What to Do When Your Car Meets Your Garage Door: The Aftermath & The Fix
That sickening thud, that moment of dread when you realize your car has had a run-in with your garage door—it's a surprisingly common accident. Whether it's a small dent, a bent panel, or a mangled mess, you're likely wondering what to do next. Don't panic! We'll walk you through the immediate steps to take, your repair options, and what to consider before making a decision.
Immediate Steps: Safety First!
After an accident, the most important thing is to ensure your family's safety. A damaged garage door can be a serious hazard.
Do not touch the door if you are not a professional. A severely damaged door could fall on you and lead to a "recipe for disaster".
Don't rush to make a decision. If the door is safely closed, you have time. Trust us, no one is going to be able to open it from the outside.
Call a professional to assess the safety of your garage door system. By getting several quotes you can take the time to analyze and compare your best options.
Assessing the Damage: Repair or Replace?
Ooops! I just hit the garage door.
A slight bump to the garage door can cause the door to come off the tracks, but this can be fixed.
The first step a professional will take is to determine the extent of the damage. Garage doors can be salvaged in some circumstances, while others require a full replacement.
Best-Case Scenario: The Door is Off its Tracks. Sometimes, a car accident simply bumps the door off its tracks. This is your best-case scenario. A technician can reset the door onto the tracks, balance the door, and reset the cables10. This type of repair is often the most affordable11.
Minor Damage: Bent Panels. If only a section of your garage door is bent, a professional can apply garage door struts to support the panels or replace the damaged section entirely. While replacing a single panel is more cost-effective than replacing the whole door, matching the color and style on an older door can be a challenge.
Opener Damage: In some cases, the vehicle impact can even damage the opener motor or bend the rail assembly. It's often best to replace the entire opener system to ensure it's functioning correctly and safely.
Worst-Case Scenario: Full Replacement. When the door is severely mangled and multiple sections are damaged, it might be more cost-effective and safer to replace the entire system. You'll get a brand-new system with a complete warranty, avoiding "extra costs down the road".
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Cost & Coverage: What to Expect
The cost of a repair can range from a few hundred dollars for a door off its tracks to thousands for a full replacement. Before you pay out of pocket, it's wise to:
Check with your homeowner's insurance or home warranty. Be sure to read the fine print to see what your policy covers.
Preventing the Next "Oops!" Moment
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially with garage doors. Here are a few tips to help you prevent an accident in the future.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Many accidents happen when people are in a rush or distracted. Put down your phone and pay attention when entering or exiting the garage.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your garage door in top shape with regular maintenance, including checking the balance, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring the springs are in good condition.
Keep Tracks Clear: Avoid storing tools, shovels, or other items near your garage door tracks. These objects can get lodged in the tracks, preventing the door from closing properly and potentially leading to a collision.
Upgrade Your Safety with Infinity Shield
While safety sensors are required by law, standard sensors are placed about six inches off the ground and can be "fundamentally flawed". They can miss things like a trailer hitch or the bumper of a high-profile vehicle, leaving you prone to accidents26.
For a superior solution, we recommend
Infinity Shield. These advanced sensors are designed to detect even the smallest obstructions, providing an extra layer of protection for your family and property.
Need Help with a Damaged Garage Door?
Dealing with a damaged garage door can be stressful, but you don't have to handle it alone. SOS Garage Door Service is here to help. Our experienced technicians can provide a professional, honest quote for repair or replacement and ensure your door is back in perfect working order. We even install the Infinity Shield system to give you unparalleled protection.
➡️ Call us for a free estimate: 909-524-9169
➡️ Visit our website: https://sosgdo.com/
➡️ Download our Free Door Safety Score Card to perform your own 22-point safety inspection: https://www.sosgdos.com/doorscore