Car accidentally collided with garage door, rendering it irreparable.
So, here’s the situation: my garage door failed to open fully, and when I backed out, my car hit the bottom panel. The door is original to the house (built in 1968) and made of wood, and it’s pretty damaged now. It also tore one side of the lifting mechanism off its rollers, broke a wire, and damaged several components. The repair company has informed me that it can’t be fixed due to its age and the extensive damage, plus the fact that replacement parts are no longer available.
Now, since we have a double garage door, any replacement will require both doors to match. Unfortunately, I can’t simply replicate the damaged door since it’s no longer in production.
I’ve been advised to avoid filing a claim for garage door damages, but I’m starting to think it might be worth it in this case. My deductible is $2,000, but the estimates for replacement range from $10,000 to $25,000. Do you think the insurance company would cover this? Any thoughts?
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation. Since your deductible is $2,000 and replacement estimates are significantly higher, filing a claim might be worth considering, especially since it seems like the damage is beyond repair and you’re looking at replacing both doors.
When it comes to insurance coverage, whether the company will cover it depends on your specific policy and the circumstances of the incident. Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover damage to structures on your property, which could include a garage door. However, since this was an accident involving your own vehicle, some insurers may take this into account, and there could be a chance that they classify it as a self-inflicted loss, potentially affecting your claim.
Here are a few steps you can take:
Review Your Policy: Look over your homeowners’ insurance policy to see what it covers regarding garage doors and accidental damage.
Contact Your Insurer: Reach out to your insurance company to explain the situation. They might provide insight into whether this type of claim would be covered and how it would affect your premiums.
Get Multiple Quotes: Since the proposals run quite a bit apart, it might be beneficial to gain several more estimates for the replacement before making a decision. Sometimes, negotiating with contractors can yield better prices.
Weigh Your Options: Consider your financial ability to simply pay for the repairs versus the cost of a potential rate increase from filing a claim.
Consult with a Professional: If you’re unsure, it may be wise to discuss your situation with an insurance adjuster or a trusted contractor for some advice.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on how comfortable you are with potentially resulting in higher premiums versus covering the cost out of pocket.