Yes, homeowners insurance covers window replacement when covered perils damage your windows. Covered perils include storms, vandalism, fire, theft and falling objects. Your claim gets approved when damage traces to one of these covered perils:
Does Home Insurance Cover Windows?
Updated: July 23, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Homeowners insurance covers broken windows and window replacement when damage results from covered perils: 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 excluded from coverage. Broken windows can be covered as a result of certain accidents caused by golf balls, wild animals and other unique cases.
Are Windows Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
StormsWind, hail or severe weather damaging your windows is covered. This includes tree branches breaking windows during windstorms or hailstones cracking glass.
VandalismIntentional damage by others, such as vandals breaking windows with rocks or graffiti damage, is covered under standard homeowners policies.
FireWindows that crack, break or warp due to intense heat and flames from fires are covered by standard homeowners insurance.
TheftDamage from break-ins or attempted break-ins, where thieves break windows to gain access to your home, is covered.
Falling ObjectsTree branches, roof tiles or other objects falling and damaging glass or window frames are covered.
Vehicle Accidents Hitting Your HomeWhen a car hits your house and damages windows, homeowners insurance covers the repair costs regardless of who was driving.
Accidental Damage From Covered IncidentsUnintentional damage during an already-covered event, like windows breaking when firefighters respond to a house fire, is covered.
Learn more about what home insurance covers in our guide.
DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER WINDOW REPAIR?
Homeowners insurance covers both window repair and full replacement, depending on damage severity and your policy terms. Your insurer pays for repair when damage is minor — a small crack or chip that doesn't compromise security or structure. It approves full replacement when windows shatter, frames are beyond repair or the damage creates a safety hazard. Some policies include "matching rules," meaning all windows on the same side of the house are replaced to keep a uniform appearance.
When Home Insurance Won't Cover 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.
Wear and TearHome 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.
NeglectDamage 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 DamageAny 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.
FloodingDamage from flooding requires separate flood insurance, which you purchase separately to cover flood-related damage.
EarthquakesMost standard policies do not cover earthquake damage. You need specific earthquake insurance to cover damage from seismic activity, which can cause major structural damage including broken windows.
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.
- 1Make Sure the Damage was Caused by a Covered Peril
Your insurer will only pay if the damage comes from a covered peril. Covered perils vary by policy, so review yours against the standard list above before filing.
- 2Document the Damage Immediately
Photograph and write up the damage as soon as it happens. Include:
- Close-up shots of cracks, broken frames or shattered glass
- Wide shots showing the surrounding area
- Photos of any debris or objects that caused the damage
- Written notes on when and how it happened
- Weather reports for storm-related damage
- 3Contact Your Insurance Company
File as soon as possible. Have your policy number, photos and notes ready. Prompt reporting avoids processing delays.
- 4Get Professional Repair Quotes
Get written estimates from at least two licensed contractors before the adjuster visit. Each estimate should break out labor and materials, required permits and cleanup and disposal fees.
- 5Meet With the Insurance Adjuster
For larger claims, the insurer sends an adjuster to inspect in person. Show them every damaged window, walk them through your documentation and stay present throughout the inspection. Take your own notes as they work.
- 6Review Your Policy Details
Before filing, check your deductible, coverage limits for windows, whether windows fall under dwelling or personal property coverage, any applicable exclusions and whether your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value.
- 7Follow Up
Log every contact with your insurer: representative names, dates, call times, conversation summaries and your claim reference number. Save all correspondence.
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:
- "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"
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.
Before filing, compare your repair or replacement quote against your deductible. Most homeowners policies carry a $1,000 to $2,500 deductible. If your window repair costs less than your deductible, pay out of pocket. Filing a small claim raises your premium without a net benefit. For severe damage from a covered peril, document everything and follow the seven steps above.
Home Insurance for Window Replacement: FAQ
These are frequently asked questions about getting homeowners insurance to cover new windows and when coverage applies.
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.
Yes, home insurance covers window replacement when a covered peril like a storm, vandalism or fire causes damage severe enough that repair isn't sufficient. Your insurer approves replacement when windows shatter, frames are destroyed or the damage creates a safety or security risk. Some policies include matching rules that replace all windows on one side of the house for a uniform appearance. Check your deductible before filing — if replacement costs less than your deductible, paying out of pocket makes more sense.
Yes, home insurance covers window repair when a covered peril caused the damage. Your insurer pays for repair, rather than full replacement, when damage is minor, such as a small crack or chip that doesn't affect your home's security. Damage from normal wear, aging or neglect isn't covered under any scenario. If repair costs less than your deductible, skip the claim and pay out of pocket to avoid a rate increase.
Claims take two to three weeks from filing to resolution, including adjuster visits, damage assessment and approval processing.
Insurance often covers replacement with similar quality windows. Upgrades beyond original specifications usually require additional out-of-pocket payment.
Homeowners Insurance Window Replacement: Related Pages
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he produces original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.
Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data. No insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.
Mark holds a B.A. from Boston College and an M.A. in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University. He started his career in financial risk management at State Street and is also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.