Does Renters Insurance Cover Broken Windows?

If you have recently purchased renters' insurance, you might not be aware of all the situations in which it could come in handy. Let’s say you’re sitting at home in Michigan, Florida, or Texas when suddenly you hear a “crunch.” You look behind and find your window shattered. Since you have a policy to protect your property, the first question that might cross your mind is: Does renters' insurance cover broken windows?

A simple broken window can cost you a thousand dollars, depending on the size, type, and extent of the damage. In fact, the average cost of repairing a single window is $405. So, unfortunately, if you find yourself in this situation, it could turn into a full-blown financial headache. Whether it’s due to vandalism, a storm, a baseball, or just bad luck, the financial stress adds up, especially when you’re renting.

To minimize this stress, you need to know whether your insurance covers broken windows. Since not all coverage is clear, you might feel confused and in need of answers. Let us help you with that.

Will My Renters Insurance Cover Broken Windows?

The short answer is no. Renters' insurance will not pay for a broken window unless it falls under a covered peril. The building window is not your property. It’s the structural part of the building, and any damage to it shall be the responsibility of your landlord. Renters’ insurance usually covers your personal belongings. The stuff that you own, not your landlord’s things. However, how the window has broken can help us give you a more accurate answer.

If you have broken the window, maybe while playing, or by your pet, then you’re the liable party. In that case, the answer is yes. The liability part of your renters' insurance can cover broken windows. This falls under a covered peril. These are events listed in your insurance policy that justify a claim.

Here's when your renters' insurance might help you with a broken window:

• If a window breaks during theft or burglary (falls under theft and vandalism coverage)
• If one of your friends or a roommate accidentally shatters the glass with a baseball.
• If you break it while moving furniture  
• If you become a victim of vandalism.
• If a neighbor’s kid damaged it while playing
• If your guest accidentally causes the damage   

In all these cases, window damage may qualify for personal property coverage or liability coverage, depending on the situation. But if the glass breaks due to negligence, like slamming it too hard or ignoring a crack, renters’ insurance will most likely deny your claim.

Who Is Responsible for Window Damage – Tenant or Landlord?

This depends on two things. First, what caused the damage. And second, what your lease says. If the tenant is directly responsible for the window damage, then the liability portion of their renters’ insurance will pay for the repair or replacement of a broken window.

For instance, you accidentally broke the window while playing baseball, moving furniture. If so, talk to the renters’ insurance agent. They will tell you whether your policy will cover you or not. Keep in mind that neither all policies nor all the providers are the same.

Otherwise, in general, the landlord’s insurance should always pay for any structural damage to the building, including broken windows. If the windows are old, worn-out, or damaged due to natural disasters such as:

• Storm
• Earthquake
• Hurricane
• Tree falling
• Poor maintenance  

The responsibility typically lies with the landlord’s policy, not yours as a tenant. However, if you’re unable to live in your renters’ home due to damage caused by any of these natural disasters, your renters’ insurance will pay for the temporary housing costs. Generally, the loss of use coverage, which is also known as Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage, provides this support.

Here’s a simple table that makes it easier to comprehend who pays for a broken window:

We would also recommend reading your lease/agreement. Some landlords include specific rules about windows and who pays for what. For instance, in Arizona and Michigan, lease agreements often lean toward tenant responsibility for interior damage.

If you’re in Michigan, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, or Nevada, and need coverage for personal property, contact L.A. Insurance. We offer the most affordable renters insurance for every tenant living in these states. Call us at (800) 893-9393 or receive a cheap renters insurance quote online.

Common Scenarios of Window Damage and Coverage

Every broken window doesn’t tell the same story. And not every story ends with your renters insurance paying you the compensation. Let’s walk through some everyday scenarios that cause window damage and whether your insurance policy will cover you.

1. Vandalism or Theft

A shattered window after a break-in? That’s definitely scary. But it is also a covered peril in most renters’ insurance policies.

Your policy might not cover the actual window since it belongs to the landlord. But if your personal property, such as a laptop, electronics, or even clothing, was stolen, your personal property coverage will pay for it.

2. Accidental Damage by You or a Guest

Let’s say you’re tossing a football indoors. It hits the window. It breaks. Now what?

If the damage was accidental but your fault, your liability coverage under renters insurance might help cover the damages, especially if the landlord sues or sends a repair bill.

3. Storms, Hail, or Wind

Windows blown out during a storm or natural disaster? In most cases, that’s not your responsibility. As has been said, those are part of the building’s structure and will be covered under the landlord’s homeowners insurance or property insurance.

But if any of these natural hazards, for example, water leaks, ruin your furniture, electronics, or inventory, your renters insurance will pay for replacing them.

4. Earthquake or Floods

According to the Independent Agent Magazine, about two out of three homeowners and renters wrongly think their insurance covers flood damage to their home or belongings. Unfortunately, most renters insurance plans don’t cover flood or earthquake damage unless you purchased a special flood insurance or earthquake insurance for it.

So, if a quake cracks your window or a flood shatters it, you won’t be covered. But don’t worry. Your landlord’s insurance will cover it if they have the right insurance.

5. Negligence or Poor Maintenance

Windows rot. Seals break. And sometimes, the damage creeps in over time.

If the damage results from the landlord’s negligence, like ignoring a leaky frame or rotting sill, you don’t have to take the financial responsibility. It’s on your landlord and their insurance agency.

You’re not liable for poor plumbing, aging property, or cracked windows that weren’t your fault.

