What is window glazing insurance?

Window glazing protection, in the context of home insurance, protects the windows in your home from unforeseen damage. This should include damage resulting from natural disasters, like extreme winds or storm damage, which can also affect other parts of the house such as the roof. Unexpected accidents caused by humans may also be covered. For example, damage caused by an out of control vehicle crashing into your home or outbuildings and damaging your windows.

Are windows covered under home insurance?

Window glazing is usually only covered by home insurance if damage occurs due to factors beyond your control. 

Windows that break because of negligent behaviour will not be covered. Negligence means failure to undertake reasonable measures which would have protected your property from damage. For example, if your window breaks because of a shrub or tree branch falling against it, this may be deemed negligent, if the insurer can prove that the shrub or tree was planted too close to the house in the first place.

Similarly, damage to your windows that occurs as a result of poor home maintenance is unlikely to be covered. For example, if you have misty double glazed windows, damage caused by poorly maintained seals will not be covered, even if the water seepage is caused by frozen water between the seals melting.

How much does a window replacement cost?

The cost of window replacement varies, according to the size of the window, the type of glass and whether you call out emergency glaziers. If you have an excess on your home insurance policy, this may partially cover the cost of replacement. This means you can pay the first agreed amount before any insurance claim is honoured.

Double glazed window replacement is usually more expensive than replacing single-window glazing. Replacement double glazing and replacement UPVC windows are usually built as sealed units, requiring the whole unit to be replaced and not just the damaged piece of glass. Additionally, since double glazed windows have double the panes, the cost of the glass is likely to be higher than with single window glazing replacement.

Can window security affect home insurance claims?

Having secure windows and doors is a key requirement of most home contents insurance policies. To be covered against theft and home invasion, you will need to prove that your windows and doors are key lockable. If your windows are not lockable, you may find that any claim for theft will not be met by your insurers.

The type of security lock often has to conform to industry standards. Check your policy book and policy schedule for a list of makes and models approved by your insurance provider. 

How to ensure that your windows meet security requirements single glazing security

Single window glazing is more at risk of malicious damage and being broken than double glazed windows. It also offers a lower level of insulation than double glazed and UPVC windows, which help to keep your home warmer and reduce your heating bills over time. It is sensible to try and reduce the amount of single window glazing in the exterior of your home or, as a minimum, install a glass cover for windows to make them more resistant to breakage. 

UPVC window security

Window locks should be fitted on every opening window. Some insurance policies only require window locks on the ground and lower-ground floors, but fitting them on all floors is the most secure option. These locks should be key lockable.

Sash window security

Sash window security is more specialised as their size and opening mechanism necessitates specialist locks.

Sash windows need to be fitted with appropriate pins and jammers, which will stop the lower sash from being damaged by a would-be intruder. These should not affect the sash’s aesthetic appearance. Specialised jammer locks have keys which are visible and act as a deterrent, Cheaper jammers without key locks are also available but may not meet your home insurance security requirements, so double check the terms of your policy

Additional window security

Other security measures are also effective, as long as they conform with your home insurance security requirements.

• Window limiters – prevent the window from being fully opened, these may be operated by a key lock. Whilst they have a security purpose, their main function is safety, stopping windows on higher floors, from opening fully and posing a threat of falling out for vulnerable individuals.
• Window bars and grilles – these are usually made of metal and are an added security on single window glazing and on windows that are not used for looking outside. For example, basements or commercial property storage rooms.
• Extra strengthened glass – also known as glass cover for windows, this is another security feature where the window glazing is at risk of direct damage.
• Window hinge jammers – these fit over window hinges and prevent them from being jimmied open.