Do Homeowners Insurance Policies Cover Broken Windows?

Dealing with a broken window can be a hassle. Not only is there a mess to clean up, but windows can be expensive to replace. This leaves many homeowners wondering—will my homeowners insurance cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged window?

The short answer is, it depends. Homeowners insurance policies cover windows under certain conditions, but not others. Let’s take a detailed look at how window coverage works so you know what to expect if you ever need to file a claim.

What Causes Window Damage in Homes?

Windows can become damaged in various ways:

• Severe weather – Hail, windstorms, and hurricanes can break glass windows and bend or detach window frames.

• Falling tree limbs – Trees around the home that are diseased or damaged by storms can drop branches on windows.

• Vandalism – Windows can be broken intentionally by vandals or burglars trying to break into the home.

• Accidental breakage – Everyday accidents like sports balls thrown against windows, kids breaking them while playing, or DIY mishaps can crack or shatter glass.

• Structural issues – Windows may crack due to shifting foundations, improper installation, or normal wear and tear over time.

• Thermal stress – Rapid temperature changes can sometimes cause glass to expand and contract quickly, resulting in cracks.

The most common causes are severe weather and accidental damage. In many cases, the entire window will need replacement, not just the broken glass pane.

Do Homeowners Policies Cover Window Replacement?

Whether or not you can make a claim for window damage depends on your homeowners policy type and exclusions. Here are some general guidelines:

• Named perils policies – These policies only cover damage from specific named causes, like fire, lightning, windstorms, hail, explosions, riots, aircraft, vehicles, smoke, vandalism, theft, and falling objects. If your windows are damaged by anything else, it would not be covered.

• Open perils policies – These policies cover all causes of loss except those specifically excluded in the policy language. So window damage is covered regardless of cause, unless excluded.

• Exclusions – Even open perils policies commonly exclude or limit coverage for wear and tear, deterioration, faulty construction or installation, and earth movements. These would not cover windows damaged from minor cracks, faulty installation, or foundation shifts over time.

• Glass-only coverage – Some insurers offer an optional endorsement specifically covering glass breakage from any cause, including simple accidents. This provides more expansive window coverage.

The key is to check your actual policy wording, especially the causes of loss section and exclusions. This will reveal if window damage is covered in your particular situation. Contact your insurance agent with any questions.

Does Window Coverage Have Deductibles or Limits?

Even if your homeowners policy covers window damage, you’ll likely have deductibles and coverage limits that apply:

• Deductibles – A standard deductible (e.g. $500 or $1000) must be paid out of pocket before coverage kicks in. If the window costs less than your deductible, the insurer won’t pay anything.

• Replacement cost value – Insurers will pay up to the full cost of replacing damaged windows with new models of like kind and quality, subject to your coverage limits.

• Coverage limits – Policies have total dollar limits on the amount that can be paid annually or per event. Limits are often lower for specific categories like windows. If the damage exceeds these limits, you pay the overage.

For example: Your window replacement costs $1500, your deductible is $1000, and your window coverage limit is $2000. You would pay the first $1000, and insurance would cover the remaining $500.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Temporary Repairs?

Before you can fully replace damaged windows, you may need immediate repairs to secure your home against the elements or intruders. This includes boarding up broken windows or even hiring security guards.

Such temporary repairs are often covered under homeowners insurance as part of reasonable, necessary costs to protect your dwelling from further property damage. But keep receipts and check with your insurer first.

Tips for Filing a Window Damage Claim Successfully

Follow these tips to make sure your window damage claim goes smoothly:

• Inspect all windows and identify every one that is broken or needs replacement. Document with photos or video.

• Save all receipts and damaged window parts for evidence. Do not dispose of them.

• If due to a crime, file a police report to document vandalism or burglary.

• Get a written damage estimate from at least one reputable window installer.

• Provide your insurer copies of damage estimates, police reports and any other documentation.

• Be prepared to show that the damage was sudden and accidental, not long-term deterioration.

• Ask your insurer to specify what is and isn’t covered before signing any repair contracts.

• Be mindful of coverage limits and your deductible obligations.

With the right homeowners policy and documentation, you can get the assistance you need to repair or replace broken windows after accidents, theft and storms. But carefully review your coverage, exclusions and claims process so you don’t end up paying out of pocket for uncovered damage.