A broken window can happen in seconds — maybe a storm threw a branch through it, a neighborhood kid hit a baseball a little too hard, or even a burglar tried to get in. Whatever the cause, one of the first questions most homeowners ask is: will home insurance cover a broken window?
The good news is, yes — home insurance often covers broken windows, but not in every situation. The coverage depends on how the damage happened and what part of your insurance policy applies.
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you’ll know exactly when your homeowners insurance will step in to help.
When Does Home Insurance Cover a Broken Window?
Whether or not home insurance covers a broken window depends on what caused it. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your home from sudden and accidental damage caused by specific covered events, also known as “perils.”
Here are a few common situations where a broken window is typically covered:
Storm or Wind Damage
If a storm sends debris flying through your window or strong winds cause a tree branch to smash it, your home insurance will usually pay for repairs. Weather-related events like wind, hail, or falling objects are considered covered perils.
Vandalism or Theft
If someone intentionally breaks your window — whether during a burglary, vandalism, or attempted break-in — it’s covered under the dwelling coverage section of your homeowners insurance.
Your policy may also cover related damage, such as stolen items or property damage inside your home caused by the break-in.
Fire or Explosion
If a fire or explosion damages your windows, it’s definitely covered. Fire is one of the main perils protected under nearly every homeowners insurance policy.
Accidental Damage Caused by a Vehicle
If a car crashes into your home and shatters your window, the damage is generally covered by your homeowners insurance (though the driver’s auto insurance may also apply).
In short, if your window breaks because of an unexpected or accidental event, your home insurance likely covers it.
When Home Insurance Does NOT Cover a Broken Window
Unfortunately, not every broken window qualifies for coverage. Home insurance is not a maintenance or repair plan — it’s meant to cover sudden and unforeseen damage, not gradual wear or negligence.
Here are a few situations where your policy likely won’t help:
Normal Wear and Tear
If your window cracked because it’s old, poorly sealed, or weakened over time, your insurance won’t cover it. That’s considered a maintenance issue.
Negligence
If you knew your window was damaged or unsafe and didn’t fix it, your insurer could deny your claim, saying it was preventable.
Pet or Child Accidents
If your child accidentally throws a toy through the window or your pet breaks it, most policies won’t cover that — it’s considered accidental damage not listed under covered perils.
Earthquakes or Floods
If an earthquake or flood causes the break, you’ll need separate earthquake or flood insurance. Standard home insurance policies don’t include these natural disasters.
What Part of Home Insurance Covers Broken Windows?
Home insurance policies include different coverage sections that can apply depending on what was damaged.
Dwelling Coverage
This part covers the structure of your home — including walls, roof, floors, and yes, windows. If your window is part of the home’s main structure and it breaks due to a covered peril (like storm damage or vandalism), dwelling coverage will pay for repairs or replacement.
Personal Property Coverage
If your window breaks and rain or debris damages your furniture, electronics, or carpets, those items may be covered under personal property coverage.
For example, if a hailstorm smashes a window and your TV or sofa gets soaked, your insurance might help replace the damaged items.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
If your home becomes temporarily unsafe or exposed after a window shatters — say, from a storm or vandalism — your additional living expenses coverage can pay for a hotel stay until repairs are complete.
How Much Will Insurance Pay for a Broken Window?
How much your insurer pays depends on:
- The cause of the damage
- Your deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in)
- Your policy limits
Let’s say your window repair costs $600, but your deductible is $1,000 — in that case, your insurance wouldn’t pay anything since the repair costs less than your deductible.
But if the damage is extensive — like multiple windows shattered during a major storm — and repairs cost several thousand dollars, filing a claim makes more sense.
Should You File a Claim for a Broken Window?
Filing a claim for a small repair might not always be the best idea.
Here’s why:
- If the repair cost is less than or close to your deductible, you’ll end up paying it yourself anyway.
- Frequent small claims can raise your insurance rates.
It’s often smarter to pay for minor damage out of pocket and save your insurance for larger, more expensive incidents.
However, if the damage is major — like multiple windows or related structural issues — then filing a claim is definitely worth it.
How to File a Home Insurance Claim for a Broken Window
If you decide to file a claim, follow these simple steps to make the process smooth:
- Document the damage. Take clear photos or videos of the broken window and any related damage.
- Secure your home. Board up the broken area to prevent further issues like rain or theft.
- Contact your insurance company. Report the incident as soon as possible and explain how it happened.
- Get an estimate. Your insurer may send an adjuster or ask for repair quotes.
- Pay your deductible. Once approved, your insurer will cover the remaining repair costs.
How to Prevent Broken Windows in the Future
Prevention can save you time, money, and stress. Here are a few easy ways to reduce the risk of broken windows:
- Trim nearby tree branches that could fall during storms.
- Install shatter-resistant or tempered glass windows.
- Use window locks and security film for extra protection.
- Keep kids’ play areas away from windows.
- Add storm shutters if you live in a high-wind area.
These steps don’t just prevent accidents — they also make your home safer and can sometimes earn you small insurance discounts.
Final Thoughts: Will Home Insurance Cover a Broken Window?
So, will home insurance cover a broken window?
Yes — but only if the cause fits within your policy’s covered perils.
Damage from storms, vandalism, or accidents caused by outside forces is usually covered. But normal wear and tear, neglect, or accidents inside your home typically aren’t.
To stay protected, review your homeowners insurance policy, understand your deductible, and keep your home in good condition. That way, if the unexpected happens, you’ll know exactly where you stand — and your insurance will be there when you need it.