Crash! Backing or driving into your garage door – or someone else’s for that matter – is one of those embarrassing little accidents that you hope never happens to you. Yet it can happen to the best of us. When it does happen, however, the question becomes who is going to pay for the garage door damage and when will it be covered by insurance (homeowners or auto).
Damage to Your Vehicle
Your auto policy generally only protects your car against loss. Whether said loss occurs as the result of a collision with another vehicle, theft, or a tree totaling it is debatable. Driving your car into your own closed garage door is typically not covered under an auto policy. You’d need to look to your homeowners insurance, a general liability policy, for coverage to the door. However, if you were to back your car into someone else’s door, then look to your auto insurance policy. Should your vehicle become damaged in the process, auto insurance may pick up the tab for its repair costs, but only after your deductible has been met.
Natural Disaster or Fire
Arizona’s weather is truly unlike any other states’ as it experiences several extreme weather phenomenon’s including severe hail, lightening, rain, wind, and snow – all of which can wreak havoc on your garage door’s system. The unfortunate reality is that insurance coverage does not pick up the tab for damages caused by natural disasters; unless you have a separate policy. Fire, on the other hand, is typically covered under your homeowners policy. Make sure to read your policies thoroughly, including small print, as this doesn’t always hold true. Your deductible will again need to be met.
Criminal Actions
Holiday-related criminal activity is almost as traditional as the holidays themselves. While unfortunate, we see it every year – thieves making away with your gifts. If you notice any signs of tampering with your garage door, or your front door for that matter, the first thing you should do is immediately report it to your local police department. Secondly, contact your insurance company’s emergency 800 number, and report it to them. They will advise you as to what your next actions are. In some cases, they may require that you deal with an authorized garage door repair company to repair, and secure your door.