My car accidentally hit the garage door, which didn’t fully open, and unfortunately, the damage is beyond repair. The door is made of wood and is the original one from 1968, so it’s quite battered. The impact not only damaged the door but also knocked one side of the lifting mechanism off its rollers and broke a few wires and parts. The repair company assessed the situation and determined that, due to the age and damage of the wood, and the fact that replacement parts are no longer available, it can’t be fixed.
Since we have a double garage door, any replacement will require us to replace both doors, as the original design is no longer available.
I’m weighing the option of filing an insurance claim, despite the common advice against it for garage door issues. My deductible is $2,000, but estimates for replacement range from $10,000 to $25,000. Do you think the insurance company will cover this? I’d appreciate any thoughts or advice!
It sounds like a frustrating situation, but you’re not alone in dealing with this kind of damage. Given that the garage door is beyond repair and you need to replace both doors, it’s definitely a bigger expense than just the repair.
Filing a claim with your insurance may be worth considering, especially since the repair costs exceed your deductible. Keep in mind that insurance coverage can vary based on your policy, so it’s a good idea to check the specific terms regarding accidental damage. When you contact your insurance company, be transparent about what happened and provide them with the quotes you’ve received for the replacement.
One thing to note is that while filing a claim might increase your premium in the long run, if you have a good reason to file (like the age and condition of the door), it might be justifiable. Additionally, if the damage was accidental and not due to neglect, they may be more inclined to cover it.
Before moving forward, I recommend gathering all your quotes and documentation to present a clear case to your insurer. Good luck, and I hope you’re able to resolve it without too much stress!