When you think about protecting your home, it’s easy to overlook the garage. But your garage is where most people store dangerous chemicals and expensive tools, making it high-risk for break-ins, damage or injury. In short, the garage is every homeowner’s hidden hazard.
Here we’ll explore some of the most common garage-related risks, along with three simple ways to guard against them.
What are some of the most common garage hazards?
"Garages often present a mix of fire, theft, and injury risks,” says Christopher Karacalidis, VP of Property Claims for Grange Insurance. According to Karacalidis, these types of risks can be caused by several factors, including:
Fire
- Storing flammable liquids like gasoline or propane
- Improperly using or charging lithium batteries
- Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, or space heaters
Theft and security
- Storing valuable items like power tools so they are visible from outside
- Leaving the garage unlocked or windows unsecured
Injury
- Cluttered storage leading to trips and falls
- Unsecured shelves or heavy items
- Malfunctioning garage doors or springs
Despite the variety of ways a garage can become a risk source, there are also some very simple ways to prevent such issues and keep your home safer.
Best ways to protect your garage
1. Maintain your garage
The first step in keeping a safe garage is performing simple maintenance checks to be sure everything is working properly. Visually examine your garage door and look for loose nuts and bolts, frayed cables and rusted springs. Also, test the manual release function and the auto-stop system.
To test the automatic reversal system, place an object like a brick or wooden block in the path of the closing door. If working properly, the closing door should detect the object and automatically open back up.
If you notice any wear and tear or hear any concerning noises, contact a garage door professional to examine and repair your door.
Another helpful maintenance tip—clean your garage every six months. With all the chemicals and equipment in your garage, it’s essential to keep a clean space to minimize risk.
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2. Organize your garage
In addition to having a clean and well-maintained garage, how you store your belongings is critical. “Best practices include using proper storage for chemicals, and maintaining good organization and ventilation,” says Karacalidis.
Chemicals should be placed in a locked box on a high shelf, out of reach from small children. This includes cleaning solutions, glues, pool supplies, pest-control products and more.
It’s also important to make sure that all tools and lawn care equipment are stored out of reach or are properly mounted to the wall. And when it comes to powered tools or equipment, like a lawn mower, make sure each one has cooled down before storing it away.
3. Protect your garage
According to the Council on Criminal Justice, the residential burglary rate in the United States in 2025 was about 144.3 per 100,000 residents. Keeping burglars out of your garage not only protects the belongings you store there, but it can also keep intruders out of your house. Criminals can often get into your home through the garage or, if the garage is a separate structure, they can use your own tools to break into your home.
To prevent a break-in, keep your garage door closed and do not store a spare key inside. It may be wise to invest in adequate outdoor lighting, including motion-sensing lights, as well as an alarm system. Get to know your neighbors, so they can alert you or the authorities of any suspicious behavior.
The final way to protect your garage is through insurance. A typical homeowners’ policy contains many different coverages in addition to the portion that protects your house.
"While both attached and detached garages are covered, they fall under different coverage categories and limits,” Karacalidis explains. “An attached garage is considered part of the home, so it’s subject to the dwelling coverage limit. A detached garage is a freestanding structure, so it’s protected under Coverage B (Other Structures). This means its coverage is limited to a percentage of the dwelling coverage, but it can be increased with endorsements if needed.”
Be sure to discuss your garage with your independent insurance agent to ensure that you have the right coverage for your unique situation.
References:
- Council on Criminal Justice
The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, risk management, or insurance advice. Implementation of any suggestions does not guarantee coverage, prevent loss, or modify the terms, conditions, or exclusions of any insurance policy. Coverage is determined solely by the terms of the applicable policy.