Are Garage Doors covered by Home Insurance in the UK?

Home insurance and garage doors can feel confusing because cover depends on the policy type and the cause of damage. In the UK, a garage door is normally treated as part of the building, which means it is typically covered under buildings insurance for insured events such as storm damage, vandalism, or vehicle impact. Contents insurance, by contrast, usually covers what you keep inside the garage rather than the door itself. Always check your policy wording and limits before assuming cover.

Buildings vs contents: what applies to a garage door

Most insurers treat a garage door as a fixed part of the structure. That means buildings insurance is normally the part of your policy that covers the door, while contents insurance covers items stored inside the garage. If you only have contents cover, you may not be protected for the door itself.

Typical events that may be covered

• Storm or impact damage: Strong winds or accidental vehicle impact are common claim reasons.
• Vandalism: Malicious damage to the door or frame is often covered if vandalism is included.
• Fire damage: If the garage is listed within your buildings cover, fire damage is usually covered.

What is commonly excluded

Policies usually exclude normal wear and tear, rust, or poor maintenance. If the door fails because of age or gradual deterioration, you may need to fund a repair or replacement yourself. Always check the policy excess and any outbuilding limits before you claim.

Detached garages and outbuilding limits

Detached garages are usually covered under buildings insurance if they sit within your property boundary, but some insurers apply a specific outbuilding limit. If your garage is detached, confirm the outbuilding limit and whether the door is included.

Does a garage door count as an external door?

Many insurers treat garage doors as external doors. This matters because external doors often have security requirements. If your policy specifies locking standards, make sure your garage door meets those requirements to avoid claim issues.

What counts as a garage for insurance purposes?

Insurers typically expect a garage to be a permanent structure with a lockable point of entry, solid walls, a roof, and a fixed base. Temporary or unsecured structures may not qualify as a garage for cover purposes.

Measurements you may need if replacing after a claim

If your insurer approves replacement, accurate measurements keep the process smooth. For roller doors, headroom is the most critical factor. A 55mm slat roller door usually needs at least 210mm from the underside of the lintel to the ceiling or rafters. A 77mm slat roller door usually needs 305mm. If the ceiling is uneven, measure down from the lowest point and level across both sides before marking guide runner height. These measurements align with standard roller door installation guidance.

Repair vs replace when insurance is involved

If repair costs are close to 50–70% of the cost of a new door, replacement is often the better long-term choice. This is especially true if parts are obsolete or the door has structural damage that affects security or safety.

Typical 2025 cost ranges in the UK

Use the garage door builder for accurate prices based on your measurements and chosen options.

Safety, access, and smart control

While all our doors are electric, safety features and access options play a role in insurance decisions too. Safety edges help prevent injury and damage, and an external manual override is recommended if the garage has no other access. If you are upgrading controls, the typical automation add-on (with us it’s between £119-£150) depends on the setup.

Retrofitting and smart upgrades

If the door is structurally sound after a claim, you can retrofit smart control with a smart garage door controller. This adds app control and status checks without a full replacement.

Get accurate pricing for your door

For accurate pricing, use the garage door builder to size and price a roller door. If you plan to fit it yourself, the DIY roller garage door order form shows current options. Please note that we only provide installation services within Norfolk and Suffolk.

FAQs

Does house insurance cover a garage door?
In most cases, yes. A garage door is usually treated as part of the building, so buildings insurance commonly covers it for insured events such as storms, vandalism, or impact. Always check your policy wording and exclusions.

Does contents insurance cover garage doors?
Contents insurance generally covers items stored inside the garage, not the door itself. The door is usually classed as part of the structure, so buildings insurance is the relevant cover.

What does building insurance not cover in the UK?
Buildings insurance usually excludes personal belongings such as furniture, electronics, tools, and other items kept inside the house or garage. These require contents insurance.

Does house insurance cover a detached garage?
Detached garages are usually covered if they are within your property boundary, but many policies apply outbuilding limits. Check your policy limit for detached structures.

Does a garage door count as an external door?
Often, yes. Many insurers treat garage doors as external doors, so security requirements may apply. Make sure your locking system meets the policy standard.

What constitutes a garage for insurance?
Insurers typically expect a permanent structure with a fixed base, solid walls, a roof, and a lockable point of entry. Temporary or unsecured structures may not qualify.

Does house insurance cover a broken garage door?
Usually yes if the breakage is caused by an insured event such as storm damage, vandalism, or vehicle impact. Damage from wear and tear or lack of maintenance is typically excluded.