It’s happened to most homeowners at least once, and if you didn’t do it, your teenage driver probably did. Hitting your garage door with your car, whether you weren’t fully awake as you hit the gas or you slid on a patch of ice on the driveway, is both embarrassing and frustrating. Despite the fact that it happens to almost everyone, few homeowners know what to do in this situation. Do you call your insurance company or try to fix it yourself? No and no.

3 Steps to Take After You Hit the Garage Door 

1. Don’t Panic

You don’t need to panic or call your home or auto insurance provider. In most cases, the cost of your deductible won’t offset the consequences of filing an unnecessary claim. Therefore, you shouldn’t try to handle the garage door repairs yourself. You could cause more damage, or worse, injure yourself or someone else in the process.

2. Try Opening & Closing It

While attempting the repairs yourself isn’t advised, you can attempt to open and close the door. If it opens with the remote but won’t close, try closing it manually. The door should close relatively easily manually. If it doesn’t, don’t try to use more force. Doing so could damage the springs, tracks, motor, and other components, which cost even more to fix.

3. Call a Professional

The best step to take after hitting your garage door is to call a repair company right away. This is particularly important if it’s stuck in an open position, which poses a security risk. When you have a professional handle your garage door repairs, you can rest assured knowing the job is completed correctly and without causing more damage. Many companies also offer emergency services, but they may charge extra, so ask about any additional fees upfront.

Running into your garage door with your car isn’t a big deal if you don’t make it one. Simply contact the professionals at Valley Isle Overhead Door, and they’ll send out a technician to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs. They’ve spent the last 25 years in Kihei, HI, installing and repairing both residential and commercial doors, so you can feel confident knowing they have the expertise needed to handle any situation. Call them at (808) 875-0593 to schedule a free estimate, or visit the website for additional information.