Does Renters Insurance Cover Broken Windows?

Few things lead to panic like the sound of a broken window. Everyone from a toddler to a senior citizen and all ages in between knows that sound is bad. While a little kid may hear it and think “Someone is in trouble. I hope it isn’t me!” an adult will instead think “Someone is paying for that. I hope it isn’t me!”

If you rent a house or apartment, you may wonder if this is the landlord’s responsibility to fix or

Table of Contents

• When Does Renters Insurance Cover Broken Windows?
• Broken Windows in Your Home
• Broken Windows at Someone Else’s Home
• How to File a Broken Window Claim

When Does Renters Insurance Cover Broken Windows?

Rather than a hard yes or no, the answer to this question is “Maybe.” Renters insurance will cover the cost of a broken window if that window belongs to another person. This is covered under the liability portion of your renters insurance policy.

Broken Windows in Your Home

Let’s say you accidentally break your window while having a party. A particularly rowdy guest breaks your window. Renters insurance will not cover a broken window in your own residence. Renters insurance only covers your personal property, not the home. Damage to the physical structure of the building you live in, which includes a broken window, is covered by your landlord insurance. However, don’t be surprised if you have to cover the cost.

Broken Windows at Someone Else’s Home

On the other hand, let’s say you were playing ball outside and accidentally threw a baseball through a neighbor’s window. As mentioned above, the liability portion of a renters insurance policy pays for the costs and fees associated with claims for which you’re found liable.

They will tell you when they’ve filed a claim with their insurance company. If it’s determined that you’re liable for the damage, your insurance company will reimburse you the cost of the window up to your policy’s limit of liability. This is covered by your personal liability coverage.

How to File a Broken Window Claim

A broken window isn’t going to fix itself. In the same way, an auto insurance policy protects your car and a watercraft insurance policy protects a boat, a renters insurance policy covers renters like you who live in a house or apartment they lease. It is like home insurance, but for a home, you don’t own. The typical renters insurance policy includes coverage that helps to protect you, your personal property, and your living arrangements after a covered loss. 

If you feel a broken window is covered by your renters insurance policy, the next thing to do is to file a claim. Pronto makes filing a claim easy to do on our app or on our website. Simply click the “File a Claim” icon at the top of this screen to begin. Contact your insurer and let us know if you have any additional questions! Your insurance agent is always here to help.