Garage security tips

Your garage is an essential part of your home. Whether it’s where you keep your cars, tools or shoes, your garage holds more valuables than you may realize. But it may also be less secure than you think. Between being left open or unlocked, garages are a common place for theft to occur. Thankfully, there are easy ways to prevent unexpected losses in this important space.

To keep your home and what matters most safe, check out these garage security tips.

Close your garage door

If your garage door is closed, the chances of someone walking in and stealing something decrease. But, if you have several cars regularly coming and going, closing your garage door can be easy to forget.

To help prevent theft, remember to keep your garage closed. If you often forget, try setting a reminder on your phone or asking a family member to remind you to close the garage door when you leave the house.

Lock your home

This is another easy thing to do, but many of us forget to do it. If someone breaks in or steals something from your garage, locking the door to your home can prevent them from entering and potentially stealing more. Make a habit of locking the door every time you enter or leave through your garage. And don’t forget to bring a house key with you.

Don't forget your service door

Most garages have a walk-through entry called the service door, which is often a weak spot in garage security. To keep it as secure as possible, make sure you always keep this door locked and consider using a heavy-duty strike plate and deadbolt lock.

Block windows

If a thief can see into your garage, they’re more likely to spot something valuable they want to take. To help prevent that from happening, block all outside views into your home. While home windows are often covered and secure, garage windows are commonly forgotten. Consider installing curtains or privacy film to protect those, too.

Secure your garage door opener and spare key

Burglars often first look for spare keys under doormats, flowerpots and nearby rocks. They also tend to prey upon garage door openers left in vehicles parked outside.

If possible, keep spare keys and garage door openers with you as often as possible. Consider buying a smaller keychain remote if your existing model is too big or clunky. Opting for a digital lock with an app that helps you secure your doors and garage without keys or remotes may also be helpful.

Consider a home security system

Motion-sensing flood lights are popular tech, and they’re a great way to deter thieves and prevent nighttime break-ins. Using them with a security system and cameras helps protect your home. As a bonus, installing smart home technology in your home may also qualify for our smart home insurance discount.

Update your garage door

If you have an older garage door, it may be vulnerable to break-ins. If you're concerned about its condition, you may need to buy a new one. When it is time to replace your garage door, consider selecting one without windows that is made of a heavy-duty material like steel.

Does home insurance cover theft in garages?

A standard homeowners insurance policy may provide personal property coverage to help protect your belongings.

However, personal property coverage does have a limit. After filing a claim, you'll only be covered up to a certain amount after you pay your deductible (the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in). If you keep more valuable items in your garage, consider requesting scheduled personal property to help recover your costs.

If you have a detached garage, items may be covered under the other structures portion of your homeowners insurance policy with limits.

Your garage is an essential part of your home, and there are many ways to keep what matters most to you safe and secure. To further protect your garage and other areas of your home, start by contacting your American Family Insurance agent for a quote.

This is for informational purposes only, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.

*Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of December 2023). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.