6. Neighbor’s Actions or Outside Forces

Let’s say your neighbor is playing baseball too close to your window. And one swing hits the window and cracks it. Or maybe a tree branch from the street smashes into it during raging winds. So, these are external causes, and the coverage depends on how the damage happened and who is liable.

If it was clearly your neighbor’s fault, like reckless behavior or negligence, their liability insurance should pay for the damaged window. And you can file a claim against their policy.

However, if they don’t have renters or homeowners insurance, then you might have to file a claim through your own renters insurance liability coverage unless your landlord’s insurance pays for it.

In case the damage was caused by nature, like a falling branch or debris, your landlord’s property insurance will likely cover the repairs to the building, including the window.

How Much Will It Cost You?

If your renters insurance covers a broken window, you may have to pay a deductible amount. The deductible is the amount you pay upfront before your insurance covers the rest. According to Progressive, it can range from $250 to $2,500 on personal property claims.

However, generally, there’s no deductible for a renters liability insurance claim. Since most window damage claims that are on the tenant fall under liability insurance, you won’t face any out-of-pocket expenses.

Rarely, but unfortunately, if you have to pay for window damage through your renters insurance property protection coverage or any other coverage other than liability, you need to pay the deductible first. Once you pay it, your insurer will evaluate the damage. They will either offer Actual Cash Value (ACV), which factors in depreciation, or Replacement Cost Value (RCV), which covers the full price to replace the window with a new one.

For example, if your broken window is worth $750 after depreciation and your deductible is $250, then you will pay $250, and $500 will be paid by your insurer.

Also, keep in mind, if repair costs are less than your deductible, you won’t receive any benefits. So, you should consider repair/replacement estimates before filing a claim for broken windows.

When Will Renters Insurance Not Cover Broken Windows?

Renters insurance isn’t actually designed to cover broken windows. That’s what you should get from what we have discussed so far. However, if you directly cause the damage (at-fault/liable), or your lease agreement says it’s your responsibility if anything happens to your rental property, then your liability renters insurance may help you pay for the broken window. However, unless these circumstances arise, you’re not supposed to receive any coverage from your insurer. And this is what happens in most cases.

Renters insurance will not cover damaged windows in many scenarios, such as:

• Negligence and carelessness
• Wear and tear
• Maintenance issues or internal damage (e.g., cracks caused by mold)
• Intentional damage
• Lack of upkeep
• Flooding and natural disasters
• Low repair cost (If it’s less than your deductible)

Step-by-Step Process of Filing a Claim for a Broken Window

It’s easy to file a claim for broken windows (if you’re eligible). Here’s what you should do:

1. Call your insurance company first. And make sure the damage that occurred is under a covered peril.
2. Document the damage. Take clear photos of the broken window, inside and out. Note the time and cause.
3. File a police report (If required). If it’s due to theft, vandalism, or suspicious activity, report it immediately. Keep a copy.
4. Contact your insurance company. Call or log in online. Provide full details and upload photos.
5. Fill out the claim form. Include repair estimates if you have them.
6. Wait for the adjuster review. They might inspect the damage or ask follow-up questions.
7. Pay your deductible if it’s not under liability coverage. You’ll receive your benefits within a few days to a few weeks.

If you’re one of the valued policyholders of our affordable insurance agency, contact us today or call us at (800) 893-9393 to get renters insurance claim support for broken windows.

Tips to Protect Your Windows

• Install sturdy window locks. Keep intruders out and help prevent break-ins or theft-related damage.
• Use window sensors or alarms. Adding extra security may lower your insurance premiums.
• Seal gaps and fix loose frames. Prevents water, mold, and weather damage before it starts.
• Close windows during storms. It may seem obvious, but many claims result from forgotten windows left open.
• Trim trees near windows. Stop branches from shattering glass during high winds.
• Avoid DIY repairs unless qualified. Poor fixes can lead to denied claims or further damage.
• Check your lease terms. Know what window damage you’re responsible for before it happens.

Check out our more recourses on Rental Insurance:

• Does Renters Insurance Cover Personal Injury?

FAQs Related to Broken Windows and Renters Insurance

Can Renters Insurance Cover Window Damage in a Self-Storage Unit?

No, renters insurance usually excludes structural damage to self-storage units, including broken windows.

What If a Pet Breaks the Window?

If your pet crashes a neighbor’s window, you might get coverage under the liability portion of your renters insurance. However, to make sure, you have to check your renters insurance policy.

What If You Break Someone Else’s Window?

Yes, renters liability insurance may cover accidental damage to another person’s property, including windows.

Is There Coverage If a Motor Vehicle Theft Leads to Broken Windows?

Yes, if theft occurs at your rental and breaks windows, renters may help cover it. To confirm, check your insurance policy.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Broken Windows in Texas?

Renters insurance in Texas usually does not cover broken windows if they are part of the rental property. Since a window is part of the building, the landlord should fix it using their own money or through a homeowners insurance policy. However, if you cause the damage, then the liability part of your renters policy may help you pay the expenses. Also, in such a case, if the landlord sues you for the damage, your insurance might help with legal and settlement fees.

Will Renters Insurance Cover a Damaged Window in Michigan?

Typically, like many states, in Michigan, it’s the landlord's responsibility to repair or replace anything that is damaged to the rental property unless you have a lease agreement that says the tenant is liable for any damage to the rental space, including the structure of the building (e.g., window). Otherwise, if you’re responsible (at-fault) for a broken window, then you might get help from your renters insurance company through personal liability protection.