Does home insurance cover garage doors?

Most home insurance policies will cover repairs to garage doors. However, the specifics of your coverage will depend on the type of policy you have and the cause of the damage.

Both AAMI Building and AAMI Home and Contents Insurance cover loss or damage to your garage door caused by an insured event.

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When does home insurance cover my garage door repair?

With AAMI Home Insurance , your garage and garage door are covered for loss and damage caused by insured events, with some exclusions and limitations. Such events include:

• floods
• lightning
• storms (including hail)
• storm surges
• fires (including bushfires)
• earthquakes and tsunamis
• thefts or burglaries
• escape of liquid
• impacts, and
• malicious acts and vandalism.

But what about accidental damage, like hard knocks or spills? With AAMI's optional Accidental Damage at Home cover – available for an extra premium – you're still covered.

Does home insurance cover wear, tear and deterioration for garage doors?

Limiting wear, tear and deterioration is good practice because insurers generally won't cover it¹.

What is considered wear, tear and deterioration for garage doors?

With a moving object like a garage door, you can expect wear, tear and deterioration over time. Some examples include:

• scratches from daily use
• weathering from exposure to the elements
• rust from moisture exposure, and
• wear on the springs from constant use.

Sudden damage caused by insured events, including weather events and impact, isn’t considered wear, tear and deterioration. 

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How to avoid damage from wear, tear and deterioration

Regular cleaning and lubrication

Keeping your garage door in tip-top shape can help keep it functional. Accumulation of debris and grime along the tracks can make the door difficult to open and close, so consider cleaning it once a month.

Regular lubrication of moving parts, every 3-6 months, can help prevent rusting and prolong the life of your door. Here are tips on how to keep your garage door clean and running smoothly.

• Vacuum the garage door tracks to get rid of dust and debris.
• Follow up by wiping them with a damp cloth. A stronger cleaning solution can do the trick for tough clumps of dirt.
• For easy application, use a silicone-based lubricant with a straw spray nozzle.
• Lift the garage door. Consider getting a helping hand for this part. Spray lubricant on the tracks and hinges.
• Remember to spray rollers, springs and ball bearings too.
• Lubricate the top rail and arm bar. This is where the actual lifting happens and usually contains the chain – make sure they operate smoothly.

Updating or repairing garage door openers

Ideally, a garage door should be serviced every one to two years. However, some doors may need servicing earlier. Keep an eye out for the following red flags:

• Loud squeaking and squealing sounds.
• Jolty movements.
• Jamming.
• A noticeable speed difference. That is, fast closing and slow opening.

Regular inspections will help you spot any damage or misalignment, which, if left unchecked, can escalate into more severe problems. These could include reduced functionality or even complete failure.

Installing weather stripping

It may seem minor, but by installing and maintaining weather stripping, you could stop preventable wear, tear and deterioration from the outside elements, including rain and wind-borne debris. It may also keep pests and bugs at bay.

What are some durability and wear, tear and deterioration considerations?

Materials and labour cost

The materials used in your garage door will play a big role in its lifespan. High-quality materials like steel, aluminium, and some wood types are more resistant to wear, tear and deterioration.

On the other hand, a material like uPVC may be cheaper initially, but may not stand up as well to Australia’s often harsh weather conditions.

Labour costs will vary depending on the complexity of the repair.  Minor issues, such as small dents, are usually simpler to fix.

However, serious issues like structural damage may require replacing entire sections, panels, or even the whole door – and that can be costly! Remember that investing in installation and regular repairs can save you from future headaches and more expenses. Always choose a qualified professional for the job.

Warranty and maintenance

Most garage door manufacturers offer warranties that last for several years. Some companies may require additional maintenance every few years to keep your warranty valid. Follow manufacturer’s requirements to help keep your door functioning smoothly.

What can I consider for garage door safety and security?

Like any large, heavy object, a garage door can cause serious injuries if it falls on you. To keep yourself and others safe, consider these tips:

• Avoid standing under a moving door.
• Always wait for a door to come to a complete stop before going under it.
• Avoid parking directly under the garage opening.
• Keep children away from open garage doorways, and make sure they can’t get their hands on the remote.  

Legal and safety considerations

If the unthinkable happens and the garage door falls on someone or their property, AAMI Home & Contents Insurance may help you cover the cost of compensation.

We may cover your legal liability to pay for compensation for:

• death or injury to other people, or
• damage to their property if it occurs at the insured address.

Conditions and exclusions apply to the cover under your policy.

Secure your garage door with a strong lock

Your garage door is one of the main entry points to your home. Garages also tend to store some high-value items. Secure it with a strong locking mechanism or security system to scare off any would-be burglar. Good security can include:

• an alarm system
• motion-activated lights, or
• security cameras.

These are just a few suggestions. Do your research to find what best suits your needs.

But even if, after all the care and maintenance, your garage door is damaged by an insured event, making a claim online is easy.

Make A Claim

Read more:

• A renter's guide to gardening
• Setting up home security cameras
• What can be included in Home and Contents Insurance?

1 AAMI Home building and AAMI Home and Contents insurance does not cover any loss or damage or liability caused by, arising from or connected with wear, tear and deterioration.
2 If you have not removed flood cover under insured event ‘Flood’ from your policy. Your certificate of insurance will show this limitation in your cover.
3 We don't insure you for bushfire, storm, storm surge, flood or tsunami for the first 72 hours of your policy. Very limited exceptions apply. Actions or movements of the sea and storm surge are not covered (unless the storm surge damage occurs at the same time as damage caused by storm). Other exclusions apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.
Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 (AAI) trading as AAMI. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. This information applies to new policies or renewal policies starting on or after 24 January 2025.
This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.