Does homeowners insurance cover a broken window seal?
Usually not, but check your own policy. A seal that fails with age is normally treated as wear and tear, not sudden damage, and most homeowners policies exclude wear and tear. If a storm, a break-in or an impact broke the glass, that can be different. Your insurance agent can tell you what your policy covers.
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Why seal failure is usually not covered
Homeowners insurance is built for sudden, accidental damage. A seal that slowly lets moisture in is gradual wear, like a roof that ages. Virginia’s rules for homeowners policies allow insurers to exclude loss caused by wear and tear and deterioration. Every policy is worded differently, so read its exclusions or call your agent. We cannot tell you what your policy covers.
Where to look before you pay
- The window warranty: a window maker’s warranty may cover the sealed glass unit. The maker’s name is often printed on the spacer between the panes.
- Sudden damage: if the glass cracked in a storm or a break-in, ask your agent about a claim. For cracked glass, read can a cracked window be repaired.
- Neither applies: foggy window repair replaces only the sealed unit and keeps your frame.
Related questions
- Can foggy windows be repaired?
- Will condensation between window panes go away?
- Can you get rid of fog between window panes yourself?
- Why do double pane windows fog up between the panes?
- How much does it cost to fix a foggy window?
- If one window is foggy, do I need to replace all of them?
- All glass repair questions
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