As a homeowner, one of the most important investments you can make is in homeowners insurance. This type of insurance is designed to protect your home and personal property in the event of damage or loss caused by a variety of sources. However, when it comes to specific features of your home, such as garage doors, it’s important to understand what is covered by your policy.

Typically, your garage door will be covered under homeowner’s insurance if the damage is physical rather than mechanical. For instance, your garage door may be covered if it is dented due to something hitting it, although it may not be covered if the lifting system isn’t working.

What Is A Garage Door?

Before we dive into the specifics of insurance coverage, let’s first define what we mean by “garage door.” Simply put, a garage door is a large door that covers the opening to a garage. There are several different types of garage doors, including sectional, roll-up, and tilt-up doors. Each type has its own unique features and benefits.

Common reasons for garage door damage Garage doors can be vulnerable to a variety of sources of damage. Some of the most common causes of damage include accidental damage, wear and tear, vandalism, and weather-related damage.

Coverage For Garage Doors Under Homeowners Insurance

When it comes to insurance coverage for garage doors, there are several factors to consider. First, you’ll want to understand the different types of homeowners insurance policies that are available. These may include basic, broad, or comprehensive coverage, each of which offers different levels of protection for your home and personal property.

Once you’ve determined the type of policy you have, you can then examine the coverage for garage doors specifically. In most cases, garage doors are considered part of the “dwelling” from a coverage standpoint. This means that they are typically covered in the event of physical breakage, such as damage caused by a car backing into the door. However, it’s important to note that coverage may not extend to mechanical failure or wear and tear.

In addition to physical damage caused by accidents or other events, garage doors may also be susceptible to damage from natural disasters such as wind, fire, hail, or even flooding. In these cases, homeowners insurance policies may provide coverage for repairs or replacement of the garage door, depending on the specifics of the policy.

Filing A Claim For Garage Door Damage

If your garage door has been damaged, you may need to file a claim with your homeowners insurance provider to receive coverage for repairs or replacement. The claims process for homeowners insurance can vary depending on the provider, but generally involves providing evidence and documentation of the damage, as well as information about the cost of repairs or replacement.

To file a successful claim for garage door damage, it’s important to document the damage as thoroughly as possible. This may involve taking photographs or video of the damage, obtaining estimates from repair professionals, and keeping track of any communication with your insurance provider.

Preventing Garage Door Damage

Of course, the best way to protect your garage door is to prevent damage from occurring in the first place. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify any potential issues before they become major problems. This may include lubricating moving parts, checking the weatherstripping, and ensuring that the door is properly balanced.

It’s also important to protect your garage door from weather-related damage by ensuring that it is properly sealed and that the surrounding area is free from debris. And finally, taking steps to prevent theft or vandalism of your garage door, such as installing security cameras or using a garage door opener with a rolling code, can help keep your property safe and secure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while homeowners insurance policies generally cover garage doors as part of the dwelling, it’s important to review the specifics of your policy to understand any limitations or exclusions on coverage. By taking preventative measures to protect your garage door from damage, and documenting any damage thoroughly if it does occur, you can help ensure that your home and property are protected in the event of an accident or other unforeseen event.

Contact An Insurance Professional Today

If your garage door has recently been damaged, contact Robinson and Stith Insurance to determine whether or not your damage is covered under your homeowners insurance.