Backed Into Your Garage Door? Here’s What You Should Do

So, you’ve recently backed into your garage door. Don’t worry! It happens to the best of us. If you accidentally backed into your garage door, this guide provides you with the proper steps to proceed.

First of all, welcome to the club! Backing into the garage door is one of the most common types of garage door accidents. It’s important to stay calm and assess the damage.

Depending on the size and speed of your vehicle, you may have only damaged a small section or panels, or it could be more extensive.

Things to Do After You Backed Into Garage Door

Okay, the damage is done. Now what? Don’t panic. Here are the following steps:

1. Take a Deep Breath and Try to Relax

If you accidentally backed into your garage door, take a minute to catch your breath and calm down. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed when you cause accidental damage, but that won’t help the situation.

Remember, it’s an accident, meaning you weren’t intentionally trying to damage the door. Take a step back and ensure you’re in the right frame of mind for the next steps.

2. Inspect Your Car and the Garage Door for Any Damage.

Carefully inspect your car and the garage door for any visible damage. This will give you an idea of what needs to be fixed and how extensive the repair may be.

Take note of any dents, cracks, or broken pieces on your car and the door. You’ll need this information when you contact a professional garage door repair company.

Ensure you’re not risking your safety while inspecting the damage. If you’re uncomfortable, you can have a professional assess the damage.

3. Try to Open or Close the Door Manually

Assuming you’ve calmed down, assessed the damage, and feel comfortable doing so, carefully try to open and close the door manually. This will help you determine if anything is off-track or broken.

If you try using your remote or wall switch, you may break the garage door system. Instead, open the door manually. 

If it doesn’t open or close properly, you may need a professional garage door repair service to fix it immediately. Attempting to fix it yourself can lead to more damage or injury.

4. If the Damage Is Minor, See if You Can Fix It Yourself

You can often fix minor dents or door damage like scratches or small bends without professional help. If you backed into the garage door and it caused a dent but not much else, it might still function correctly.

You can purchase a DIY kit at your local hardware store or online to repair these dents. Once you have the kit, you can take the following steps:

• Clean the area of the garage door around the dent.
• Place a wooden block behind or inside the dent, depending on access.
• Hammer out the dent gently, starting at its center and working your way outward until it is flat again.
• Apply filler material to smooth out any remaining creases in the door.
• Paint the area to match the rest of the door.

If you need more help fixing a dented garage door, many hardware stores offer tutorials on DIY repair techniques. You can also watch this instructional video on YouTube for further guidance.

Remember that even if you can make minor repairs, you should still call a technician to ensure the door functions as expected. A professional from Garage Insider can also check for any more profound structural damage caused by backing into your garage door.

You can always contact us if you need to connect with a local garage door repair expert to help sort out your troubles.

5. Get a Repair Estimate From a Reputable Company

Assuming you’ve determined the damage’s extent and need professional help, hire a reputable company to make the repairs. Contact several providers in your area to compare quotes and get an estimate.

When searching for a garage door repair technician, look for companies with experience dealing with backed-into garage doors. Ask potential service providers how they typically handle this type of repair and the cost of service and parts.

It’s also important to read customer reviews to ensure you work with a trustworthy and reliable company. Research the company online or ask friends and family for recommendations.

Finally, inquire about any warranties or guarantees the repair services provider offers. This will help protect your investment in case something goes wrong.

Additional Steps to Consider

In addition to the steps outlined above, make sure you also:

• Document the damage in case of an insurance claim.
• Take photos and videos of your garage door before and after the repair.
• Ask your technician to explain their diagnosis and proposed repairs in detail.
• Find out the type of parts and materials they’ll use for the repair.
• Ask how long the repairs will take and if you need to stay off the door while it’s being repaired.

Because it’s something you’ve never experienced, backing into your garage door can be overwhelming at first,  But these tips help you thoroughly ensure your garage door is repaired correctly.

With the right professional help, you should be able to get your door back in working condition quickly and safely.

Does Home Insurance Cover the Damages if You Hit Your Garage Door?

