Yes, homeowners insurance covers window replacement when covered perils damage your windows. Covered perils include storms, vandalism, fire, theft and falling objects. Several factors determine whether your claim gets approved:
Does Home Insurance Cover Windows? Getting Homeowners Insurance to Pay for New Windows
Updated: November 5, 2025
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Key Takeaways
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 broken windows requires following a seven-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 usually excluded from coverage. Broken windows may be covered as a result of certain accidents caused by golf balls, wild animals and other unique cases.
Are Windows Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Storms
Wind, hail or severe weather damaging your windows is covered. This includes tree branches breaking windows during windstorms or hailstones cracking glass.
Vandalism
Intentional damage by others, such as vandals breaking windows with rocks or graffiti damage, is covered under standard homeowners policies.
Fire
Windows that crack, break or warp due to intense heat and flames from fires are covered by standard homeowners insurance.
Theft
Damage from break-ins or attempted break-ins, where thieves break windows to gain access to your home, is covered.
Falling Objects
Tree branches, roof tiles or other objects falling and damaging glass or window frames are covered.
Vehicle Accidents Hitting Your Home
When a car hits your house and damages windows, homeowners insurance usually covers the repair costs regardless of who was driving.
Accidental Damage From Covered Incidents
Unintentional damage 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.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Window Replacement vs. Repair?
Your homeowners insurance pays for full window replacement or just repair based on the damage extent and your policy terms.
- Full Replacement: Insurance covers broken windows when damage is severe or creates a safety hazard. If a storm shatters multiple panes or damages frames beyond repair, insurers approve replacement. Some policies include "matching rules," meaning all windows on the same side of the house are replaced to keep a uniform appearance.
- Repairs: Minor damage like a small crack or chip that doesn't affect structure or security gets repair coverage only. Skip filing a claim if repair costs less than your deductible.
When Home Insurance Won't Cover New Windows
Homeowners insurance doesn't cover window replacement if damage results from general wear and tear or lack of maintenance, including old age, gradual deterioration or neglect. Home insurance won't cover window replacement in these cases:
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 from lack of proper maintenance, such as failing to repair minor damages that lead to larger issues or not addressing leaks and moisture problems that weaken window frames, isn't 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, isn't covered.
Flooding
Damage from flooding requires separate flood insurance, which you purchase separately to cover flood-related damages.
Earthquakes
Most standard policies do not cover earthquake damage. You need specific earthquake insurance to cover damages from seismic activity, which can cause major structural damage including broken windows.
When New Windows Might be Covered
Window coverage varies depending on your policy details:
- 1Accidental Damage by Third Parties
Home insurance covers broken windows from accidental damage, like a neighbor's baseball or basketball crashing through your window. Comprehensive policies like HO-3 and HO-5 include this coverage. Basic coverage like HO-1 and HO-2 doesn't.
- 2Ice Dam Damage
Window damage from ice dams gets covered if your policy includes ice and snow coverage. Some insurers exclude gradual damage or require specific endorsements.
- 3Pet Damage From Other Animals
Damage caused by wild animals breaking your windows to get inside is usually covered, but issues caused by your own pets are not.
- 4Contractor Accidents
If a contractor accidentally breaks a window while doing covered home repairs, some policies may include this under your coverage, while others may not. In many cases, the contractor’s own insurance handles the damage.
How to Get Homeowners Insurance to Pay for New Windows
Follow these steps to improve your chances of getting your homeowners insurance to cover new windows.
1. Make Sure the Damage was Caused by a Covered Peril
The damage must come from a covered peril for your insurance to pay for it. Covered perils differ by insurer and policy, so review your policy to know what’s included. You can refer to the list of standard covered perils above.
2. Document the Damage Immediately
Take photos and write notes as soon as the damage happens. This helps prove it was caused by a covered peril. Be sure to include:
- Close-up shots of cracks, broken frames or shattered glass
- Wide photos showing the area around the damage
- Pictures of any debris or objects that caused it
- Written notes describing when and how it happened
- Weather reports if the damage was from a storm
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the broken window to your insurer as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps avoid delays. Have your policy number, photos and notes ready when you call.
4. Get Professional Repair Quotes
Ask licensed contractors for written estimates to repair or replace the window. Your insurer will need these to assess the cost. Each estimate should include:
- Labor and materials
- Required permits
- Cleanup and disposal fees
5. Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
If you’re filing a large claim, an adjuster will likely visit your home. When they do:
- Show them every damaged window
- Share your photos and notes
- Explain how the damage happened
- Stay present during the inspection and take notes
6. Review Your Policy Details
Understand the details of your coverage, such as:
- Your deductible amount
- Coverage limits for windows
- Whether the windows are covered under structure or personal property
- Any exclusions
- Whether your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value
7. Follow Up
Keep in touch with your insurer to monitor your claim. Save all correspondence and note:
- The names of the representatives you speak with
- Dates and times of calls
- A short summary of each conversation
- Your claim reference number
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
The best homeowners insurance providers offer excellent customer service and clear communication during the claims process. Keep all receipts and records related to window repair or replacement for reimbursement and future reference.
What to Say When Filing Your Window Insurance Claim
When contacting your insurance company to file for broken windows, use clear, factual language:
The most effective claim language:
- "My windows were damaged by [specific covered peril] on [date]"
- "I have photos and documentation of the damage"
- "I need to file a claim for window replacement due to storm damage"
- "The damage makes my home uninhabitable/unsafe"
Always be honest, but avoid these phrases:
- "I think the windows need replacing anyway"
- "They were getting old"
- "I'm not sure what caused it"
How to Get Home Insurance to Pay for New Windows: Bottom Line
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 may qualify for reimbursement.
Home Insurance for Window Replacement: FAQ
These are frequently asked questions about getting homeowners insurance to cover new windows and when coverage applies.
Does homeowners insurance cover broken windows?
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.
What should I do first if a window in my home is damaged?
Document 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.
How long does a window insurance claim take to process?
Claims take two to three weeks from filing to resolution, including adjuster visits, damage assessment and approval processing.
Will insurance cover upgrading to better windows?
Insurance often covers replacement with similar quality windows. Upgrades beyond original specifications usually require additional out-of-pocket payment.
Does homeowners insurance cover window replacement?
Yes, homeowners insurance can cover window replacement if damage results from a covered peril such as storms, fire, vandalism or theft. Normal wear and tear, aging or neglect are excluded and won't qualify for coverage.
Can I choose my own contractor for window replacement?
Most insurers allow you to choose your preferred licensed contractor, though they may have preferred providers or require multiple estimates for larger claims.
Homeowners Insurance Window Replacement: Related Pages
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.