Garage door damage can occur in a number of ways – storms, vandalism or even an accidental collision with your car – but are garage doors covered under your home insurance policy?
A damaged garage door can be extremely detrimental for the overall aesthetic appeal of your property, and if the door fails to close properly it poses an easy target for thieves. Damage to the garage door panels also leaves the door and the contents of your garage vulnerable to the elements. If your garage door is warped, it can place additional strain on the motor and other crucial components of the system, which can lead to further unexpected costs.
Does Home Insurance Cover My Garage?
Generally speaking, most home insurance policies will provide cover for structures permanently fixed on your property, such as garages, carports, sheds and granny flats. This is the case with a range of Home and Contents or Building Only insurance policies. It is always advisable to contact your insurance policy provider and enquire about the coverage and conditions of your policy.
Under What Circumstances Am I Insured?
Depending on the conditions of your home insurance policy, you may be insured for damage to your garage door stemming from a range of events, including:
- Malicious acts and Vandalism
- Earthquake and Tsunami
- Fire (including bushfire)
- Storm (including hail)
- Theft or Burglary
- Escape of Liquid
- Storm surge
- Lightning
- Impact
- Flood
If the damage to your garage door is caused with your own vehicle, it may be covered by your car insurance. This generally applies if you accidentally damage someone else’s garage door while driving your car.
What Is Considered General Wear & Tear With A Garage Door?
Wear and tear is bound to happen over time, particularly on a garage door system with intricate, moving components that are used frequently. Some examples of wear and tear include:
- Weathering from exposure to the elements
- Wear on springs from constant use
- Rust from exposure to moisture
- Scratches from daily use
Limiting the amount of wear and tear damage your garage door receives is beneficial as insurers generally won’t cover wear and tear.
What Should I Do If My Garage Door Is Damaged?
In the unfortunate circumstance where there is damage to your garage door, there is a simple process you can follow.
- Get in touch with your insurance provider to explain the situation and obtain a number for your insurance claim.
- Obtain a damage assessment and quote from our knowledgeable service team. We are happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your garage door repair or replacement.
- Inform your insurance provider of the quote and damage assessment details provided to you by one of our team.
- We will then coordinate your door repair or replacement with your insurer, with a focus on delivering a solution in a timely fashion.
If you find yourself in a situation where your garage door or door system is not covered by insurance, our specialist service team can still assist you. Get in touch with our experts today to discuss your situation and let us deliver a solution that fits your home and budget to perfection.