New Windows: Are They Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?

Your windows are an essential part of your home as they enhance your home’s efficiency and add to its aesthetic value. As such, it’s important to keep your home’s windows in excellent shape for them to perform at their best.

Unfortunately, windows will break down over time, much like the other components that make up your home’s exterior. At some point, you’ll have to replace them. However, you might be wondering whether or not your homeowner’s insurance will cover the upgrade. The answer? It depends on how the damage occurred and what kind of policy you have. Below, we’ll walk you through exactly what is — and isn’t — covered, so you can better understand what to expect before filing a claim.

When Will Homeowners Insurance Pay for New Windows?

Your homeowner’s insurance might pay for your new windows, but that depends on several factors. Keep in mind that home insurance policies only provide coverage for qualifying situations, which is why the way your current windows suffered damage can impact your claim.

Before we jump into whether or not your insurance will cover your new windows, you must first understand the specifics of your policy. There are two main types of policies:

• Named-peril policy: With this type of policy, you’ll only be able to make a claim for the issues that are clearly written in it. If a problem isn’t listed — like a flood, for example — it’s not covered.
• Open-peril policy (also known as all-risk): This kind of policy is broader. It covers almost all types of accidental damage or loss — unless the cause of the damage is clearly listed as something that’s not covered. In other words, it protects you from everything except what’s specifically excluded.

For instance, both policies will cover your replacement windows if the damage was caused by a severe storm. However, if the windows broke because someone threw a baseball through them, you may not be covered by a named-peril policy since it doesn’t usually cover accidents. 

Your insurer will have to obtain as much information about your claim as possible to determine whether you are eligible for a claim. If your windows sustained extensive damage due to wind-blown debris or anything caused by severe weather, your homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage for your new windows. 

When Are New Windows Not Covered Under Home Insurance?

There are several instances where insurance companies may not cover the cost to replace your windows. They include:

Lack of Maintenance

Your windows will suffer wear and tear due to long-term exposure to harsh weather. If this is the case, know that your homeowner’s insurance will not cover damage caused by inevitable deterioration. The same thing applies if the window damage resulted from an accident or was due to neglect. 

For example, if your window breaks when it is hit by a heavy tree branch during a storm, you’ll be covered. However, if it breaks because water penetrated through neglected seals, your insurance provider will consider this wear and tear. They may state that the cause of the broken window is not the rainstorm but your failure to maintain the unit. 

For insurance providers, window repairs and maintenance are the responsibility of the homeowner. Failure to keep your windows in good condition won’t do you any good as far as your homeowner’s insurance is concerned. 

Flooding

Flood coverage is rarely – if ever – included in a standard homeowners policy. The good news is that the National Flood Insurance Program offers flood insurance at low rates – and is available to everyone, even if you live in a low-lying area and have filed previous claims. Remember, rainwater that enters your home through storm-damaged windows, roofs and walls is not considered floodwater.

Installation  Errors

Your insurer is unlikely to cover the cost of replacing your windows if they were damaged due to installation errors. So, make sure you always work with a reputable window installation contractor for all your projects.

What Can You Do to Prepare Ahead?

Taking the following steps can help you prepare for future window replacements and avoid surprises:

1. Inspect and maintain your windows: Regularly check your windows for signs of wear and tear and replace damaged seals. It can also help to take pictures of your windows to show their condition and keep a written record of your routine maintenance and repairs. 
2. Evaluate your insurance coverage: The best time to check your insurance coverage is before something goes wrong. Hurricane season and severe weather events are reminders to review your homeowners policy and make sure it meets your needs. Many homeowners are surprised to find they’re underinsured or that their deductibles are higher than expected. 
3. Check your deductible: Remember, just because your insurance policy covers the replacement costs doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for anything. Home insurance policies usually have a deductible, which is an amount you’ll have to pay before the funds are released. Deductibles vary from insurer to insurer. But in general, the higher the deductible, the lower your premium is. 

Need New Windows or Help Understanding Coverage?

Count on the team at Renewal by Andersen to provide top-notch window installation and high-quality products. Our company handles all stages of the process from design to manufacturing to installation, ensuring complete quality control. Call 866-609-5033, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.