Are Windows Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against unexpected damage to your home and belongings. Determining whether window damage is covered largely depends on the specific circumstances and the details outlined in your individual policy. Policies are designed to address sudden and accidental losses, distinguishing them from issues arising from routine maintenance needs or gradual deterioration. Understanding your coverage and the specific perils it protects against helps homeowners anticipate when their policy might offer support for window repairs or replacements.

Covered Causes of Window Damage

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically categorize covered events as either “named peril” or “open peril” coverage. A named peril policy only covers damage caused by events specifically listed in the policy document, while an open peril policy covers all causes of damage unless specifically excluded. Most standard policies, such as HO-3 or HO-5 forms, operate on an open peril basis for the dwelling, including windows.

Common perils that often result in covered window damage include fire and smoke, which can shatter glass or warp frames. Vandalism and malicious mischief, such as a rock thrown through a window, are also frequently covered. Windstorms and hail are significant causes of window damage, with policies often covering glass breakage or frame distortion resulting from these severe weather events. Falling objects, like a tree limb crashing into a window during a storm, typically fall under covered perils. If a window is damaged during a theft or attempted break-in, the damage to the window itself is generally covered under the theft provision of the policy.

Common Exclusions for Window Damage

Many standard policies contain specific exclusions for certain types of window damage. Wear and tear, deterioration, and aging are common exclusions, meaning issues like fogging between panes due to seal failure over time are typically not covered. This also applies to general aging of window components, which is considered a maintenance issue.

Damage resulting from a lack of maintenance or neglect, such as wood rot around window frames due to prolonged moisture exposure, is usually excluded. Pest infestations, including damage from termites or rodents, are not typically covered by standard policies.

Damage caused by floods requires a separate flood insurance policy, as it is a standard exclusion. Similarly, damage from earthquakes is excluded and necessitates a distinct earthquake insurance policy. Damage stemming from the settling, shrinking, bulging, or expansion of foundations, walls, floors, or ceilings, if it leads to window damage, is also a common exclusion. Intentional acts by the policyholder or damage caused by pets are generally not covered.

Understanding Your Policy and Filing a Claim

Before filing a claim for window damage, it is important to understand key aspects of your homeowners insurance policy. Your deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins to pay for a covered loss. Policies also specify how property is valued for claims, typically using either Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV).

Actual Cash Value accounts for depreciation, paying out the current market value of the damaged window considering its age and condition. Replacement Cost Value pays the cost to replace the damaged window with a new one of similar kind and quality, without deduction for depreciation. You should review your policy declarations page to determine which valuation method applies to your dwelling coverage.

When window damage occurs, document the damage thoroughly with photos and videos, noting the date and time of the incident. Taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as temporarily boarding up a broken window, is advisable. Promptly contact your insurance company to report the loss, providing your policy number, the date of the loss, and a detailed description of the damage. You will then need to cooperate with an insurance adjuster who will assess the damage. Obtaining repair estimates from qualified contractors is a necessary step in the claims process.