rust, weathering, spring wear, or scratches from daily use. Lack of maintenance also falls under this category and won’t be covered by home insurance.
Neglect can make small issues worse over time, leading to bigger problems.
To avoid these costs, regular upkeep is crucial. Lubricate the springs and check for rust often. Fix minor issues before they grow into costly damage. Accidents or unexpected events are usually handled differently—let’s move on to those next!
Intentional damage
General wear and tear might not be covered, but intentional damage is treated even more strictly. Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damage we cause on purpose to our own property.
For example, smashing a garage door out of anger or frustration wouldn’t qualify.
Insurance providers view this as preventable and outside the scope of coverage. Malicious acts like vandalism are different because they involve someone else damaging the property without consent.
It’s important to understand these specifics in your policy before filing any claim for garage door repair or other home-related damages caused by insured events.
Damage from excluded events like floods or earthquakes
Some events, like floods and earthquakes, are often not covered by home insurance policies. These exclusions vary depending on the type of plan we have—Home and Contents or Building Only insurance.
Policies may also exclude damage caused during the first 72 hours after purchasing coverage.
We should read the product disclosure statement carefully before buying any insurance. This helps us understand what’s included or excluded, like flood cover or earthquake protection.
For peace of mind, let’s confirm these details with our insurance provider directly.
Now, let’s look at tips for handling garage door damage and filing claims effectively!
Tips for Handling Garage Door Damage and Insurance Claims
Handle garage door damage quickly—take photos, call your insurance company, and check your policy details for coverage.
Document the damage
Take clear photos of the garage door. Capture all visible damage from different angles, including close-ups and wide shots. Write a detailed description of what happened and note the date and time.
Get a professional assessment from a trusted service team. Request a quote for repairs, showing exactly what needs fixing. Share these documents with your insurance provider to help process your claim faster.
Contact your insurance provider promptly
Once we document the damage, calling our insurance provider should be next. We need to share all details and ask for a claim number right away. This number helps track our case and speeds up the process.
Filing a claim is usually easy. Many companies let us do this online or over the phone. The service team often works directly with repair providers, so repairs or replacements happen faster.
Quick action ensures we’re covered for accidental damage caused by insured events like storms or break-ins.
Conclusion
Garage door damage can be tricky, but insurance might help. Coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. It’s key to review your plan carefully and understand what events are covered.
Regular maintenance can also save money in the long run by preventing major issues. If unsure, reach out to your insurer for clear answers.
FAQs
1. Does homeowners insurance cover garage door repair?
Homeowners insurance may cover garage door repairs if the damage is caused by a covered event, like storms or accidents. Check your policy for specifics on what’s covered.
2. What types of damage to a garage door are usually covered by home insurance?
Insurance can cover loss or damage from events like rain, storm drain backups, water damage, or accidents involving vehicles. Wear and tear is not typically covered.
3. Are all garage doors included under home and contents insurance?
Garage doors attached to residential homes are often included in home building policies. Detached garages might need separate coverage depending on the type of policy you have.
4. Will my car insurance help if I accidentally hit my own garage door?
Your auto insurance may cover part of the cost for damages caused by your vehicle. However, this depends on whether you have comprehensive or collision coverage.
5. Does a warranty replace homeowners insurance for garage door repairs?
No, warranties only apply to specific issues with parts or construction defects in major appliances like air conditioning units or plumbing systems—not general loss or damage.
6. How do I know if my home insurance will pay for repairs to my damaged garage door?
Review your house insurance statement before filing a claim online with companies like AAMI Home Insurance. Speak with an agent about what’s included under your current coverage plan!
Reliable Garage Door Services – Your Trusted Local Experts
From garage door installation to garage door repair, Impact Doors has you covered! Serving homeowners and businesses in Armstrong Creek, QLD, we specialize in fixing garage door openers, garage door springs, and providing emergency garage door repair when you need it most. Owner Jarred and his experienced team are just a call away. Dial (07) 5451 4022 now to schedule your service!
