Glass can be expensive to replace and usually requires an installer who specializes in fixing windows. Your standard homeowners insurance may cover certain but not all incidents involving broken windows. Here are a few different scenarios where your home insurance may or may not cover broken windows.
Your standard homeowners insurance lists the perils that it covers in your policy. Covered perils are disasters, such as severe storms or fire. If your window gets broken due to vandalism, theft, hail, wind, or fire, it's probably covered under dwelling coverage.
If the broken window is part of a detached structure, the damage may be covered by a coverage extension. However, make sure to review your policy because not all standard homeowners insurance plans are the same.
If you or one of your kids breaks a neighbor's window, the damage may be covered in the liability portion of your homeowners plan. This part of your insurance usually doesn't include a deductible. Be aware that any type of damage that you cause intentionally will not be covered.
Breaking your own window is a different story, as it likely isn't covered by your standard homeowners insurance plan at all. There's a high probability you will have to pay for the damage out of your own pocket. If your window breaks due to negligence or lack of maintenance, it definitely won't be covered.
Your homeowners insurance is designed to pay for perils beyond your control. Any damage that could have been prevented on your part, likely won't be covered in a standard plan.
When fog or moisture develops between double-glazed windows, it's a sign of a broken seal. All window seals eventually degrade, and such wear and tear are not covered in a standard homeowners plan.
Your deductible - the amount you pay out of pocket before your coverage pays the rest - might be enough to fix the window. This happens if the cost to fix the window is less than your deductible. Conversely, if the repair work costs more than your deductible, your insurance may pay for some of the damage up to the coverage limit.
Since your home insurance doesn't cover every possible mishap, you should be aware of what it does and doesn't cover long before disaster strikes. You can learn more about your policy exclusions by talking to an insurance expert. This way, you can better prepare for broken windows by setting aside an emergency fund to pay for problems your insurance doesn't cover.
Contact us at Spotlight Insurance Agency for any questions you have about homeowners insurance in Denver, CO.
