Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Broken Window?
Is your broken window covered by homeowners insurance? Discover policy nuances, what's included and excluded, and navigate the claims process.
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection for your dwelling and personal belongings against various potential hazards. Understanding if your policy covers a broken window requires reviewing its terms and conditions. Coverage largely depends on what caused the damage and the type of policy you hold.
Covered Causes of Damage
Homeowners insurance policies typically cover window damage from “perils” listed in your policy. These often include sudden, accidental events like severe weather, such as windstorms or hail. Vandalism, including damage from a break-in, is generally covered. Damage from fire or falling objects, like a tree branch, also typically falls under covered perils. Policies are either “named perils,” listing specific events, or “open perils” (all-risk), covering all losses unless excluded.
Situations Not Covered
While homeowners insurance offers broad protection, certain broken window scenarios are not covered. Damage from wear and tear or lack of maintenance is excluded. This includes a broken window seal deteriorating due to age, not a sudden event. Damage caused by pests, like rodents or insects, is commonly excluded. If the homeowner or a resident family member intentionally causes damage, the policy will not cover it. Accidental breakage by a household member, such as a child throwing a ball through a window, may not be covered by standard policies.
The Role of Your Deductible
A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance coverage applies to a claim. For a broken window, the deductible is subtracted from the total approved repair cost. For instance, if a repair costs $700 and your deductible is $500, the insurer pays $200.
Standard deductibles typically range from $500 to $2,000. Some policies may have percentage-based deductibles, especially for perils like wind or hail. If the repair cost is less than or close to your deductible, filing a claim may not be financially advantageous. Paying for the repair directly can avoid a claim on your record and potentially prevent future premium increases.
Filing a Broken Window Claim
If your window damage appears covered by your homeowners insurance, document the incident thoroughly. Take clear photos and videos of the broken window and any associated damage from multiple angles. Secure the property promptly to prevent further damage, such as boarding up the window, and keep receipts for temporary repairs.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process, providing incident details. The insurer will assign a claims adjuster to inspect the damage and assess repair costs. Cooperate with the adjuster and provide any requested information to facilitate a smooth claim review.