Updated: August 6, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Homeowners insurance covers window replacement when damage is caused by covered perils like storms, vandalism, fire, theft, falling objects, and vehicle accidents.
Getting your claim approved to pay for windows requires following a 7-step process outlined below that includes: document damage immediately, contact your insurer promptly, get professional quotes, work with the adjuster, and follow up regularly.
Normal wear and tear, neglect, intentional damage by residents, floods, and earthquakes are typically excluded from coverage. Your windows may be covered as a result of certain accidents caused by golf balls, wild animals, and other unique cases.
Yes, homeowners insurance covers window replacement when covered perils cause damage to your windows. Covered perils are specific types of damage including storms, vandalism, fire, theft, and falling objects. The key factors that determine window coverage in standard homeowners insurance policies include:
Wind, hail, or severe weather damaging your windows is covered. This includes tree branches breaking windows during windstorms or hailstones cracking glass.
Intentional damage by others, such as vandals breaking windows with rocks or graffiti damage, is covered under standard homeowners policies.
Windows that crack, break, or warp due to intense heat and flames from fires are covered by standard homeowners insurance.
Damage from break-ins or attempted break-ins, where thieves break windows to gain access to your home, is covered.
Broken windows caused by tree branches, roof tiles, or other objects falling and damaging glass or window frames are covered.
When a car hits your house and damages windows, homeowners insurance typically covers the repair costs regardless of who was driving.
Unintentional damage that occurs during an already-covered event, like windows breaking when firefighters respond to a house fire, is usually covered.
Learn more about what home insurance covers in our guide.
Homeowners insurance 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. Cases where home insurance won't cover window replacement are:
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.
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, isn't covered.
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, isn't covered.
Damage caused by flooding is only covered under homeowners insurance policies if you have specific flood insurance, which is purchased separately and provides coverage for flood-related damages.
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.
Here's a section for situations where window coverage depends on your specific policy:
A golf ball, baseball, or other sports equipment breaking your window may be covered under comprehensive policies (HO-3, HO-5) but excluded from basic coverage (HO-1, HO-2).
Window damage from ice dams may be covered if your policy includes ice and snow coverage, but some insurers exclude gradual damage or require specific endorsements.
Wild animals breaking windows to enter your home may be covered, while damage from your own pets isn't.
Windows accidentally broken during covered home repairs might be included under some policies but excluded from others. The contractor may have insurance that would cover this window damage.
To maximize your chances of getting homeowners insurance to pay for new windows, follow these steps:
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. Standard covered perils are listed above.
Record the damage with photos and detailed notes to prove that a covered peril caused the damage. Include:
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after discovering the damage. Early communication prevents delays and demonstrates prompt, responsible action. Have your policy number and documentation ready when you call.
Get written estimates from licensed contractors for window repair or replacement. Your insurance provider needs these quotes to assess the extent and cost of damage. Make sure estimates include:
For bigger claims, an insurance adjuster will visit your home to evaluate the damage. During this meeting:
Understand your homeowners insurance policy specifics, including:
Maintain regular communication with your insurer to monitor claim status and provide additional information as needed. Keep detailed records of all correspondence, including:
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.
When contacting your insurance company, use clear, factual language:
The most effective claim language:
Always be honest, but avoid these phrases:
Homeowners insurance covers window replacement when covered perils like storms, vandalism, fire or theft cause damage. Getting your claim approved requires following the proper process: document damage with photos, contact your insurer immediately, get professional quotes, meet with the adjuster and follow up regularly.
Know your policy details before filing a claim. Check your deductible amount and coverage limits so you understand your out-of-pocket costs. Normal wear and tear won't be covered, but sudden damage from covered perils typically qualifies for reimbursement.
These are frequently asked questions about how to get your homeowners insurance to cover new windows and when they are covered and not covered.
Homeowners insurance covers broken windows when damage results from covered perils such as storms, fire, vandalism, or theft. Normal wear and tear or neglect isn't covered.
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.
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.
Claims take 2-3 weeks from filing to resolution, including adjuster visits, damage assessment, and approval processing.
Most insurers require repair or replacement quotes from licensed contractors to assess costs and validate claims before approving coverage.
Insurance typically covers replacement with similar quality windows. Upgrades beyond the original specifications usually require additional out-of-pocket payment.
Most insurers allow you to choose your preferred licensed contractor, though they may have preferred providers or require multiple estimates for larger claims.
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.
