A warm summer day means that people are most likely going to be outside enjoying the sun and engaging in recreational activities. That peaceful scene can be disrupted in an instant by the sound of shattering glass when an errant ball meets a window. 

It’s nobody’s fault, but somebody has to pay to fix it. This is where auto insurance comes in. With the right coverage, these types of accidents are a covered peril. A new windshield is just a phone call and insurance adjuster away. You can even file your claim through your insurance agent if you prefer.

If your neighbor has a budding pitcher practicing a curveball, a broken window can be an unexpected cost — but is it one that is covered by your homeowners insurance policy?

If you’re not sure about your current insurance, see if you have the lowest rates and the right coverage. Enter your zip code in our calculator and compare your insurance provider with other options.

Check your deductible

Depending on your deductible and the cost of fixing window damage, there is a possibility it wouldn’t be advisable to even consider making a claim. Your insurance rates can rise any time you file a claim.

The question is how much will your insurance company pay you for a covered peril?

For example, if you’ve opted for a high deductible of $1,000 to lower your annual premium cost, and a replacement window costs $650, the cost of replacing it is well within the deductible anyway. You’ll pay for the replacement even if your policy does cover accidents. If you have a $500 deductible, you’ll only get $150 out of the deal. Determine what your deductible is and what a replacement window will cost before you consider making a claim.

Check your homeowners insurance policy

Some policies will cover accidental damage to windows, and if a large, expensive picture window in your living room shatters, this would be welcome news. What the damage is and how it was caused will be important factors in determining if a broken window is covered in some policies.

For example, if a storm blows a branch into your home, breaking that picture window, it will most likely be covered under your policy, as it is storm damage — after your deductible, of course. If a tree falls on your car on the street, you would only start the claims process if you had comprehensive coverage.

On the other hand, some policies might exclude damage that is caused by insured negligence.

If you decide to shimmy up the trellis to get a frisbee off of the roof, lose your balance on the way down and put your foot through the window, that would be considered damage caused by negligence and might not be covered.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

If the future ballplayer is your child, and hits a line drive that not only breaks through a neighbor’s window, but also smashes your neighbor’s great-grandmother’s antique Wedgewood collection, your homeowners policy personal liability coverage is what you will need to review. Liability insurance will likely cover the property damage caused by your family member, less your deductible, and up to the policy limits of the liability coverage.

Whenever you choose your homeowners policy, you should always know what you’re signed up for. It is a named-peril policy? In this case, you’ll want to know what is included. If it’s not specifically listed, it’s not covered.

If you have an HO3, it’s based on just the opposite. Everything is covered unless it’s specifically excluded. 

Keep in mind, insurance companies have decades of experience in insurance. So a savvy insurance company will exclude all the common (and sometimes uncommon) perils they don’t want to cover. 

Whether you’re worried about everyday accidents or natural disasters, make sure you have the coverage you need. To see how other carriers handle claims, check out the top-rated homeowners insurance companies on Clearsurance.

The content on this site is offered only as a public service to the web community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an insurance company or an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the insurance company or any individual attorney.