Does Insurance Cover Backing Into a Garage Door?

We get it: accidents happen. If you’ve found yourself staring at a damaged garage door after accidentally backing into it, you’re probably wondering who’s responsible and what kind of insurance cover applies.

Let’s unravel what happens when your car meets your garage door and how insurance may step in to help with the repair.

Did You Just Hit the Garage Door With Your Car?

So, you backed into the garage door. Whether it happened during a rushed morning or a distracted reversal, the result is a broken garage door and a big question: does insurance cover backing into a garage door?

The short answer is yes—sometimes. But it depends on a few key factors, like which insurance policy applies (your auto or homeowners insurance), who caused the damage, and even whether the garage is attached or a detached garage.

Who Pays: Home Insurance or Car Insurance?

The right coverage depends on the specific situation and your insurance policies. Here’s how the division typically works:

Auto Insurance or Home Insurance?

• Auto insurance is usually the go-to for covering damage you cause with your vehicle.
• Homeowners insurance may step in to cover damage to the garage as part of your home.

Now, let’s talk about the scenarios.

Scenario 1: You Hit Your Own Garage Door With Your Car

This is more common than you might think.

If you backed into your own garage door, collision insurance under your auto insurance is likely to cover the damage to your vehicle. Homeowners insurance (specifically, your dwelling coverage) could help cover the damage to your garage door.

But there’s a catch: your deductible applies in both cases. If the damage is minor, it might not be worth filing claims for either.

What to Do:

• Document the damage to both your car and garage.
• Contact your insurance company for both home and auto insurance to understand what applies.
• Weigh repair cost against your deductibles before deciding to file a claim.

Scenario 2: Someone Else Backs Into Your Garage Door

If a friend, family member, or neighbor backed into your garage door with their car, the process changes a bit.

In this case, their car insurance will cover both the damage to the car and the garage door, under property damage liability coverage. This helps cover the damage caused to your property (in this case, your garage).

What to Do:

• Gather the driver’s insurance information.
• Take photos and notes of the kind of damage.
• File a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance.
• Get a quote to repair the garage door.

This is often less costly for you since you’re not liable—and you won’t have to dip into your own coverage.

Scenario 3: Your Detached Garage Was Hit

There’s a slight variation here. When a detached garage sustains damage after a vehicle mishap, homeowners insurance policies may treat it differently than an attached garage.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Standard homeowners insurance usually covers structures on your property, including detached garages, under the “Other Structures” provision.
• Your homeowner’s insurance policy may help replace your garage door, but again, your deductible will factor into your decision.

Understanding the Insurance Claim Process

Whether you’re filing a homeowners insurance claim or an auto insurance claim, being prepared is crucial. Here’s what you should do:

Step-by-Step: How to File a Claim After Backing Into a Garage Door

1. Inspect the garage door and assess the extent of the damage.
2. Document the damage with clear photos and notes.
3. Notify your insurance company (home or auto) and describe the accident.
4. Request repair estimates from professionals.
5. Review your insurance coverage, including deductibles and policy limits.
6. File a claim if the cost of the damage exceeds your deductible.
7. Have the insurance adjuster inspect the damage, if required.

Will Insurance Cover the Damage to Your Garage Door?

Most of the time, insurance may cover the damage—if it falls under the policy’s covered events. Let’s clarify that.

When Insurance Usually Covers Garage Door Damage

• You have collision insurance, and you back into your own garage door (vehicle damage: covered).
• Your home insurance covers the structure of your garage (garage door damage: covered).
• Someone else hits your garage door with their car (their liability insurance: covered).

When Insurance Doesn’t Cover Garage Door Damage

• The damage is due to general wear and tear or lack of maintenance.
• You don’t have collision insurance, and you damaged your own property.
• Your deductible is higher than the repair cost, in which case you might not file a claim.

What’s the Cost of Repairing a Garage Door?

Repairing or replacing a garage door depends on the material, the extent of the damage, and whether parts like tracks, panels, or openers need to be fixed.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Pro Tip: If the damage is severe or unsafe, it’s best to schedule professional garage door repair from a local, trusted team like Level Up Garage Door.

Can Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Door Damage?

Yes, your homeowner’s insurance may cover garage door damage, especially if the garage is part of the home. However, how your policy will cover it depends on the specifics laid out under your homeowners’ insurance policy.

What Is Typically Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

• Accidents (from cars, falling trees, etc.) that damage structures on your property
• Fires, storms, or vandalism
• Damage resulting from property accidents, depending on your coverage

If your garage door is considered “part of the home,” your home insurance will pay the repair or replacement under your dwelling coverage. For detached structures, it may fall under “Other Structures” and have a different coverage limit.

Do You Need to Repair or Replace Your Garage Door?

After an accident, it can be hard to tell whether you should repair a garage door panel or replace it entirely.

Here are a few signs it might be time for a garage door replacement instead of a fix:

• Panels are bent beyond repair
• The door refuses to open or close
• Your garage door entirely is off-track or unstable
• Your garage’s security is compromised

Speak to a local specialist about your options. A damaged garage door that’s left unchecked could lead to more costly fixes down the road—or a complete failure.

How to Avoid Future Garage Door Accidents

We’ve seen accidents caused by oil leaks that lead to tire slips, distracted driving, narrow garage entries, and hurried departures.

To prevent future incidents:

• Take your time when pulling in or backing out.
• Ensure your garage door is completely open before moving.
• Install visibility aids or indoor sensors.
• Make sure your garage is well-lit.
• Perform regular maintenance on the door and opener.

Final Thoughts: Know When Insurance Can Help You Fix Your Garage Door

If you’re in League City, Texas, and you or someone else accidentally hit your garage door with a vehicle, the key is to know when your home or auto policy applies.

Your car insurance policy typically covers vehicle damage through your collision insurance, while your homeowners insurance may cover garage door damage if the damage to your home is included in your policy.

Keep the following in mind:

• Always document the damage and contact your agent.
• Get professional help to repair any damage, especially if structural.
• Know how your insurance can help before deciding to file a claim.

For more help with door repairs and inspections, trust local experts who know the garages of League City best. Call Level Up Garage Door if you’re ready to fix your garage door the right way.