Security After a Garage Door Crash
We've talked before about the weaknesses a locksmith sees in garage door security even when they're working perfectly. Today, we’re going to talk about what happens if a homeowner backs his vehicle into the garage door. It’s an incident which happens on a regular basis, and a broken attached garage door can create a security issue which needs to be dealt with promptly. But what about before the garage door people come to fix the door? Is your home secure?
An accident usually happens while backing out. But, anything is possible…
As a heads up, you should know that if the garage door is stuck in the open position, the homeowner, while attempting to close it, may use too much force. It doesn't take much at all to cause even more damage to the belt, chain, motor or opener, none of which are economical parts to replace.
If you or your locksmith has installed a deadbolt on the attached-garage entry door, the contents of the home are secure until the garage door can be repaired. However, if the homeowner has power tools, sporting goods or bicycles, landscape equipment, and other items of value in the garage, the garage is security compromised.
Additionally, the attached garage door may be partially hidden from view of the neighbors by a partially open-but-broken garage door, which makes it easier for opportunistic thieves to attempt a home break-in within the confines of the partially obstructed garage.
Many homeowners procure vehicle insurance from the same insurance carrier who holds their homeowner’s policy. Technically, damage to the car should be addressed by the auto insurance, and damage to the garage door should be handled by the homeowner's insurance. However, the savvy homeowner may choose to pay the repairs from his own wallet rather than involving his insurance company, in light of not only the deductible but also the potential for an increased premium rate hike.
Anything is possible, but we don't know how THIS happened.
Unfortunately, both the security question and the repair questions come at a time when the homeowner might be slightly emotional as a result of the mishap. But the importance of having a secure garage door before an accident can’t be overemphasized.
If you’ve been involved in a car/garage door mishap, and the door attached to the garage doesn’t have a deadbolt on it, now is the time to rectify that security weakness. Some homeowners also opt to have Smart security in the garage or facing the garage door. At the very least, there should be a deadbolt and peephole installed in the attached door.
Kwikpick Lock and Safe offers FREE lockout service for children or pets. If you need locksmith services for your Surprise, El Mirage, or Phoenix home or auto, call today! Bill 623-300-1889.
