Window repairs, even ones that seem fairly straightforward, can be costly. So, when you have a broken window or a faulty window in need of repair, it’s important to know the options you have when it comes to paying for it.
If you live in a newer home, and your windows are deemed defective, they may still be under warranty through the homebuilder, and the cost could be completely covered. However, the term of the warranty on your windows is probably shorter than other structural elements of your home—it can sometimes be as short as one year—so don’t put off making a claim if you notice a problem. Consult your homebuilder’s website for specific information about their warranty and how to make a claim. Home warranties do not cover accidental glass breakage, or even breakage caused by natural disasters.
If you have a mortgage on your home, you most likely have homeowners insurance, as lenders usually require it. Homeowner’s insurance policies can cover glass breakage caused by natural disasters (a strong wind that blows a tree branch into your window), but they usually do not cover breakage caused by accidents, (the neighbor kid throwing a baseball through the glass). Insurance policies will also not cover problems with your windows that happen as a result of not properly maintaining your windows.
Read through your homeowner’s insurance policy, and if you think your insurance company will cover the cost of window repairs, it’s a good idea to get a repair estimate before making a claim. If the cost of repair is below or only slightly higher than your deductible, you will just want to pay for the repair out of your own pocket, rather than making an insurance claim, as having a claim on your record could cause your insurance premiums to go up.
Defects in newer windows (installed within the last 10-20 years) may be covered by the manufacturer, whether or not you are the original purchaser of the replacement windows. If the problem is with the installation, the company that installed them may cover any repairs. In either case, contact the window replacement company first. If they are no longer in business, consult the window manufacturer’s warranty, which can usually be found on the manufacturer’s website. Some manufacturers even cover accidental glass breakage, though usually not for specialty glass.
Manufacturers’ warranties will be void if you fail to take proper care of your window, like regularly cleaning window tracks and weep holes and checking the weather stripping.
If you have older windows, or a problem not covered by any of the options above, consult a San Diego window repair company or two to get window repair estimates. You’ll have to pay for the repairs out of pocket, but you can probably get them done fairly quickly, rather than having to wait for someone to make a decision about your claim.
