Homeowners insurance typically pay for new windows if a covered peril causes the damage and you follow the proper claims process. To help ensure the success of your home insurance window replacement claim, follow these steps:
Home Insurance
How to Get Homeowners Insurance to Pay for New Windows
Updated: May 21, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Covered perils may vary by insurer and policy. Typically, these include storms, vandalism, fire, theft and falling objects.
Promptly report the damage, meet with the adjuster and follow up to keep the claim process moving efficiently.
Damages due to wear and tear, neglect and intentional damage are usually not covered by home insurance.
1. Make Sure the Damage was Caused by a Covered Peril
To get homeowners insurance to pay for new windows, a covered peril must cause damage that leads to the need for a replacement. Covered perils vary by insurer and by policy type. Each insurer may also define or limit coverage differently, so reviewing the policy details is important to understand what’s included.
2. Record the Damage
Document the damage thoroughly with photos and detailed notes to prove that a covered peril caused the damage. Clearly capture the damage to your windows with images and describe it fully, including the incident's date and cause. For full context, include close-up shots of cracks or broken frames and wide shots showing the surrounding area. This paperwork will be necessary for your claim.
3. Contact Your Insurer
As soon as you can, notify your insurance company of the damage. To initiate the claim procedure, give the provider your supporting papers and any helpful additional information. Early communication helps prevent delays and shows that you’ve acted promptly and responsibly.
4. Obtain a Quote
Speak with a certified contractor to acquire a quote for replacement or repair. This might be necessary for your insurance provider to assess the degree and expense of the damage. Request a written estimate and ensure it includes labor, materials and any required permits.
5. Meet the Adjuster
An insurance adjuster may come to your house to evaluate the damage. Show them the impacted windows and give them any other required information. Be ready to explain how the damage occurred and provide your documentation during the visit.
6. Review Your Policy
Familiarize yourself with the details of your homeowners insurance policy, including your deductible and coverage limitations, to ensure you are aware of any potential out-of-pocket expenses. Check whether your windows are classified under structural or other covered property categories.
7. Follow Up
Continue communicating with your insurer regularly to monitor the status of your claim and supply any additional details it may need. By following up, you can ensure that you receive the required coverage for your window replacement and speed up the process. Keep records of all correspondence, including names, dates and summaries of each interaction.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
The best homeowners insurance providers offer excellent customer service and clear communication, making it easier to navigate the claims process.
You can help ensure a smooth experience by keeping all receipts and records related to the window repair or replacement process. This practice can help with reimbursement and ensure you have documentation for future reference.
Does Home Insurance Cover Window Replacement?
Homeowners insurance covers broken window replacement if a covered peril causes the damage. Typically, this includes incidents such as storms and vandalism. Here are some common covered perils that might qualify for home insurance window replacement:
Storms
Wind, hail or severe weather damaging your windows, such as a tree branch breaking a window during a windstorm or hailstones cracking the glass, is usually covered.
Vandalism
Your policy usually covers intentional damage caused by someone else, such as a vandal breaking a window with a rock or other object.
Fire
Damage from a fire can cause windows to crack, break or warp due to the intense heat and flames, and is usually covered by home insurance.
Theft
Home insurance typically covers damage from a break-in or attempted break-in, where thieves might break windows to gain access to the home.
Falling Objects
Broken windows caused by a tree branch hitting your window during a storm or other unexpected objects falling and damaging the glass or window frame are usually covered.
When Home Insurance Won't Cover New Windows
Homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover window replacement if the damage is due to general wear and tear or lack of maintenance. This includes issues like old age, gradual deterioration or neglect. Some everyday situations where home insurance likely won't cover window replacement are as follows:
Wear and Tear
Home insurance doesn't cover the deterioration or aging of windows over time, such as rotting frames, broken seals or cracked panes, which occur naturally and are expected with long-term use.
Neglect
Damage resulting from a lack of proper maintenance, such as failing to repair minor damages that eventually lead to larger issues or not addressing leaks and moisture problems that cause window frames to weaken and decay, is not usually covered.
Intentional Damage
Any damage you or a resident intentionally cause, including breaking a window deliberately or any acts of vandalism committed by someone living in the household, is likely not covered.
Flooding
Damage caused by flooding is typically only covered under homeowners insurance policies if you have specific flood insurance, which is usually purchased separately and provides coverage for flood-related damages.
Earthquakes
Most standard policies do not cover earthquake damage. Specific earthquake insurance is required to cover damages from seismic activity, which can cause significant structural damage, including broken windows.
How to Get Home Insurance to Pay for New Windows: Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance can cover window replacements if the damage results from a covered peril, such as storms or vandalism. This guide explored the steps to make a home insurance claim for new windows.
After the damage, you need to follow a specific claim process. Start by documenting the damage with photos and detailed notes, then contact your insurance company to report the incident. By understanding your policy and communicating regularly with your insurer, you can navigate the claims process efficiently and ensure your window replacement is covered.
Home Insurance for Window Replacement: FAQ
We answer common questions about home insurance and window replacement to help you understand when you can get home insurance to pay for new windows and what steps you can take.
Does homeowners insurance cover broken windows?
Homeowners insurance may cover broken windows if the damage results from a covered peril, such as a storm, fire or vandalism.
What qualifies as a covered peril for window damage?
Covered perils vary by policy but often include wind, hail, fire, theft and vandalism. Review your policy or contact your insurer to confirm what perils are included in your coverage.
What should I do first if a window in my home is damaged?
Start by documenting the damage with photos and notes. Then, contact your insurer, review your policy and submit all required documentation to begin the claims process.
Do I need an estimate before filing a claim for window damage?
Yes, most insurers require a repair or replacement quote from a licensed contractor. This helps them assess the cost and validate the claim before approving coverage.
Getting Homeowners Insurance to Pay for New Windows: Our Review Methodology
Why Trust MoneyGeek?
MoneyGeek analyzed quotes from multiple insurance providers across the U.S. using a profile that reflects the average homeowner. By considering different locations and companies, we aim to give a reliable estimate of what homeowners can expect to pay—showing why it’s important to compare rates.
Methodology
MoneyGeek evaluated homeowners insurance carriers incorporating insights and premiums from the official databases of Quadrant Information Services.
Homeowner Profile
For our analysis, we created a sample homeowner profile with the following characteristics:
- Good credit score (769 to 792)
- Home constructed in 2000
- Wood-frame construction
- Composite shingle roof
Homeowners Insurance Coverage Details
Unless otherwise specified, we used the following coverage limits to collect quotes for our comparison:
- $250,000 in dwelling coverage
- $125,000 in personal property coverage
- $200,000 in personal liability coverage
- $1,000 deductible
We also compiled data for policies with broader coverage to determine the best companies for insuring expensive homes, upping limits to $1 million in dwelling coverage, $500,000 in personal property coverage and $1 million in liability coverage.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.