Does home insurance cover broken windows?

Coverage for a broken window depends on what caused the damage. Your homeowners insurance policy will cover damage on either a named-peril or open-peril basis. A named-peril policy has a list of specific perils, and if your window breaks as the result of one, it's covered. Other homeowners policies are written with open-peril coverage; if the loss is not specifically excluded, it should be covered.

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What caused the window damage?

Whether your broken window will be covered by your homeowners insurance depends on how the window was damaged:

Bad weather or a break-in: The standard perils covered by homeowners insurance include vandalism (including damage from break-ins), theft, fire, hail, and more. Before filing a claim, talk with your insurer to be sure the damage is caused by a covered peril. And getting a repair estimate can help you determine if the costs will exceed your deductible.
A neighbor breaks your window: Your neighbor's homeowners or renters insurance should pay to replace the window they broke under their personal liability coverage. If your neighbor doesn't have liability coverage, ask them to foot the bill for repairs. If they refuse and you have proof that they broke the window, you may be able to take legal action.
Someone from your household breaks a neighbor's window: Say your kid hits a ball over the fence and it smashes your neighbor's window. That's when your homeowners policy's liability coverage can step in.

What types of coverages offer protection for broken windows?

Homeowners insurance policies typically include six primary coverage types, usually labelled as Coverages A, B, C, D, E, and F. Depending on the damage, coverage for broken windows might fall under your dwelling coverage (Coverage A), other structures coverage (Coverage B), or liability coverage (Coverage E). Here's when these different coverages may come into play for window damage.

Dwelling coverage: Windows that are a part of your home's structure would be covered under Coverage A.
Other structures coverage: If the broken window is on a separate structure on your property, such as a detached garage or storage shed, the claim would be made under Coverage B.
Liability coverage: Coverage E protects you if you or someone in your household accidentally breaks someone else's window.

Your policy's deductibles and coverage limits may impact how much you're protected against your particular broken window situation, or if you're better off paying for the repairs out of pocket.

Learn more about homeowners insurance and renters insurance.

Does homeowners insurance cover rotted windows?

Home insurance typically protects against sudden and accidental damage. It doesn't cover general wear and tear that results in structural problems like rot. Even if you have a rotted window that started to decay after a covered peril like a bad storm, your insurance may decline coverage, claiming the damage was due to negligence. If you suspect any potential damage caused by a covered peril, have a qualified professional inspect it immediately. If there's damage, obtain a repair estimate to see if it's worth filing a claim.

Does homeowners insurance cover broken window seals?

Like rotted windows, broken window seals fall under the category of general maintenance. When window seals break over time due to wear and tear, you're responsible for the cost of repairs.

Pro tip:

To prevent wear-and-tear damage that wouldn't be covered by homeowners insurance, check your windows regularly for maintenance needs.

Does a home warranty cover broken windows?

Even if you have a separate home warranty policy on top of your homeowners insurance, it won't cover structural features like windows and doors. Your warranty may cover the wear and tear of household items like appliances and plumbing, but you'll have to pay out of pocket for window damage that isn't covered by your insurance.

Looking for homeowners insurance?

To get homeowners insurance, call 1-866-749-7436, or find an agent online.

Besides ensuring coverage for the windows in your home, you should also understand coverage options for your car's windshield and windows. Progressive offers protection for both your home and vehicles.