Somebody Reversed Into It
A reversing impact does more than dent the panel, and the parts that matter are the ones nobody looks at.
Short answer
Check the bottom section, the track, the bottom brackets, the rollers and the cables, and do not operate the door until they have been looked at. Minor bottom-panel damage is cosmetic; a bent track or a damaged bottom bracket is not. Auto insurance or home insurance may cover it, depending on the circumstances.
What to check
The bottom section for crushing, creasing or a torn hinge fastener.
The track either side, for bends, kinks and loose mounting — which is the item most often damaged and least often noticed.
The bottom brackets, which are under spring tension through the cables and which are a specialist item.
The rollers and the hinges on the bottom two sections.
The cables, for slack, displacement from the drum, or damage.
And the jamb and the stop moulding, which take the impact if the vehicle caught the edge of the opening.
Do not test it with the opener
The instinct is to press the button and see whether it still works. On a door with a bent track or a displaced cable, that is how the door comes off the track or drops. Look at it first, and if anything beyond the panel skin is affected, leave it and clamp the track.
Repair or replace
Cosmetic denting on an otherwise sound section is a cosmetic decision rather than a functional one.
A crushed or creased bottom section needs replacing, where the model is still available and the colour matches.
A bent track section is replaced, because a crease remains after straightening and the rollers find it.
Damaged bottom brackets and cables are replaced, with the spring tension handled properly.
On an older door where the section is discontinued, a new door is frequently the better value.
And the door should be rebalanced and the opener reset afterwards, because the geometry has changed.
The insurance question
If a vehicle hit it, the auto policy may cover it under collision or comprehensive, depending on the policy and who was driving.
The home policy may also cover it as damage to the dwelling, subject to the deductible.
Which is better depends on the deductibles, the premium consequences and the amount, and it is worth asking both before claiming either.
On a small repair the deductible frequently exceeds the cost, which makes it a self-funded job.
Photograph everything before any repair, including the track and the brackets rather than only the dent.
And get a written scope and an itemized invoice, which is what a claim is settled against.
Common questions
What should I check after a vehicle impact?
The bottom section, the track, the bottom brackets, the rollers and the cables.
Can I test it with the opener?
No. On a bent track or a displaced cable that is how the door comes off or drops.
Which insurance covers it?
Possibly either the auto or the home policy. Compare the deductibles before claiming.