Accidents happen, and backing into your garage door is a common one. Whether you forget to open it before exiting or you lose control of your vehicle, there are a few steps to take to ensure your property is safe once your heavy door is structurally compromised by a collision. Below are three steps to take after hitting your garage door.

What to Do When You Back Into Your Garage Door

Call a Professional

After the accident, call your garage door repair professionals to come out and inspect the door. Garages are hefty pieces of equipment that can be dangerous if one or more components are no longer working properly. Once an expert assesses the damage, they can let you know what the best course of action is to take, whether that is a repair or complete replacement. Do not try to repair it yourself; garage doors are complicated and not a DIY project.

Close the Door

One of the most common issues after a collision is a garage door that won’t close. This is sometimes due to parts being misaligned from dents or other damage. Try to close the door manually if the trouble seems minimal, but if closing the door feels too rough, stop. Forcing it can cause even more problems that will increase your repair costs. If the door is stuck open and you are concerned about the security of your property, most companies have same-day or emergency services to help you out.

Decide on Insurance Claims

Your first impulse may be to contact your homeowners and auto insurance, but you should first consider the cost of repairs. Compare what you would pay out of pocket to your deductible for both, and go from there. If your repairs are minor and you only need to replace a door panel, it may be better to avoid a claim. If you need a whole new garage door installation and there is a lot of damage to your vehicle, it may be worth going through insurance.

When you need trustworthy garage door services, Great Garage Door Co. in Maplewood, MN, has you covered. With more than 30 years in business, these experts offer residential and commercial options as well as same-day repairs. For top-notch, affordable garage door installations and maintenance, call (651) 486-0000 or visit their website.