When a singular glass pane breaks in your home, it rarely matters. Bills are another thing.
In the quest to repair your residence, the glass is often an afterthought. While you may be looking for a variety of things such as general property protection, liability coverage, and more, the replacement of glass may very well be.
You got glass in your jam and now you need to cover it. But does home insurance cover window replacement? We’re here to help you answer that question.
Read on to know the answer if home insurance policies do cover them. Let’s get into it!
What Does Home Insurance Generally Cover?
Home insurance generally covers any window damages caused to the structure of the home due to external risks. Depending on the type of policy, certain items may be covered such as window replacement.
In most cases, the cost of replacing broken windows is only covered if the damage occurred due to fire, theft, or vandalism. However, they may not cover any costs associated with replacing windows as these are considered general home maintenance.
Therefore, it is important to review the coverage of your policy to determine if window replacement is covered.
Types of Home Insurance That Covers Window Replacement
Insuring a house is an important form of coverage to protect your home and belongings. The most common and basic type of insurance that covers window replacement includes:
Standard Home Insurance Policy
Homeowners insurance often covers window replacement as long as the cause of the damage is covered by the policy. Generally, it may be due to sudden and accidental damage from events like hail and lighting.
However, windows that experience damage that is not considered inadvertent are not usually covered such as:
- wear and tear over time
- normal wind
- weather
- accidental breakage
Additionally, they will only cover the cost of replacing the damaged windows with like kind and quality. This includes the cost of labor, materials, and additional related fees. From there, the homeowner will be responsible for any coverage gap.
If the policy has a deductible it will apply to window replacement as well. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to have a better understanding of which ones are covered and which ones are not.
Comprehensive Insurance Policy
Comprehensive insurance is the most extensive of these policies. This coverage of window replacement can vary slightly by insurance company and policy type.
Generally, they cover the full cost if the window is broken due to a covered event. They may also provide coverage for extra costs associated with replacement such as:
- cost of permits
- removal and disposal fees
- installation labor
Another added benefit of comprehensive insurance is it protects from losses due to accidental glass breakage, which can help with the cost of replacing a new window.
Steps for Filing an Insurance Claim for Window Replacement
Filing an insurance claim for window replacement can be a complicated process. However, there are a few key steps to ensure you get the coverage you need.
Determine if the Damage is Due to a Covered Peril
Examining the policy closely will help you decide if the damage is due to an instance of covered peril. Generally, these may tend to include fire, wind, hail, theft, and burglary.
Furthermore, policy limits should be checked to ensure the damage is within deductible limits. Once a covered peril is clearly identified, you can begin collecting evidence to prove the type of damage.
Gather All the Relevant Documents That You Need
Another important step is to gather all the relevant documents that you need. These could include:
- copies of insurance policies
- receipts for the window
- photographs of the damage
- an estimate for the cost of repairs
You will also need to have a copy of any related police or fire reports and any paperwork that may have been filed with your local municipality. If there are witnesses, record their contact information as well.
If you can, it would be best to have a written estimate from a qualified contractor for the window replacement. Once all the documents have been acquired, you can then submit your claim to your insurance provider.
Contact Your Insurance Provider or Agent
Once you have all the documentation together, contact your agent to inform them of your claim. They will provide you with instructions for the filing of the claim, and in many cases, they will also need to inspect the damage to validate the request.
Additionally, be sure to ask them any questions you may have regarding the filing process. They’ll be able to explain the specific conditions of your coverage, the available limits, and if the replacement is covered.
In many cases, you may need to provide your policy number so be sure to have it ready.
Wait for an Adjuster to Inspect the Damage and Evaluate the Cost
An adjuster from the insurance company will be sent to inspect the damage and evaluate the cost. After meetings with the claimant, they will:
- look at the photos
- inspect all broken glass
- confirm all witness accounts
The adjuster will then assess the damage and estimate a reasonable cost for replacement of the window. Based on this evaluation, the insurance company will approve or deny the claim.
If this happens, the homeowner will be responsible for paying the difference between the insurance policy coverage limit or worse, pay for the entire cost of the replacement if they turned down your claim.
What Happens When the Insurance Denies Your Claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim for window replacement, there are several options you can consider. You may need to explore other options such as:
- filing an appeal
- seek financial help from a local housing assistance agency
- pay out-of-pocket
However, if you suspect that the insurance company has acted in bad faith by not upholding their end of the contract, you may want to speak with an experienced attorney in New Orleans, LA for more information regarding your situation.
Does Home Insurance Cover Window Replacement?
Home insurance can cover the cost of window replacements in many cases. However, it’s always best to know when does home insurance cover window replacement to understand the exact terms and conditions for covering its cost.
Taking action now could eliminate surprises later on. Reach out to your home insurance agent to discuss your coverage for window replacements.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog now!
