As time progresses, it is not at all uncommon for the windows of your home to take a bit of a beating. It may come through from winds, storms, or other types of physical forces. When extensive damage occurs, you may find that covering the repairs with your own money may become quite costly- especially if you lack adequate coverage with your homeowner’s insurance.
This insurance policy will help you determine which damaged are insured and will help you with the calculations to determine the amount you will pay out-of-pocket for costs associated with window repairs and/or replacements.
What Caused the Damage?
When your window becomes damaged and you attempt to contact your homeowner’s insurance company, one of the first questions you will be asked is what caused the damage in the first place. It could have been a simple accident or it could have been an intense storm.
While this type of damage is considered to be common, not all types of damage will be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. There are two main types of policies that you may have – or a mixture of two. These types may include or exclude coverage. These are as follows:
- Named Perils – This type of insurance only covers risks that are specifically outlined within the policy. If your windows become damaged and it is due to a risk that is not outlined in the contract, you will have to pay out of pocket for the damage.
- Open- Perils – This will insure against any loss that is covered – expect those that are specifically outlined as not being covered. This is the most comprehensive of all coverage you may acquire as a homeowner. It offers the highest level of coverage, but costs a lot more each month than the named-perils coverage.
In most circumstances, your insurance will cover window damage that occurs but you should not expect the insurance to cover failing windows that are old and need replaced. You should always work with a window repair company that is experienced.
That way, when damage occurs, you will receive valuable assistance with your claims. The following outlines situations where homeowner’s insurance may not assist with window damage:
- If something breaks your window, it is considered to be the “peril” in an insurance policy. In most instances, hail storms, high winds, fire, and certain storm and weather events are covered; however, something like damage from a hurricane may not be covered unless you have an open-peril policy.
- If a person breaks your window, coverage will be determined on the circumstances of the break. For example, if it was broken by someone that committed theft, it will likely be covered. If it was broken by a guest while visiting you, it may not be covered. You will likely have to pay for the repairs yourself.
- If you break your window, you will likely have to pay for the repair or the replacement yourself.
- If you break the window on your neighbor’s property, your insurance may cover the damage, it all depends on what you originally included in your policy. If you did not include this coverage, you may have to pay for the neighbor’s window yourself.
The Deductible
If a window needs repaired and it is covered under your policy, you will have to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. The deductible is how much you will have to pay before the insurance company pays on the claim.
You will have to pay your costs first before the insurance will pay anything. If your deductible is $1000, for example, and the repairs cost $600, it makes since to just pay for the repairs yourself and not to open up a claim on the insurance policy.
Contact Us
If you are in need of window repair or replacement, contact us here at Southern Industries Home Improvements, we specialize in many different types of replacement windows. We can instantly change the look and feel of your property with our products.
When you call, be sure to ask about our low-cost installation special. Call us now at (833) 240-4900