We get it. The day did not start out as planned. You woke up late, spilled coffee on your shirt, and didn’t even have time to pack your lunch. Your bad morning just got worse, though; you managed to run into the garage door with your car. Take a deep breath, and follow these steps.
Assess the Damage
It’s common to feel overwhelmed after a jarring encounter like the one described above. While this is a serious situation, it isn’t one that can’t be rectified. Take time to assess the situation before you decide on a plan of action.
Your Garage Door
The damage done to your garage door can be anywhere from minimal to extensive. Visually inspect your garage door to determine what repairs might be necessary. Begin by checking the panels of your garage door for damage. Denting or cracking can result in further degradation of the door itself, so you’ll want to replace any damaged panels. Next, check to see if the garage door is still on its tracks. If the garage door is hanging lopsided or has come completely off of the tracks, do not attempt to move it. If your door seems to have minimal damage, try opening and closing it. If the door is stuck do not attempt to manually open or close it. Forcing the door open or closed could cause further damage and increase the cost of repair. A malfunctioning door will likely require professional attention.
Your Car
After you’ve assessed the condition of your garage door, do a visual inspection of your car. Hopefully, any damage will be minimal. If your garage door is still operable and the car is inside the garage, drive your car safely out to prevent it from getting trapped. Do not attempt to move your car out of the garage if the door is malfunctioning or hanging improperly on the tracks.
Your Property
There’s a chance that the structure of your garage or belongings within the garage may have been damaged during the collision. Be sure to take note of this and move any important belongings like lawn equipment or other vehicles to a safe area. If your garage door seems unstable, move your belongings away from it. Do not let anything or anyone stand under a malfunctioning door.
Check Your Insurance
Depending on the amount of damage that was done, you may want to report claims to your insurance provider.
Car Insurance
You’ll need to contact your auto insurance provider to submit damage claims relating to your car. Before you report a claim to your insurance company, make sure that it isn’t more cost effective to pay for the repair out of pocket.
Homeowner’s Insurance
If applicable, you can report the damage done to your garage or garage door to your homeowner’s insurance company. Again, you may want to wait to report the claim until you have a thorough understanding of your repair cost versus your deductible. If you are uncertain of the repair cost, a garage door repair expert can provide a free quote for you.
Call a Professional
In all likelihood, you’ll need to have a professional assess the condition of your garage door. The results of the collision may not manifest immediately, but damage can often cause reversal, misalignment, or failure to close in the cycles following the run-in. When in doubt, contact a professional to check the condition of your door and operating system. A garage door repair expert can help you determine what steps are needed to restore your garage door to safe and convenient operation.
If your garage door is in need of repair, contact Doors by George. As an expert in residential and commercial garage doors, the professionals at Doors by George can handle any garage door need. Whether your door could use a quick tune-up or a complete replacement, trust the professionals at Doors by George. Get your free quote today!
