Does Home Insurance Cover Garage Doors?

Home insurance provides financial protection for unexpected events that can damage a property. A garage door, as an integral part of a home’s structure, is included in a standard homeowner’s policy. The extent of this coverage depends on how the damage occurred and whether the garage is attached or detached from the main dwelling.

How Home Insurance Covers Garage Doors

A standard homeowner’s insurance policy covers damage to a garage door under specific sections. If the garage is attached to the main residence, the garage door falls under “Dwelling Coverage” (Coverage A). This part of the policy protects the physical structure of the home. Dwelling coverage pays the replacement cost for a covered loss.

For garages detached from the main house, coverage is under “Other Structures Coverage” (Coverage B). This covers structures on the property not physically connected to the main dwelling, including sheds and fences. The coverage limit for other structures is a percentage of the dwelling coverage, commonly around 10%. Both dwelling and other structures coverage protect against damage from covered perils.

Specific Events and Exclusions

Home insurance policies typically cover garage door damage from covered perils. Common covered perils include fire, windstorms, hail, vandalism, theft, and damage from falling objects like trees. For example, if a severe storm causes hail or strong winds that damage your garage door, or if the door is vandalized or damaged during a break-in, your policy would cover the repair or replacement costs. Accidental damage from a vehicle, whether by the homeowner or an invited guest, is covered for the garage door itself, though vehicle damage is handled by auto insurance.

However, standard home insurance policies do not cover certain types of damage. Damage from normal wear and tear, deterioration due to age, or a lack of proper maintenance is excluded. For example, if a garage door spring breaks due to old age or rust, it would not be covered. Standard policies exclude damage from natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, requiring separate endorsements or policies for coverage. Intentional damage caused by the homeowner is also excluded.

Before Filing a Claim

Before filing an insurance claim for garage door damage, homeowners should take preparatory steps. Review the specific policy details to understand the deductible amount and coverage limits. The deductible is the out-of-pocket amount the homeowner is responsible for paying before insurance coverage begins. Understanding these figures helps assess potential out-of-pocket costs and the maximum payout.

Document the damage immediately. This involves taking clear photographs and videos from multiple angles to provide evidence of the damage. Obtain repair estimates from qualified professionals to determine the full extent of the damage and potential repair costs. Homeowners should consider whether the damage cost significantly exceeds their deductible; if the repair cost is less than or close to the deductible, filing a claim might not be financially beneficial.

The Claim Process

Once preparatory steps are complete, the claim process begins. The homeowner should contact their insurance company promptly, by phone or through an online portal, to report the damage. When contacting the insurer, have the policy number, the date the damage occurred, and a brief description of the incident ready. Prompt notification is important, as some policies have time limits for filing claims.

After the claim is filed, the insurance company assigns an adjuster. The adjuster inspects the damage, assesses its cause, and determines if it is covered under the policy. They evaluate the evidence provided by the homeowner and may conduct their own assessment. If the damage is covered, the insurance company issues a settlement to cover the approved repair or replacement costs, minus the deductible. The homeowner can then proceed with arranging for necessary repairs.