Are Windows Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Having to replace broken or damaged windows can be an expensive headache for homeowners. A key question is whether your homeowners insurance policy will cover the cost of repairing or replacing windows. The answer depends on what caused the window damage and the specifics of your policy.

What Types of Window Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Homeowners insurance is designed to protect against sudden, unexpected damages to your home, including windows. Here are some common examples of window damage that would typically be covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy:

• Storm damage – Damage from wind, hail lightning or falling tree debris during a storm. This is one of the most common causes of broken windows that homeowners insurance covers.

• Vandalism – Windows broken or damaged due to intentional actions of others This includes damages from break-ins

• Fire damage – Heat and flames from a fire can cause windows to crack or melt. Smoke damages are also covered.

• Weight of ice and snow – Windows broken from the pressure of accumulated ice or snow, which can damage the frame or shatter the glass.

• Falling objects – Objects accidentally hitting and breaking a window, such as a tree branch.

• Theft – Damage caused in the process of a theft or attempted theft, such as a broken window from a break-in.

• Animals – Wild animals or stray rocks can hit and crack windows. Pets can also accidentally damage windows in some cases.

What Kind of Window Damage Isn’t Covered?

While homeowners policies cover sudden damage from covered perils, they typically exclude normal wear and tear issues. Some examples of excluded window damage include:

• Age and deterioration – Gradual wear and tear over many years, such as seal failure in double-paned windows, is not covered.

• Improper installation or repairs – Faulty installation or DIY repairs that later cause issues are usually excluded.

• Lack of maintenance – Damage that results from failing to properly maintain windows, like allowing water damage or rot to occur.

• Settling and construction defects – Windows damaged by settling, improper construction, or design flaws.

• Intentional damage – Damage caused intentionally by the policyholder or residents is not covered.

• Earthquake – Earthquake damage requires separate earthquake insurance.

• Flood and groundwater – Requires separate flood insurance.

• War or nuclear causes – Damage from war, nuclear incidents, and radiation are excluded perils.

Are Window Replacements Covered if the Window Isn’t Damaged?

A common question is whether homeowners insurance will pay for window replacement if the window itself is not damaged, but you want to replace it for other reasons.

Unfortunately, the answer is typically no. Reasons like improving energy efficiency, upgrading to modern window styles, or changing window size or placement are considered home improvements and are not covered by homeowners insurance.

The policy is designed to put the home back in the condition it was before a covered loss – not pay for upgrades or renovations. So if the window itself is still undamaged and functional, insurance will not pay to replace it.

How Much Window Coverage Do You Get Under a Homeowners Policy?

Homeowners insurance provides coverage for windows under the section of the policy for the dwelling itself. This coverage is based on the cost to rebuild your home, known as replacement cost value.

The window coverage limit is not separate but rather part of the total amount of coverage for the structure of your home. So if you have $250,000 in dwelling coverage, that’s the most that would be paid out for any type of damage to the home, including windows.

Within this limit, the insurance company will pay the full reasonable cost to repair or replace damaged windows after your deductible. If you don’t have enough dwelling coverage, you may end up paying out-of-pocket for part of the window costs.

Checking that you have adequate dwelling coverage for your home’s value is important to make sure you’re fully covered in the event of major window damage.

Do I Have to Pay a Deductible for Window Replacement?

Yes, you will typically need to pay the deductible under your homeowners policy before insurance kicks in when you make a claim for window repair or replacement.

The deductible is the amount you choose to pay out-of-pocket towards a covered loss before the insurance coverage activates. For example, if your deductible is $1000 and a storm breaks three windows with a total repair cost of $2000, you would pay $1000 and insurance would cover the remaining $1000.

Deductibles help keep premiums lower. Choosing a higher deductible reduces your premiums but means you pay more out-of-pocket for each claim. Consider your budget when picking a deductible amount.

How Does the Claims Process Work for Windows?

Here are the key steps if you need to make a homeowners insurance claim for window damage:

• Document the damage – Take photos and video of the broken windows and surrounding areas. Document details like date, cause, and scope of damage.

• Call your insurance company – Notify them of the loss right away and provide the documentation. Ask about next steps.

• Schedule an inspection – The insurer will send an adjuster to assess the damage and confirm it aligns with your claim details.

• Obtain repair quotes – Get estimate(s) from reputable window repair pros for the insurance company.

• Pay your deductible – You’ll need to pay the deductible amount after the claim is approved before repairs can begin.

• Get repairs completed – Hire a contractor to replace the windows. Provide invoices to insurance for reimbursement.

• Settle the claim – Finally, the insurance company will issue payment for the approved amount beyond the deductible.

Carefully following the process while staying in touch with your insurer ensures you maximize your window coverage.

Can I Upgrade to More Expensive Windows?

If you wish to upgrade to more expensive windows than what you had originally, homeowners insurance will only pay for the equivalent replacement cost, not the upgraded amount.

For example, if your damaged vinyl windows would cost $5,000 to replace with the same kind, but you want to upgrade to $15,000 oak-framed windows, you would need to pay the $10,000 price difference.

Insurance aims to make you whole again by covering the current replacement cost of the damaged windows, but does not pay for optional upgrades or improvements above and beyond that amount.

The Bottom Line

What it comes down to is that sudden, accidental window damage from a covered peril like a storm is usually covered under a homeowners insurance policy, while gradual wear and tear or intentional damage is excluded. And you’ll always need to pay the policy deductible.

Take time to understand your specific policy, documentation procedures, and claims process. This knowledge empowers you to get your damaged windows repaired or replaced with minimal hassle or out-of-pocket expense.