Home window replacement

Whether home insurance covers window replacement depends on the circumstances surrounding the damage.

Home insurance in Australia covers window replacement for:

• Accidental damage: If a window is broken due to accidental damage (e.g. a ball breaking the window or accidentally falling into the glass), your policy might cover the replacement cost. However, not all policies include accidental damage, so it’s essential to check if this is part of your coverage.
• Weather events: Damage caused by severe weather events like storms, hail or strong winds is often covered by home insurance. For example, your insurer would likely cover the replacement if a tree branch falls and breaks a window during a storm.
• Vandalism or theft: If a window is broken during a burglary or due to vandalism, your insurance policy would typically cover the cost of repair or replacement.

However, home insurance doesn’t cover window replacement for:

• Wear and tear: Home insurance generally doesn’t cover old windows or damage due to normal wear and tear and neglect. For example, if a window deteriorates over time due to age or the seals break down, the replacement cost would not be covered.
• Poor maintenance: If the damage is due to lack of maintenance, such as rot in wooden frames or rust in metal frames, insurance would not cover replacement costs.

Note that you’ll still be responsible for paying the excess specified in your policy, even if your home insurance covers window replacement. The insurer would then cover the remainder of the cost up to your policy limit. You may have the option to add a glass coverage to your home insurance to reduce or remove this excess.

Always read your relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand the full details of your home insurance policies, inclusions and exclusions, and the Target Market Determination (TMD) to ensure the policy fits your needs.

Some insurance companies offer the option to add excess-free glass cover or adjust the glass excess as an add-on to your policy. This can be beneficial if you want to enjoy  lower out-of-pocket costs and greater peace of mind in the event of such incidents. It’s typically provided as an add-on option to your policy, which may increase your home insurance premium.

There may be limits to your coverage for glass claims; for example, your policy might cover up to a certain amount per claim or year for glass replacement. Read your PDS and TMD to ensure you understand what you’re covered for.

There are window and door replacement businesses that offer free quotes on window replacement for your existing windows, and you can get an estimate before deciding if you want to change one or all of your windows.

You can also consider replacing all your windows simultaneously to minimise hassle to your daily routine and save yourself the installation fee for every window.

Windows are an essential part of your home, and it can help create an excellent indoor climate for the homeowner’s wellbeing. Choosing new windows is not only about the window style or size. There are several other key factors for your consideration, including:

• Materials: Look for high-quality, long-lasting, low-maintenance and energy-efficient windows. There are also different types of glaziers that you can choose from, including the primary single-glazed option to double or triple-glazed options for insulation and energy efficiency.
• Energy efficiency: A high energy efficiency rating indicates that the windows are well-insulated. Double or triple-glazed windows using low-emissivity (low-E) glass and argon gas can dramatically minimise heat loss and energy costs.
• Security features: Make sure the windows have strong locking systems and toughened glass, and you can consider adding security screens or laminated glass for extra protection.
• Noise cancellation: If you live in a noisy neighbourhood, consider windows with soundproofing elements, such as laminated glass or double-glazed choices, which can help reduce noise.