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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Doors?

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If you have a homeowners insurance policy in place, damage to your garage doors will be covered. In case the doors break or become damaged by external forces, the policy will kick in to provide this coverage so you can have them repaired.

In this article, we will take a look at exactly when your garage door will be covered and when it won’t be. We will also discuss which coverages take care of garage door damage depending if a garage is attached or detached. Your garage is an important additional structure because it keeps your vehicles and belongings safe.

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Key facts
  • Homeowners insurance covers your garaged doors
  • You can get coverage whether you have an attached or detached garage
  • Natural wear and tear and intentional damage are excluded from insurance policies

Types of garage door damage covered by homeowners insurance

There are two types of garages that you likely have. One is an attached garage that connects directly to your home, and the other is a detached garage that is actually a separate structure.

  • If you have an attached garage, this is automatically covered by the main dwelling coverage A of your homeowners insurance policy because it is technically a part of your home. If you have this type of garage if there is usually a door that connects the garage to the inside of your home.
  • A detached garage serves the same purpose as a traditional garage, but it is a structure separate from the home you live in. You will have to walk outside of your home to get into the garage, and these garage doors are usually covered by other structures coverage B in your a homeowners policy. The main difference with coverage B is that it’s typically limited to only 10% of dwelling coverage A.

The main types of damage covered by homeowners insurance include these instances:

  • Car damage
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Fire damage
  • Natural disasters

These perils can all affect your garage doors, and they are included in your homeowners insurance policy. If your policy covers the type of structure your garage is, then you will be able to file a claim and receive compensation for repairs or replacements. The one difference between an attached and detached garage is the latter might only cover up to 10% of the damages depending on your homeowners insurance policy.

Garage door damage exclusions

Damage to garage doors that are not covered will depend on what your homeowners policy lists as an excluded peril.

  • Wear and tear is not covered under insurance. Garage doors will naturally weaken over time because of use, and this is not considered a peril that insurance will protect you from. Any repairs that must be made based on wear and tear will come out of pocket or any warranty you put in place with the garage door manufacturer.
  • Intentional damage is another peril not covered under insurance. If the damage was seen as preventable, this is deemed the homeowner’s responsibility. When you file a claim, you must submit photos and proof of the damage, and anything that could have been prevented will not fall under the coverage limits.
  • Many homeowners insurance policies operate on a deductible basis. For example, your deductible might be $500. If the damage to your garage doors costs less than this deductible, then the insurance will not take effect. The deductibles vary depending on the policy and can be adjusted to suit your needs.

If the damage to your garage doors exceeds the need for repairs, you might be looking at a total replacement. The homeowners insurance policy might cover this depending on the cost of the replacement job. Severe damage can lead to extensive repairs. If the cost of these repairs exceeds the cost of a replacement, then the insurance would cover the replacement. They will not opt for paying for a replacement if the repairs do not exceed this cost, though.

Homeowners insurance coverage and garage doors explained
Over the course of homeownership, some repairs may be required to your garage door. For example, it is common for a garage door opener mechanism to break from wear and tear and need a replacement. The brand-new units with a remote control typically cost $150 to $300.

Are detached garage doors covered?

Your detached garage doors will be covered under your homeowners policy as long as this coverage extends to other structures. Aside from detached garages, this can also include structures such as sheds, fences, and pools. Before you file a claim, you should make sure you have this coverage in place with your current policy. This will help you protect your garage doors in case an instance occurs.

As mentioned, this coverage is typically going to be lower than the coverage limit that protects your home. Since the structure is not part of your home, you can expect to pay a deductible before the damages are covered. Having a detached garage is seen as a bigger risk by insurers because this is a separate structure that can endure additional damages.

Also Read: Does homeowners insurance cover carports?

Choosing a garage door: which type can withstand more damage?

Depending on the type of garage doors you have, this might improve the cost of your home insurance. Those seen as sturdier as also less of a liability and can withstand more damages.

  • Steel garage doors are the most durable. These are perfect for protecting the doors against damage caused by weather. If you live in an area with inclement weather, steel doors are going to hold up best.
  • Insulated garage doors protect the inside of your garage from damage. Because they are insulated, they will keep the temperature controlled. With this in place, your belongings inside the garage will be better preserved.
  • Vinyl and glass are great materials to use for garage doors if your area experiences a lot of rainfall. These doors will not succumb to rust as easily and will also be resistant to cracking and fading.
  • Aluminum doors are also great for resisting water damage. They will not rust or crack because they are also protective against oxidation. This means your garage doors will stay looking great even despite any wear and tear.
  • If you are interested in the look of a wooden garage door but want more protection, fiberglass is a great alternative. This is resistant to termites and will not dent as easily as natural wood.

No matter what type of garage doors you currently have, understanding how your homeowners insurance policy covers these potential damages will ensure you are prepared in case you must file a claim. Homeowners insurance is a very comprehensive policy that protects against many perils and situations.

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ABOUT AUTHOR
Kristen Nadel has worked as an insurance agent for 4 years and has an extensive background in writing homeowners insurance content. She is also a published author residing in Oklahoma. Her creative spirit and tenacity for excellence allow her to stay inspired. Writing is more than just a task to her — it is a lifelong passion.
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