Often for sudden damage, such as hail or wind, if your policy has wind and hail coverage. Not for wear and tear. The Texas Department of Insurance says a policy should pay for hail damage when it includes wind and hail coverage, and that companies do not pay for damage that happens over time. Your policy sets the details.
1Is hail or wind damage to a garage door covered?
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says hail damage should be paid if your policy includes wind and hail coverage. Most Texans get that coverage in their homeowners policy. People who live along the coast are the exception: their homeowners policy might not cover wind and hail, and they may need a separate windstorm policy, often from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
A garage door is a large flat surface facing the weather, so storm damage to it is common. We cannot tell you whether a claim will be paid. Your policy and your insurer decide that.
2Attached or detached garage?
TDI says most policies define other structures as structures not attached to the house, and it lists a detached garage as an example. Most policies cover other structures at 10% of the coverage on the house itself, and you also pay your deductible. TDI does not say how an attached garage is treated, so read your policy or ask your agent which coverage applies to your garage door.
3Wear and tear is not covered
TDI lists wear and tear among the things a home policy will not cover, and says companies do not pay for damage that happens over time. A door that is old, rusted or worn out is a maintenance matter. A door that was damaged by one storm is a different case. A photo of the damage and the date of the storm help to show which is which.
4Your deductible
TDI notes you may have a different deductible for windstorm damage than for other losses, so check the declarations page. Your insurer may also ask for proof that you paid the deductible, so keep the receipt.
TDI says it is illegal to waive a homeowners deductible under state law and tells you to avoid contractors who offer to do so. We do not offer to waive deductibles.
5Myth versus fact
| Common belief | What TDI says | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance pays for any garage door problem | Wear and tear and damage that happens over time are not covered | Read the exclusions in your policy |
| Every Texas home has wind and hail coverage built in | Most do, but coastal homes might need a separate windstorm policy | Check your declarations page |
| A contractor can cover my deductible | It is illegal to waive a homeowners deductible | Pay it and keep proof |
| I can throw the damaged parts away right away | Do not discard damaged items until your insurer says you can | Photograph first and wait |
Always read your own policy.
6How to document and file
Photograph and video
Record the damage inside and outside before anything is moved. Note the date of the storm.
Stop unsafe use
Do not run a door that is crooked, scrapes or has a broken spring. See hail damage to a garage door.
Limit more damage
Cover broken windows and holes. Your policy may pay for temporary repairs, so keep every receipt.
File promptly
TDI says to file as soon as you can, and to be available when the adjuster visits.
Get a written repair quote
TDI advises more than one bid. Ask us for a quote that lists each part.
7Who to call
Emil Garage Doors repairs garage doors, springs, cables and openers and installs new doors in Texas, including Pearland, Sugar Land and Conroe. Call or send your details with photos of the damage and we give you a written quote you can show your insurer. See garage door repair.
Questions people ask
Does homeowners insurance cover garage doors?
It can, for sudden damage such as hail or wind, if your policy includes wind and hail coverage. It does not cover wear and tear. Your policy and your insurer decide.
Is garage door repair covered by insurance?
Repair after a covered storm may be paid, less your deductible. Repair of a worn or aging door is a maintenance cost that a home policy does not cover.
Can a contractor waive my insurance deductible?
No. TDI says it is illegal to waive a homeowners deductible under state law, and it advises you to avoid contractors who offer to.
Should I repair the door before the adjuster visits?
Photograph and record the damage first and keep damaged parts until your insurer says you can discard them. Temporary steps such as covering a broken window are fine, and you should keep the receipts.
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Cities near you
We repair and install in these cities. Each page has local notes, prices and reviews.
Read next
Sources
- Texas Department of Insurance: After hail or windstorms (claims, documenting damage, deductible, contractors)
- Texas Department of Insurance: What is windstorm insurance? (coastal policies, different deductible)
- Texas Department of Insurance: Home insurance, what structures are covered? (attached and other structures)
- Texas Department of Insurance: Five things your home policy won't cover (wear and tear)