Choosing a company that offers both quality service and a great price can be challenging. Here's how to tell if their claims match their service. Below is our advice for selecting a reputable garage door repair company.

Certifications

Certifications are proof of a person’s expertise and proficiency in the tasks they are certified to perform. They demonstrate that the individual has invested time and effort into mastering their craft and provides reassurance that they have the necessary knowledge to do the job correctly.

One of the most common certifications technicians pursue is the Residential Installer Certification, offered by the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) through the International Door Association (IDA). This certification equips technicians with the skills to work with a range of systems, including regulations, motors, sensors, battery backups, and more, ensuring they can handle complex installations with confidence.

In California, it's highly recommended for professionals in the field to hold a C61-D28 license, which authorizes the installation of doors, gates, and operating devices. While this license applies to the company itself, allowing technicians to work under the company without holding individual licenses, it’s still a best practice for technicians—whether independent or employed by a company—to obtain certification through IDEA. This ensures that they are up-to-date with the latest industry standards and practices, providing peace of mind to clients.

Insurance

1. Liability Insurance: This protects the homeowner in case something goes wrong during the repair process. For example, if the technician accidentally damages your property or causes an injury while working on your garage door, the insurance would cover the costs of repairs or medical expenses. It ensures that the company is financially responsible and that you, as the customer, are not left with the bill in case of accidents.

2. Worker’s Compensation Insurance: This is important because it protects you if a technician gets injured while working on your property. If a worker is hurt on the job and doesn’t have worker's compensation insurance, you might be held liable for their medical expenses or even legal costs. A reputable company will always carry worker's comp insurance to cover their employees.

When choosing a garage door repair company, you want to make sure they are fully insured. Ask to see proof of both liability and worker’s compensation insurance to ensure you are protected from potential issues. If they don’t have insurance or refuse to show it, it’s a major red flag.

Reviews 

Hearing from previous clients about their experiences with a company can provide valuable insight into the service you can expect. It’s especially helpful to read a variety of reviews, both positive and negative, to see if there are any patterns or contradictions that might influence your decision.

One key thing to keep an eye on is the total number of reviews. A large volume of feedback can give you a better sense of the company’s overall performance. Also, look for whether there’s a balance between positive and negative reviews, as this can highlight the strengths or weaknesses of their service.

Another great benefit of reviews is when they include photos, as images can provide a real, visual idea of what your home might look like after the service, helping you envision the end result. Also, don’t overlook the dates of the reviews—while newer feedback can be more relevant, older reviews can still offer valuable insights into the company’s consistency over time.

Overview 

In the end, the decision is yours—trust your instincts and choose the company you believe will best meet the needs of you and your home. Based on our advice, when looking for a trustworthy garage door repair company, be sure they:

• Have the proper certifications (like the Residential Installer Certification or relevant industry training).

• Carry insurance (liability and worker’s compensation) to protect you and their workers.

• Have positive reviews from past clients to verify their reputation.

Choosing a company with these qualities will give you greater peace of mind that the job will be done safely, professionally, and without unexpected costs to you.