Does homeowners insurance cover a broken garage door?
Homeowners insurance usually covers garage door damage from a sudden, covered event such as a storm, a fallen tree, fire or vandalism, minus your deductible. It usually does not cover wear and tear, so broken springs, worn cables and old openers are on you. If a car hit the door, the driver’s auto policy usually pays. Check your own policy, because coverage varies.
Usually covered
- Storm and wind damage, including hail and hurricane winds, subject to your wind or hurricane deductible.
- A tree or limb falling on the door.
- Fire.
- Vandalism or a break-in that damaged the door or opener.
Usually not covered
- Broken springs and cables. They wear out with use, and policies exclude wear and tear.
- An opener that died of old age.
- Rust, rot and lack of maintenance.
- Flood damage, unless you carry separate flood insurance.
If a car hit the door
If you hit it with your own car, it is usually a claim on your auto policy’s collision coverage. If a visitor or delivery driver hit it, their auto liability coverage should pay. Take photos before anything is moved, and don’t run the opener on a bent door.
Is a claim worth it?
Most garage door repairs cost a few hundred dollars, often less than your deductible. A claim usually makes sense only for larger damage, such as a new door after a storm or a car impact. See typical prices in our repair cost guide and on the price list.
How we help with a claim
- A written estimate with the parts and labor broken out, which you can send to your insurer or adjuster.
- Photos of the damage before we start.
- A temporary fix to secure the house the same day if the door won’t close.
This is general information, not insurance advice. Your policy and your agent have the final word.
Door damaged and won’t close? Call or text (910) 760-1466, 24/7. We serve Wake Forest, Raleigh, Franklinton and Youngsville and the rest of the Triangle.
Storm or car damage? We can secure the door today.
Call or text JC’s line. You’ll get a real person, honest advice on what to do right now, and a truck on the way.