Does Renters Insurance Cover Garage Doors?

If you’re a renter, chances are garage doors aren’t your responsibility. Since they are part of the building’s structure, any damage caused by a covered loss would be paid for by your landlord’s insurance policy.

However, if your car was what caused the damage, property damage liability under your auto insurance covers the expenses up to your policy's limit. And if someone else’s car causes the damage, their property damage liability covers the cost of repairs or replacement.

MoneyGeek further details why renters insurance doesn’t cover garage doors and outlines some reasons you need coverage for this peril.

In general, renters insurance only covers damaged or stolen belongings, personal liability and additional living expenses if your rental unit is uninhabitable due to a covered incident. That means you don’t have to worry about garage doors since they are not your personal property.

Damage to garage doors typically falls under landlord insurance, and it’s the responsibility of your landlord to cover the expenses. However, there are instances where your auto insurance policy takes care of the repairs or replacements.

For example, if your car accidentally drives into your unit’s garage door, your car insurance policy’s property damage liability coverage would pay the damages. Property damage liability insurance pays for the cost of repairs if you are at fault for a car accident that damages another person’s property. That coverage is required by law in most states.

Similarly, car damage is another peril not covered by a renters policy. In this case, a full coverage car insurance policy protects you from financial losses.

Your renters insurance won’t cover garage doors. But having coverage for them in an auto policy can be advantageous, especially in the event of an accident. Below, MoneyGeek explains when you need coverage for garage door damage as a renter.

Most major insurance providers, including State Farm and Travelers, offer renters insurance. But you can also purchase a policy from smaller companies, like Lemonade or Toggle. The average cost of renters insurance is $13 per month, but this may change depending on several factors. You should read why comparing quotes for renters insurance is important to get the best policy for your needs.