Have you misjudged the distance between your car and the garage door, resulting in a ‘not so gentle’ bump on its surface? If so, there is no need to worry; it happens. In fact, according to recent surveys, approximately 4 million people back into their garage doors annually. Unfortunately for some drivers, this can result in extensive damage that warrants the complete replacement of their beloved garage doors. But don’t panic yet as Titan Garage Doors, garage door repair in Vancouver is here with helpful tips on how to handle this all-too-common garage accident. Continue reading for details about what to do if you find yourself hastily backing out of the driveway straight into your unsuspecting garage door.
Ensure Everyone Is Okay
Backing into your garage door is never fun, but thankfully it’s usually not too serious of an issue. The important thing is to make sure no one has been injured in the process. Check on anyone who might have been in the car at the time, and also check if anyone was outside within range of the garage door at impact. Taking a few moments to ensure everyone’s safety can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Don’t Open the Door Immediately
It may be tempting to immediately open the door and try to assess the damage, but this could cause further harm. Instead, wait for a few minutes until you’re sure that it is safe. This will allow any internal components of the garage door to cool down and avoid causing more damage as you inspect it.
Check For Damage
Once everyone is safe, take a few steps back and evaluate the damage to your garage door. If it is still operational and able to open and close properly, then great. However, if you notice any signs of denting or cracking in the paneling or hardware, there’s a chance that further investigation is needed. It’s best to contact a qualified professional who can assess the damage safely and accurately.
Take Pictures of the Damage
If you’re certain that your garage door sustained some physical damage from being backed into it, document everything with pictures as soon as possible. This will help support your potential insurance claim if necessary. You’ll also want to make sure you have clear photographs of any damage that might have been caused to your vehicle, as well.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Depending on the damage, it may be necessary to contact your insurance company. Your insurer will tell you what documents and information they need in order to move forward with a claim. This could include medical bills if someone was injured or photographs of the damaged goods. It’s also important to keep any repair receipts for future reference.
Seek Professional Repairs
If the garage door is still operational but needs repairs, it’s best to contact a local professional who specializes in garage door services. They’ll be able to evaluate the damage and provide an estimate for repairs. Ensure to hire a reputable company with years of experience and qualified contractors who use high-quality materials. A good garage door repair company will also offer a service guarantee to show that they stand behind the quality of their work. If you’ve already contacted your insurance company, they may cover some of the cost depending on your policy and deductible.
Be Proactive About Prevention
Once everything has been taken care of, it’s important to take steps to prevent this from happening again. Invest in a garage parking assist system, which uses sensors to detect obstacles and alert you when you’re getting too close. You can also install motion-activated lights near your driveway that will help light up the area as you’re backing out.
Finally, be sure to review your insurance policy periodically and make sure that it covers any potential damages should an accident occur. Taking these proactive steps will ensure that if something like this does happen again, you’ll be ready for it.
Now that you are aware of the steps to take when backing into your garage door, it’s time for you to take advantage of this knowledge. Remember, safety always comes first. Be sure that the area surrounding your car and garage door is clear before you start driving and back in carefully. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a professional if your garage door needs repairs or replacement after an accident. Always inspect and repair any mechanical damage before to avoid any costly surprises down the road.