There’s a reason many accidents happen close to home—your guard goes down and it’s easy to put your brain on autopilot. One common mistake that happens is backing into the garage door or accelerating accidentally and ramming it. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this situation. 

What to Do if You Damage Your Own Garage Door

1. Inspect Your Car

Once you’re safely out of the vehicle, take a walk around your car to see how bad the damage is. If it’s just a cosmetic problem like a scratch or dent, you can drive over to an auto shop later on. But if the damage looks more severe, such as a broken bumper that will make steering difficult, it’s safer to call a tow truck rather than risk injury next time you drive. 

2. Inspect the Door

Next, turn your attention to the door. If it seems to have emerged unscathed, that’s great. Test it out by opening and closing it. However, if it seems stuck or isn’t responsive to your remote, you can try gently closing it, but never use substantial force—you may actually damage the door more. If there’s a puncture, the door seems warped, or it just won’t close, it’s time to call in a professional garage door expert. 

3. Remove Valuables

When the door is stuck halfway down, go into your garage and take anything of value into the house. While good repair specialists are prompt, there’s no point in risking a burglary in the meantime. The half-open door could prove enticing for a passerby. 

4. Evaluate Your Insurance Options

Finally, you’ll need to make a decision about whether to file an insurance claim for both home damage and auto damage. Before simply filing, always weigh your deductible against what it would cost to fix the door, especially where out-of-pocket expenses are concerned. It very well may be cheaper to skip the claim.

If you’ve had an accident involving your garage door, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted specialist like MAC Garage Door Company, Inc. Located in Lexington, NC, the family-owned and -operated company has been the region’s go-to repair company for over four decades. You can receive a free estimate by calling (336) 731-7849. Learn more about the business by visiting their website.