Garage Door Hit by a Car
I backed into my garage door — what does it cost to fix?
What is actually causing it
Most likely first, based on what our crews find on the call.
01Crushed or creased bottom section
Even a slow bumper contact folds the bottom panel. If the model is current, a single section can often be replaced for far less than a whole door — matching an older discontinued door is where costs jump.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
02Door knocked off the track
The most common outcome of a strike. Do not run the opener to 'test' it — that turns a derailment into bent track and torn hinges. Leave the door where it stopped.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
03Bent vertical track and bowed rollers
Track absorbs the impact energy and deforms. It has to be straightened or replaced and re-squared before the door will run true again.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
04Damaged bottom bracket or cable
The strike frequently distorts the bottom bracket, which is under the full lifting load. Assume the cables and brackets are compromised and stay out from under the door.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
05Cracked jamb or header
On an older attached garage the impact can be transmitted into the framing. If the track brackets have pulled through the jamb, the structure needs attention before the door does.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
06Opener rail or trolley bent
If the door was mid-travel and still engaged, the opener took part of the load. A visibly bowed rail means the opener needs inspection too.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
Why this happens more in California
Photograph everything before anyone touches the door — the panel, the track, the vehicle position, and any tire marks. In California, damage a driver does to their own garage is normally handled as a homeowners property claim rather than an auto claim, and insurers apply the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, which set deadlines for acknowledging and deciding a claim. A licensed contractor's written estimate carries far more weight in that process than a phone quote, and California law requires a licensed contractor to publish their license number in their advertising — so you can check it before anyone touches the door.
Need this fixed today?
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Frequently asked questions
I backed into my garage door — what does it cost to fix?
Is this safe for me to fix myself?
How much will the repair cost?
Are you licensed?
Describe the noise. We will tell you what broke.
Most calls are diagnosed in under two minutes, with a price range before anyone drives out.
CA-GARAGEDOOR California — California contractor licence CSLB #1098234. Licensed, bonded and insured. 1-year parts & labor.