Accidentally hitting your garage door with your car can be stressful and frustrating. That sudden impact often leads to visible damage, especially if the garage door panel is bent after hitting it with car. This situation not only affects curb appeal but also raises safety concerns. Acting fast can help avoid expensive repairs or full replacements.
In this complete guide, we’ll help you assess the damage, weigh your repair options, and decide if a full replacement is needed. Whether the dent looks small or the panel is severely misaligned, knowing the right steps can make the fix easier and safer. Let’s explore exactly what you should do after this common accident.
Understanding the Impact: Assessing the Damage
When your garage door panel is bent after hitting it with car, the first step is to evaluate how bad the damage is. This helps determine if it’s safe to continue using the door or if immediate action is needed.
Immediate Steps to Take Post-Impact
Safety should always come first.
- Stop using the garage door right away to avoid worsening the damage.
- Disconnect the garage door opener to prevent automatic movement.
- Inspect the door visually from a distance. Do not touch any bent or loose sections yet.
Common Signs of Damage
A bent panel is not always obvious right away. Here are signs to check for:
- Visible dents or bending in one or more panels
- Gaps forming between panels or between the panel and the frame
- Strange noises during operation, such as grinding, scraping, or popping sounds
Garage Door Panel Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice
Deciding between fixing the damage or replacing parts depends on how bad the impact was. This section helps you understand when to repair and when replacement is a better choice.
When Is Repair Feasible?
Repair is a good option if the dent is minor and does not affect the door’s strength. If there are no cracks, holes, or signs of metal fatigue, and the garage door still opens and closes smoothly, then a simple fix may be enough to restore its function and appearance.
Indicators for Replacement
Replacement is usually the best choice if multiple panels are badly dented, the door frame is bent, or the overall structure is damaged. It’s also a smart move if your garage door is old or discontinued, making it hard to find matching replacement panels. In these cases, a new door can restore both safety and appearance.
How to Fix a Bent Garage Door Panel Yourself After Hitting It With a Car
If you’re confident with basic tools and safety steps, you can fix it yourself when your garage door panel is bent after hitting it with car. Here’s how to handle it properly.
Tools and Materials Needed
To repair the damage, you will need:
- A rubber mallet and a wooden block
- Safety gloves and protective eyewear
- Clamps to hold the door in place
- Optional: a garage door strut for added support
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to fix minor dents:
- Lift the garage door to reduce pressure on the bent panel.
- From inside, place the wooden block against the dent.
- Lightly strike the block with a mallet to help press the dent outward.
- Recheck alignment and test the door manually.
- Add a strut if needed to reinforce the panel.
Limitations of DIY Repairs
DIY repair has its limits:
- You may cause more damage if the panel is severely bent
- Structural damage often requires professional tools
- Doing it yourself may void any existing warranties
Professional Repair Services: What to Expect
When your garage door panel is bent after hitting it with the car, calling a professional is often the smartest choice. Here’s what you can expect from expert garage door repair services.
Evaluation Process
The technician will inspect the panels, frame, and tracks to spot any visible issues or hidden damage. They will also test the spring tension and opener to ensure everything works safely and correctly.
Repair Techniques
Garage professionals may use tools to reshape or replace a bent panel entirely. They can also add reinforcements to keep the damaged garage door panel from bending again.
Cost Estimates
The cost to repair it varies based on the extent of the damage and the materials involved. Minor dents may need simple fixes, while larger issues could require panel replacement or even a full door upgrade. After inspection, a professional can give you a detailed estimate.
Will Insurance Cover a Bent Garage Door Panel After Hitting It With a Car?
Does your policy cover a bent garage door panel? Here’s how to check and what to expect.
Coverage Scenarios
Insurance coverage depends on how the damage happened. Homeowners’ insurance may cover repairs if your garage structure is damaged. If another person damages your garage, their car insurance may cover the repair costs. Some home insurance policies also include accidental damage, which can help if you cause a dent.
Claim Process
To file a claim:
- Take clear photos of the damage.
