Broken windows coverage

Broken windows coverage is an add-on in homeowners and commercial property insurance that pays for replacing or repairing glass broken by covered perils such as vandalism or storms. Insurers like State Farm and Allstate include broken windows under standard dwelling coverage but often require a specific deductible, usually $250–$500, per claim.

Most policies exclude coverage for glass breakage caused by earthquake or war, as stated in ISO HO-3 forms. Some companies, including Liberty Mutual and Farmers, offer standalone glass endorsement options for frequent claims.

Landlords use broken windows coverage to protect rental units from tenant damage exceeding security deposits, based on NAIC landlord policy guidelines. Commercial property policies include broken window clauses to cover storefronts and display glass, as listed in ISO CP 00 10 (Building & Personal Property Coverage Form).

Claims for accidental breakage must provide evidence of cause, according to insurer adjuster requirements documented by the Insurance Information Institute. Policies typically limit payout to actual cash value or replacement cost, capped by specific sub-limits–often $2,500 per occurrence–as detailed in sample Declarations Pages, as presented by YourInsurance.info.

Deductibles apply separately from other perils; insureds must verify this with declarations from their providers. Filing multiple glass claims within three years may trigger premium increases, according to LexisNexis risk data reviews.