Can I use my garage right after a vehicle hit it?

Only if none of the six structural red flags are present — no visible racking, no header sag, no bent tracks, and the door holds in the open position without assistance. If you are unsure, treat it as unsafe until a professional assesses it.

How long does a structural assessment take?

A basic post-impact assessment takes 30 to 60 minutes on site. We document the damage, identify what needs structural coordination versus door-hardware repair, and provide a written scope before anything is removed.

Do you coordinate with ICBC adjusters during the assessment?

Yes. We can provide the written damage assessment directly to your ICBC adjuster and communicate the scope of structural versus mechanical damage to support your claim.

What if I just need the door replaced — does the frame need checking too?

Yes. If a vehicle hit the door with enough force to damage panels, the frame and header must be inspected before a new door is installed. Installing a new door on a racked frame causes premature wear, misalignment, and may void the door warranty.

Who pays for structural repairs after a vehicle impact?

If a third-party BC driver caused the damage, ICBC covers structural repairs as part of the property damage claim, at actual cash value with depreciation. If you hit your own garage, your home insurance applies. We document the full scope to support whichever claim applies.

How soon should I get the garage assessed after the impact?

As soon as it is safe to approach. The sooner the damage is documented and the claim opened, the smoother the repair process. Call (604) 206-5727 — we respond same day across Metro Vancouver.

Is My Garage Safe After a Car Hit It?

General information only. CCGDS is a garage door and structural repair contractor — not an insurance broker, adjuster, or legal advisor. Content on this page is educational and reflects general industry experience. Your specific coverage, entitlements, and claim options depend on your policy, the facts of your incident, and current ICBC guidelines. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed insurance professional or legal counsel.

A vehicle impact does not just damage the door. It transfers force into the frame, header, and surrounding wall structure. Before you use the garage again — even if the door appears to open and close normally — check for the following warning signs. Any one of them means the space should not be used until a professional has assessed it.

Six Structural Red Flags After a Vehicle Impact

1. Visible Frame Racking

Stand back and look at the opening from outside. The vertical members on either side of the door — the jambs — should be plumb: straight up and down. If one or both sides have shifted, leaned, or bowed, the frame has racked. A racked frame changes the load path through the wall. The door will not operate safely or seal properly, and the structure above the opening may be carrying load differently than it was designed to.

2. Bent or Misaligned Tracks

Look at the vertical section of the track on both sides of the door. It should run parallel and plumb from floor level to the horizontal curve. Bent tracks, tracks pulled away from the wall, or tracks that no longer align with the door panels are a clear sign of impact damage. A door running on damaged tracks can derail — sometimes with significant force and without warning.

3. Header Sag or Cracking Around the Opening

The header is the horizontal structural member directly above the door opening. Look for downward sag at the center, new cracking in the drywall or framing around the opening, or gaps opening between the header and the wall above it. Header damage is a structural problem. A new door cannot be safely installed on a sagging header.

4. Foundation Cracks at the Opening

Check the concrete floor and the base of the door opening for new cracks, particularly cracks radiating from the corners of the opening. A high-speed or high-mass impact can move the slab or affect the foundation at the opening. Less common in minor impacts, but important to check if a large vehicle struck at speed.

5. The Door Won’t Stay in the Open Position

If the door slides back down when released, the springs or cables may have failed or been displaced by the impact. A door under spring tension that releases unexpectedly will fall quickly and with significant force. Do not operate the door manually until the spring and cable system has been inspected.

6. The Door Binds, Skips, or Grinds Along the Track

Binding, skipping, or grinding sounds during operation after an impact mean the door and the opening are no longer properly aligned. Operating a binding door repeatedly causes accelerated wear and increases the risk of sudden track or cable failure.

When to Stay Out of the Garage Entirely

Do not use the garage if you observe any of the following:

Any of the six red flags listed above
The structure makes creaking, popping, or settling sounds it did not make before the impact
The door opening looks visibly out of square
The door will not stay fully open without being held
There is any smell of gas or evidence of utility damage near the opening

If you are unsure, treat it as unsafe. The cost of a professional assessment is far lower than the cost of a door failing onto a vehicle or a person.

Get a Professional Assessment

CCGDS assesses post-impact damage across Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta, and the Lower Mainland. We identify what requires structural coordination versus what is a door-and-hardware repair, and we document the full scope for your ICBC or property insurance claim. Call (604) 206-5727 any time.

Is My Garage Safe After a Car Hit It? Structural Red Flags to Check