- Get a written estimate from a garage door repair service.
- Contact your insurance provider and follow their steps.
Preventive Measures: Avoiding Future Incidents
Accidents happen, and if your garage door panel is bent after hitting it with a car, there are simple ways to prevent it from happening again. Here’s how to stay safe.
Installing Parking Aids
Consider these helpful tools:
- Laser Parking Guides: A laser points where to stop, helping you park safely and avoid hitting the garage door.
- Rubber Parking Mats: Rubber mats stop your tires in place so you don’t roll too far and damage the door.
Regular Maintenance
Maintenance keeps your door working smoothly:
- Inspect Parts: Look at springs, cables, and panels for wear or rust every few months.
- Lubricate: Apply silicone lubricant on hinges, rollers, and tracks to reduce noise and ensure smooth movement.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Professional
If your garage door panel is bent after hitting it with a car and you need expert help, choosing the right technician makes all the difference. A skilled garage door specialist can assess the damage, recommend the best fix, and ensure your door works safely and smoothly again.
Credentials to Look For
A sound garage door repair expert should have:
- Proper licenses and insurance.
- Years of experience in garage door panel repairs.
- Positive customer feedback and ratings.
Questions to Ask
Before hiring, ask these questions:
- Have you worked on similar garage door damages before?
- Is a warranty included with your garage door repair services?
- How soon can the job be completed?
FAQs About Garage Door Panel Is Bent After Hitting it With Car
Can a Bent Garage Door Panel Be Repaired?
A bent garage door panel can often be fixed if the damage is minor and has not affected the door’s structure. Small dents can be reshaped using special tools. However, if the panel is badly bent or cracked, replacing it may be the safer and longer-lasting option.
Can a Single Bent Panel Be Replaced Without Changing the Entire Door?
Yes, you can replace just one bent panel without replacing the whole door. This works if the rest of the door is in good shape and the panel model is still available from the manufacturer or supplier.
How Long Does a Panel Replacement Take?
Replacing a garage door panel usually takes one to two hours, depending on the damage and door type. Professionals can often complete the job in a single visit, keeping downtime and inconvenience to a minimum for homeowners.
Will the New Panel Match the Existing Door Color?
Most new panels come in standard colors, but an exact match isn’t always guaranteed, especially with older doors. A professional can recommend painting or finishing options to blend the new panel with the rest of the door.
Is It Safe to Operate the Door With a Bent Panel?
Using a new garage door with a bent panel is unsafe and can lead to more damage or injury. The damage can affect the door’s movement, causing misalignment or extra pressure on parts, which may lead to bigger safety or mechanical problems.
Conclusion
If your garage door panel is bent after hitting it with car, take action right away. Even a minor dent can cause bigger issues later if not handled quickly. The first step is to stop using the door and check the damage without trying to force it open or closed.
Determine whether the damage is something you can repair or if replacing the panel is a smarter choice. Basic tools might fix light dents, but major bends or frame damage need professional help. For trusted service, turn to garage door repair in Wake Forest, NC, with DoorJam Garage Repair.
At DoorJam Garage Repair, we make garage door problems more straightforward. Our crew is prepared to handle repairs, replacements, and regular maintenance to keep your garage door working smoothly. Parking guides and regular checks can prevent this from happening again. Contact us today so we can get your garage door back to full function and working properly again.
End Note
When your garage door panel is bent after your car hits it, trust DoorJam Garage Repair for fast, reliable help. We offer complete services through doorjamgarage.com, including garage door services and repairs, to keep your home secure and your door working like new.
Our team handles new garage door replacement, garage door installation, and new garage door openers with trusted products like Amarr garage doors and the LiftMaster 81600. Check out our full garage door and opener pages to explore all your options.
We proudly serve Wake Forest, NC, and nearby service areas. Learn about us, read helpful tips in our blog posts, and contact us to book your service. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and get the latest updates. We’re here when you need trusted garage door help.
DoorJam Garage
3418 Quarry Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587
+19199066623