does car insurance cover hitting garage door
Introduction
As a car owner, you have probably had moments where you misjudge the distance between your vehicle and a stationary object. One such instance is accidentally hitting your garage door while parking. This can lead to considerable damage to both your car and the garage door. In such cases, it’s natural to wonder if your car insurance policy covers the damages. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of car insurance coverage for hitting a garage door and what you need to know.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Types of Car Insurance Coverage
- Liability Coverage
- Collision Coverage
- Comprehensive Coverage
- Coverage for Hitting a Garage Door
- Steps to Follow After Hitting a Garage Door
- Claiming Insurance for Garage Door Damage
- Exclusions and Limitations
- Choosing the Right Insurance Policy
- How to Prevent Garage Door Accidents
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Does comprehensive coverage pay for hitting a garage door?
- Can I claim insurance if I hit my own garage door?
- Will my rates go up if I file a claim for garage door damage?
- How long does it take for insurance to pay for garage door damage?
- What if I hit someone else’s garage door with my car?
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
Before we delve into coverage for garage door accidents, it’s important to understand the different types of car insurance policies available. There are three main types of car insurance coverage, and they include liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is mandatory in most states, and it covers damages or injuries you cause to other people or their property in an accident that is your fault. Liability coverage has two main components: bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is an optional coverage that pays for damages to your vehicle in case of a collision with another car or object. This coverage is usually subject to a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is also optional, and it covers damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision. This includes damages from theft, vandalism, and natural disasters like floods and hailstorms.
Coverage for Hitting a Garage Door
When it comes to hitting a garage door, the coverage will depend on the type of insurance policy you have. If you have liability coverage, it will not cover the damages to your car or the garage door. Liability coverage only covers damages to third-party property.
Collision coverage will cover damages to your car but not the garage door. If you have comprehensive coverage, it will cover damages to your car as well as the garage door. However, you will still have to pay the deductible before your insurance pays for the damages.
Steps to Follow After Hitting a Garage Door
If you accidentally hit your garage door, the first thing you need to do is assess the damage. If there is considerable damage, take pictures for documentation. Contact your insurance company to report the accident and file a claim if necessary.
Claiming Insurance for Garage Door Damage
To claim insurance for garage door damage, you will need to provide documentation of the accident and the damages. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damages and determine the payout. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will cover the damages to your car and the garage door.
Exclusions and Limitations
It’s important to note that insurance policies have exclusions and limitations. For example, if you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs when you hit the garage door, your insurance company may deny your claim.
Similarly, if the damages exceed the coverage limit of your policy, you will have to pay the excess out of pocket. It’s crucial to review your insurance policy to understand the limitations and exclusions before filing a claim.
Choosing the Right Insurance Policy
Choosing the right insurance policy can be daunting, but it’s essential to ensure you have adequate coverage in case of an accident. When selecting a policy, consider the coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums. It’s also important to review the insurance company’s reputation and customer service.
How to Prevent Garage Door Accidents
Preventing garage door accidents is the best way to avoid damage to your car and property. Here are some tips to help prevent garage door accidents:
- Install sensors: Most modern garage doors have sensors that detect objects in their path and stop closing.
- Keep the area clear: Ensure the area around the garage door is clear of objects and debris.
- Use mirrors: If your garage is small, consider using mirrors to help you judge the distance between your car and the garage door.
- Check your mirrors: Always check your mirrors and use your backup camera when reversing into your garage.
Conclusion
if you accidentally hit your garage door, your insurance coverage will depend on the type of policy you have. Liability coverage will not cover damages to your car or the garage door, while collision coverage will only cover damages to your car. Comprehensive coverage will cover damages to both your car and the garage door. It’s crucial to review your insurance policy to understand the limitations and exclusions before filing a claim. Preventing garage door accidents is the best way to avoid damage to your car and property.
FAQs
Does comprehensive coverage pay for hitting a garage door?
Yes, comprehensive coverage will cover damages to both your car and the garage door.
Can I claim insurance if I hit my own garage door?
Yes, you can claim insurance if you hit your own garage door.
Will my rates go up if I file a claim for garage door damage?
It depends on your insurance company’s policies. Some companies may increase your rates, while others may not.
How long does it take for insurance to pay for garage door damage?
It varies depending on the insurance company and the extent of the damages.
What if I hit someone else’s garage door with my car?
If you hit someone else’s garage door, your liability coverage will cover the damages to the third-party property.
