Homeowners insurance offers peace of mind by protecting your home and its contents against unexpected events. While it’s generally assumed that homeowners insurance covers window replacement, eligibility depends on the cause of damage. This article explores the circumstances under which homeowners insurance will pay for new windows and provides practical steps for filing a claim.

Covered Circumstances

Homeowners insurance typically covers window replacement costs if the damage results from:

• Major Weather Events: Damage caused by storms, hail, or wind-blown debris is usually covered.
• Impact from Wind-Blown Debris: If an object carried by the wind damages your windows, the damage will likely be covered.

Exclusions

However, homeowners insurance excludes coverage for window damage caused by:

• Normal Wear and Tear: Gradual deterioration of windows over time is not covered.
• Accidental Damage: Damage caused by accidental breakage or mishandling is typically not covered.
• Poor Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain windows, leading to water leakage or mold growth, can result in denied claims.

Steps to File a Claim

If your windows are damaged due to an insured event, follow these steps to file a claim:

1. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the damage promptly and provide details of the incident.
2. Gather Documentation: Take photos of the damage and collect any documentation, such as weather reports or witness statements.
3. Meet with an Adjuster: The insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the extent of coverage.
4. Choose a Contractor: You can select your own contractor, but notify the insurance company to confirm coverage.
5. Get a Written Estimate: Obtain a detailed estimate from the contractor outlining the cost of window replacement.

Considerations

• Deductible: You may have to pay a deductible before the insurance company pays for the window replacement.
• Coverage Limits: The amount of coverage you have for window replacement depends on your policy.
• Policy Terms: Carefully review your homeowners insurance policy to understand what is covered and excluded.

By following these steps and providing the necessary documentation, you can increase your chances of getting homeowners insurance to pay for new windows. Remember to contact your insurance company promptly after the damage occurs and take steps to prevent further damage.

FAQs on Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Window Replacement

Can homeowners insurance cover new windows?

Yes, homeowners insurance generally covers window replacement costs if the damage is caused by covered circumstances, such as storms, hail, or impact from wind-blown debris.

What are excluded from coverage?

Normal wear and tear, accidental damage, poor maintenance, and water leakage or mold growth due to lack of maintenance are typically excluded from insurance coverage.

How do I file a claim for window replacement?

Contact your insurance provider promptly and provide documentation of the damage and its cause. The insurance company will assess the damage and determine if the cause is covered under the policy.

What is the process for getting new windows installed?

If the damage is covered, you should contact a reputable window company to handle the replacement. Notify the insurance company of your chosen contractor.

Is the full cost of replacement covered?

Most insurance policies do not cover the full replacement cost. The payout depends on the type of policy and the value of the damaged window.