Both new and experienced drivers have had this happen. You’ve crashed or backed into the garage door. Maybe you thought you had plenty of room to back up, or maybe your foot slipped off the brake. Either way, you may be researching garage door replacement panels.
It tends to happen when someone is running late or trying to pull in quietly after a long day. You’re not alone! These things can happen. Here’s what to do first, before you take on any DIY repair projects!
“If your garage door is heavily damaged, the security of your home has been compromised. At Austin’s Greater Garage Doors, we repair damaged garage doors within 2 hours and offer 24/7 emergency support.” 
Source: Pexels.com
What To Do When You Crash Into Your Garage Door
Here are the steps we recommend you take to help you overcome a car versus garage incident.
There’s No Need To Panic
Running into your garage door can be a startling experience! We understand. You may be so upset that you even forget to put the car in park or shut off the engine, which could be dangerous or cause more damage.
Take a breath, don’t panic, and ensure your safety and the safety of others before taking any further steps.
Inspect The Damage
In most cases, vehicles make contact with the bottom garage door panels or the side garage door trim. Double-check that the garage door rollers are still in the tracks and that there is no damage to the garage door struts or garage door torsion springs.
Remember that the cables and springs could be under increased pressure due to damage or misalignment. Slowly move the vehicle out of the way and, if possible, inspect any damage without getting too close.
Take pictures and make notes about everything you’ve found. This small and easy step will help later should you need to make an insurance claim.
What To Do If The Garage Door Is Stuck Open or Closed
The most important thing to remember is not to use the automatic or remote garage door opener. Also, try not to manually force the door open or shut.
If you have tried to gently move the door and it won’t budge, leave it alone to avoid causing further damage and call a garage door repair service near you. If your vehicle is still inside, for your safety go through your house or a side exit to get out, rather than attempting to duck under the door.
What If It Happens At Night or After Hours?
If it’s late at night and your garage door is heavily damaged, the security of your home has been compromised. At Austin’s Greater Garage Doors, we repair damaged garage doors within 2 hours and offer 24/7 emergency support. Take advantage of immediate repair assistance to restore the safety of your home.
Do I Need to Replace the Entire Door?
This depends on the extent of the damage your garage door has sustained. It’s possible to replace only a panel if the damage is localized. If more than two panels show damage, you may find that a garage door replacement is more practical for the cost.
Can I Install Garage Door Replacement Panels Myself?
It may appear that there is only damage to one or two panels, but without a thorough inspection, your garage door could be in worse shape than you think.
The door may not sit square on the tracks, or the springs and cables may be under too much pressure and close to breaking. These are repairs that require the experienced hand of a professional and could be dangerous to attempt to repair yourself.
A garage door technician can give a realistic estimate of garage door repair costs and complete the job quickly and safely. A DIY attempt could put you and your home at greater risk of costly damage or injury.
Should I Call the Insurance Company?
It would be wise to check with your home owner’s insurance and report the damage after the collision. Find out if they will cover the damage to the garage door.
Also, try reaching out to your vehicle insurance carrier and see what they will cover. If they can help cover the costs of garage door repairs, it’s time to do the math to determine if the cost of the repair would be less than your deductible.
Call The Pros at Austin’s Greater Garage Doors
The damage is already done. Now your job is to make sure it doesn’t get worse. Call in the local professional garage door service provider Austin homeowners trust at Austin’s Greater Garage Doors for 24/7 emergency services you can count on.
