Understanding whether your home insurance covers emergency glazing repairs can save you considerable stress and expense when you need urgent window or door glass replacement. This comprehensive guide explains what you need to know about insurance coverage for emergency glazing repairs.
Does my home insurance cover emergency glazing?
Most standard home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage. This means that if your window is damaged unexpectedly due to an event beyond your control, you're likely to be covered. However, it's crucial to understand that normal wear and tear or damage resulting from poor maintenance isn't typically covered.
Standard Home Insurance Coverage
Most standard home insurance policies include glass replacement under their buildings insurance section. This typically covers damage from incidents such as break-ins, vandalism, storms, or accidents. However, the extent of coverage can vary significantly between insurers and specific policies.
What Insurance Usually Covers
Your building insurance generally covers permanent fixtures and fittings, including windows and doors. Most policies provide coverage for storm damage to windows and glass doors, as well as vandalism and malicious damage. If you've added accidental damage to your policy, this provides additional protection. Emergency boarding up services are also frequently included in standard coverage.
Common Policy Exclusions
Insurance providers often exclude certain types of glass damage from their standard coverage. You may find that general wear and tear of window seals and frames isn't covered by your policy. Similarly, damage resulting from poor maintenance or gradual deterioration typically falls outside standard coverage. Pre-existing damage and double glazing failure without external damage are also commonly excluded from policies.
Emergency Glazing and Excess Charges
When making an insurance claim for emergency glazing, remember that you'll likely need to pay an excess. This amount varies between policies but typically ranges from £100-£500. Consider whether the repair cost exceeds your excess before making a claim, as this might affect your future premiums.
Making an Emergency Claim
The claims process begins with contacting your insurer's emergency helpline immediately after discovering damage. Take time to document all damage with photographs, and ensure you maintain any receipts for emergency work. If the damage results from criminal activity, record the crime reference number. Keep copies of all correspondence with glaziers and insurers for your records.
Steps to File a Claim for Emergency Glazing Repair
Document the damage
Take clear photos and videos of the broken window and any related damage. This visual evidence will be crucial for your claim.
Mitigate further damage
If safe to do so, clean up any broken glass and cover the window to prevent additional damage. Keep receipts for any materials purchased for this purpose.
Contact your insurer
Report the damage as soon as possible. Many insurers have 24/7 claim hotlines for emergencies.
Work with the claims adjuster
Your insurer will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage. Provide them with all documentation and information about the incident.
Get repair estimates
Obtain quotes from reputable glaziers. Your insurer may have preferred providers, but you generally have the right to choose your own.
Review the settlement offer
Your insurer will provide a settlement based on the adjuster's report and your policy terms. Review this carefully and discuss any concerns with your insurer.
Proceed with repairs
Once you've agreed on the settlement, you can proceed with the repairs. Keep all receipts and documentation for your records.
Remember, the claims process can vary between insurers, so always follow the specific guidance provided by your insurance company.
Using Our Emergency Service with Insurance
At Hunters Glass, we work regularly with insurance companies and understand their requirements. We provide detailed documentation of damage and take photographs for your claim. Our team offers insurance-approved quotes and can work directly with insurance companies when required. We ensure all necessary paperwork is supplied promptly to support your claim.
Our emergency glazing services operate across major UK cities, including London, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Peterborough. We can provide swift assistance wherever you are located.
For emergency glazing assistance or advice about insurance claims, contact our team. You can reach us by telephone at 0330 133 1655 or via email at enquiries@huntersglass.co.uk.
