Backing into a garage door can be a frustrating and unexpected situation, but it’s important to know what to do in this scenario to prevent further damage and ensure everyone’s safety. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to address the situation and minimize the accident’s impact.
By following these steps, you can quickly resolve the issue and get your garage door and vehicle back in order.
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1. Turn off the Engine and Check That Everyone Is Safe
As soon as you’ve backed your vehicle into your garage door, put the vehicle in park and engage the emergency brake. Turn off the headlights if necessary, close all windows, and then turn off the engine to prevent accidental acceleration or damage to the engine. Ensure everyone inside the car is safe.
2. Check for Any Damage
After shutting off the engine and ensuring everyone is OK, get out of your car and take a moment to inspect it for any signs of damage that may have occurred. Look for dents, scratches or any other issues that require attention. Take photos of the damage.
Then, inspect the garage door. Check for broken panels or damage to the springs. Don’t try and open the garage door. If the door has gone off the track or is no longer aligned, it might get damaged further. Instead, note the damage so you can have a professional check it properly.
3. Check for Any Leaks
Take a quick look underneath the car for any signs of leaks. Leaks could include oil, coolant or transmission fluid. If you notice any leaks, have them addressed by a mechanic as soon as possible.
4. Call a Professional
If your car backed into your garage door and has any kind of damage, you should contact your car insurance provider immediately. Note that because you caused the damage, it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover the damage, but you may want to contact them anyway. However, your homeowners’ insurance might cover the damage to your garage door, so contact them, too.
From there, you’ll know whether you need to contact a mechanic to tow your car or simply assess the damage. You should also get in touch with a garage door repair company at this point to ensure your garage door is repaired as quickly as possible.
Common Issues Caused by Backing Into a Garage Door
Tens of thousands of accidents occur in parking lots and garages annually. Occasionally, this leads to minor or major accidents. Here are some common issues caused by backing into your garage door and parking in your garage incorrectly:
- Scratches and dents: One of the most common issues caused by backing into your garage incorrectly is scratches and dents on your car’s body. These issues can occur if you misjudge the distance between your vehicle and the garage walls.
- Damage to garage doors and walls: Backing into your garage without paying attention can also cause damage to your garage doors and walls.
- Damage to car’s headlights and taillights: Headlights and taillights are more fragile than the metal of your car. In a collision with your garage door, they’ll likely break first.
- Mechanical issues: Accidentally backing into your garage door can also cause mechanical problems in your vehicle. Damaged parts include transmission or suspension systems and damage to your tires.
- Damaged garage door track: The jolt of your car can cause the garage door to misalign or damage the track. A garage door professional can assess the situation and fix it safely.
- Broken panels: If you reverse into your garage door, your car could damage the sectional panels. A professional can replace the garage door panels depending on the extent of the damage.
You can lower your risk of accidents by taking your time when backing into your garage. Always ensure your garage door is fully open before parking inside your garage or pulling out of it. Make sure to correctly judge the distance between your vehicle and the walls and park your car in the right gear. By following these precautions, you can avoid causing any damage or safety hazards when backing into your garage.
FAQs About Fixing a Damaged Garage Door
If you have a damaged garage door, getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential to ensure your safety and home security. Here are some frequently asked questions about fixing a damaged garage door:
How Do You Know if Your Garage Door Needs Repair?
If you reverse your car into your garage door, it’s best to contact a professional. A professional can assess the damage and determine whether you need repairs. If your door has a dent in it, you could need a total garage door replacement, depending on the extent of the damage.
How Long Does It Take to Repair a Garage Door?
The time it takes to repair a garage door will depend on the damage’s extent and the required parts’ availability. A professional can repair a garage door within a few hours to a full day if parts are available.
Does Insurance Cover You Hitting Your Garage Door?
While many homeowners’ insurance companies will cover the damage to your garage door, it’s best to contact your provider directly and ask about your individual policy. They may ask for photos and quotations on the damage.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Bent Garage Door?
Again, it depends on the extent of the damage. If the damage is extensive, installing a new garage door might be better. A professional will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
Importance of Seeking Professional Garage Door Services
Whenever your garage door becomes damaged, it’s essential to seek the help of a professional. Attempting to fix the problem can worsen the situation, resulting in more expensive repairs. It can also be highly dangerous to attempt to repair your garage door by yourself.
A professional garage door repair company has the knowledge, tools and experience to safely and effectively repair any damage caused by backing into your garage door. They can also provide valuable advice on preventing similar accidents in the future.
Call Marvin’s Garage Doors to Fix Your Garage Door
It’s always best to trust the professionals to handle the garage door repairs. Martin’s Garage Doors is here to help you assess the damage to your garage door and advise you on how to proceed. Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, our professional team will help you figure out the best option for your needs and budget.
To learn more about our garage door repair services, complete our online contact form. If you need emergency garage door assistance, call 336-813-2601 to speak with one of our team members immediately.