What to Do if You Back Into Your Garage Door

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Accidents happen—even in your own driveway. Whether you’re rushing out on a hectic morning or misjudging the curve of a garage on a slope, backing into your garage door can be a startling experience. Thankfully, there are clear steps you can take to assess the situation, protect your safety, and get your door back in shape.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Begin by inspecting both your vehicle and the garage door for visible signs of damage:

Garage Door Panels: Look for dents, bends, or warping.
Tracks and Hinges: See if the door has been knocked off its tracks or if any hinges are bent.
Motor and Sensors: Try activating the motor. If it doesn’t respond, switch it off until a professional can inspect it.

If your garage is built on uneven terrain and you have a garage door on a slope, the impact may have caused more noticeable alignment issues.

Step 2: Ensure Safety

Until the door is repaired:

Avoid operating it manually or remotely.
Keep pets and family members away.
Secure the area if the door won’t fully close.

Garage doors under tension are risky—safety should be your top priority.

Step 3: Document the Incident

Take clear photos and notes:

Capture damage to both the garage door and your vehicle.
Note the time, conditions, and any unusual circumstances.
These can be helpful for insurance claims or discussions with a repair technician.

Step 4: Call a Garage Door Repair Company

Don’t tackle repairs alone—especially when structural or mechanical elements are involved. A qualified garage door repair company can:

Evaluate underlying damage
Restore safety and function
Adjust repairs to accommodate sloped garage setups

A professional garage door repair ensures your garage door will be both safe and fully functional again.

Step 5: Consider Long-Term Improvements

Once your door is back in working order, it’s a great time to think ahead:

Schedule regular tune-ups or inspections
Upgrade to stronger panels or advanced openers
Ask about reinforcement options—especially if your garage door is installed on a slope or has seen repeated damage