In many cases, home insurance may help cover the cost of repairs if you reverse into your garage door accidentally. Home insurance may also cover the costs if a friend or a hit-and-run driver accidentally damages your garage door.

It’s always best to check with your home insurance provider and review your policy details before filing a claim. Keep in mind that if you backed into the garage door intentionally, most policies wouldn’t cover the cost of repair or replacement.

On the same note, home insurance policies will not cover any damages to your car, so you’ll need to contact your auto insurance provider.

When Is It a Good Idea to Replace the Entire Garage Door?

When we think of a new garage door, we usually associate it with high price tags that immediately wipe those thoughts away. But if your garage door has sustained significant damage, such as a broken spring or an off-track panel, replacing the entire door may be more cost-effective than trying to repair it.

This is especially true when the door’s structural integrity is compromised, and you have to pay for expensive repairs or parts.

That said, the following are some signs that you may need to replace your garage door:

• The door is damaged beyond repair: If your garage door has sustained severe damage and the cost of repairs is too high, replacing the entire door may be a better option.
• One or more broken panels: If one or more panels are damaged due to backing into the garage door, it can affect the entire operation. While repairing one or two panels may seem cost-effective, replacing the garage door offers better long-term value because it ensures the entire system is secure and properly functioning.
• You want a more secure garage door: Burglars can break into garage doors in seconds if they’re not secure enough. Considering the extent of damage backed-into garage doors usually have, it’s best to opt for a more secure model.

• Your current garage door is outdated and inefficient: In addition to the damage, it may be time to replace it with a more energy-efficient model if it is outdated.

• You’re interested in increasing your property’s curb appeal: Repairing a damaged garage door will only sometimes improve the look of your property. Installing a new garage door can give your home a fresh and modern look.

Why You Should Consider Hiring an Expert for Garage Repair

Garage door repair is a complex process that requires specialized tools and knowledge. Not to mention, it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Let’s look at some of the main reasons why you should consider hiring an expert for garage repair:

1. Safety

Repairing a garage door can be hazardous. While you can fix simple dents and scratches, a professional should handle repairs involving broken components like broken panels or bent tracks.

Take the torsion spring, for example. It opens and closes the garage door, which can be dangerous to repair if you don’t know what you’re doing. The spring bears immense tension, so it’s best to leave it in the hands of a professional.

2. Knowledge

Repairing and replacing garage doors is more complex than some people think. Several components must be adjusted correctly for the door to operate safely and efficiently, from the tension springs to fasteners and cables.

It’s also important to remember that your garage door can be an easy target for burglars.

Ironically, homeowners usually care more about securing their front doors than their garage doors—even though statistics from the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) show that approximately 9% of burglars break into houses through the garage.

Therefore, it’s important to entrust the repair of your garage door to a professional because they have the right tools and experience to ensure the job is done properly.

3. Cost-effectiveness

Though hiring an expert may seem expensive, it’s usually cheaper in the long run than trying to fix it yourself. If you need to know what you’re doing and make a mistake, you may buy parts that aren’t necessary or even damage the door further.

Instead of wasting money on tools or parts that may not be right for the job, an experienced technician will have the right tools and parts to get the job done quickly and correctly.

4. Warranty

Many garage door professionals offer warranties for their services. If anything goes wrong or needs to be repaired, you can call the same technician who performed your original repairs and get them taken care of quickly.

Therefore, go for professionals who offer a warranty and peace of mind that your repairs will be taken care of if something goes wrong. Even if it costs more upfront, you will save money with quality services and warranties in the long run.

If you backed into your garage door severely, don’t risk further damage by attempting repairs yourself. Hiring a professional can save you time and money in the long run.

How Much Does A Garage Door Repair  Cost?

The national average garage door repair cost can range from $150 to $350, depending on the extent and type of damage.

Conclusion

Garage door damage can be quite costly, whether caused by a car accident or other means. It’s essential to weigh your options and find the most cost-effective solution. 

Depending on the extent of the damage, you can decide between repairing or replacing the entire garage door.

Either way, ensure you hire a professional to take the safest route. They have the necessary tools and knowledge to complete the job efficiently and correctly.