If you have broken windows in your house that require fixing, regardless of the cause of damage, you would need to get it done as soon as possible. Fortunately, your homeowners’ insurance can cover for broken windows as long as it’s not caused by normal wear and tear or bad maintenance.
Moreover, everything depends on whether fixing the window will cost more than your deductible. The sum you decide will be deducted from any settlements related to claims. In this article, we will discuss in more detail how your homeowners’ insurance can cover broken windows for more specific answers.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Broken Windows
Yes, your homeowners’ insurance can cover the expense of replacing and fixing broken windows if caused by a covered peril. Typical examples like hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, falling trees, and vandalism are covered perils. It can also cover broken windows caused by your neighbors but, the liability coverage of their policy would take over.
Coverage Types for Broken Windows
To know if your homeowners’ insurance provider would cover your broken windows, you should first comprehend how it shares coverage. Generally, your homeowner’s insurance usually divides into various coverage types, each with specific requirements and limitations.
The location of the damaged window determines which coverage pays for repairs. In addition, there are three aspects of your homeowners’ insurance coverage that can cover broken windows:
Dwelling coverage
Dwelling coverage is made to offer coverage to the components and overall structure of your house. This applies to every window in your home. To ensure comprehensive coverage for all windows in your house, your dwelling coverage should match the value of your property.
Other structures coverage
Your homeowners’ insurance policy covers any windowed structures on your property not directly attached to your house, such as a detached garage or shed. Generally, this coverage maximum is 10% of the dwelling portion of your policy. For window damage claims, homeowners with $400,000 in dwelling coverage would probably also have $40,000 in coverage for other structures. In certain cases, paying cash instead of submitting a claim may be advantageous, similar to dwelling claims for broken windows.
Liability coverage
The final type of coverage is provided by someone else’s home insurance policy rather than your own homeowners’ policy. Their policy may provide liability coverage to cover the cost of repairs if your window is broken by an accident. For instance, a neighbor accidentally smashes a baseball through your window or falls through a tree and breaks your glass.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Broken Windows
Generally, when it comes to broken windows, homeowners insurance cannot cover rot or bad maintenance.
- Wear and tear: You typically won’t be covered if the breakage of your windows is due to their age.
- Broken window seals: You won’t be covered if your window seal breaks as a result of normal wear and tear or neglect. If there is damage to the seal as a result of vandalism or a break-in, that’s another story. Homeowners insurance would cover such incidents.
Furthermore, even though it may seem difficult, check your windows regularly to see if any signs of wear and tear. Checking for damage can be done with minimal upkeep, saving money by avoiding the need for window replacement in the future.
How Do Deductibles for Broken Windows Work
You might have to cover the deductible before any broken window coverage begins. The deductible is the amount you must pay towards a covered claim before your insurance company covers the remaining balance. When you buy a homeowners policy, you typically get to select the amount of your deductible.
Moreover, your insurance company will not reimburse you if the window repair costs less than your deductible. The applicable coverage limits under your policy also apply. The policy outlines the maximum amount of money that it will cover for repairs for a specific type of loss.
Does a Home Warranty Cover Broken Windows
Windows and doors are examples of structural features that are not covered by homeowners insurance, even if you also have a separate home warranty policy. If your insurance doesn’t cover window damage, you’ll have to pay for it out of pocket. Your warranty might cover wear and tear on appliances and plumbing.
How to File Insurance Claim for Broken Windows
The process for claiming insurance for a broken window is similar to any other home insurance claim, but the payout may be lower. Always start by taking pictures of the damage. Rain may cover walls, flooring, and personal items near a broken window if rain enters your home.
You should submit a claim to your insurer after taking pictures and videos of the damage. To assess the damage, they will dispatch an adjuster to the scene. Once your provider has been informed of the damage, they will either approve or reject your claim. If your insurance company approves your claim due to a covered peril, you will likely receive a check for damages and be responsible for arranging repairs.