Does Home Insurance Cover Windows? What Glazing Cover Actually Includes

With home insurance, window glazing protection protects your windows home from unforeseen damage.

This includes damage from extreme weather or unexpected accidents caused by people.

For example, damage caused by an out-of-control vehicle crashing into your home and damaging your windows.

Are windows covered under home insurance?

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

However, windows that break because of negligent behaviour are not covered.

In this context, negligence means failing to take reasonable steps to protect your property from damage.

For example, say a ladder smashes your window. Your insurer may deem this negligent if they can prove you left the ladder too close to the window.

Similarly, damage to your windows resulting from poor home maintenance is unlikely to be covered.

So, if you have misty double glazed windows, damage caused by poorly maintained seals is not covered. Even if the water seepage occurs when frozen water between the seals melts.

Buildings insurance vs contents insurance — which covers windows?

Standard windows are covered under buildings insurance because they are part of the physical structure of your property.

Contents insurance, by contrast, protects your personal belongings inside the home. For example: furniture, electronics, and clothing, all things that are not fixed fittings.

How much does window replacement cost?

The cost of window replacement varies according to:

• Window size
• Type of glass
• Whether you call out emergency glaziers. 

As of 2026, expect to pay between £100 and £250 to replace a single pane of standard glass. 

Replacing a double glazed window typically ranges from £150 to £400 (depending on frame size).

A complete UPVC window replacement usually costs between £300 and £800 (including installation).

Replacement double glazing and UPVC windows are built as sealed units. So, you need to replace the whole unit rather than just the damaged pane of glass. 

And since double glazed windows have double the panes, the cost is higher, too.

If you have an excess (the agreed amount you pay towards a claim) on your home insurance policy, your claim will often cover expenses above this threshold.

So, you pay the first agreed amount before your insurer pays the rest.

Is window glazing cover worth it?

Standard buildings insurance already covers window replacement caused by:

• Storms
• Fallen trees
• Break-ins.

However, standalone window glazing cover or home emergency cover can be worth adding you have older single glazing or delicate stained glass. Or if your main insurance policy excludes accidental damage. 

Home emergency plans also often pay for emergency boarding-up services immediately after a break-in. This secures your home without waiting for a lengthy insurance claim approval.

Can window security affect home insurance claims?

Home contents and buildings insurance policies require you to have secure windows and doors.

You must prove that your ground-floor and accessible windows are key lockable. If you can’t, you might not be able to get insurance in the first place or your insurer may reject your claim following a burglary.

The required security lock often must conform to industry standards, such as BS 7950. Check your policy book and policy schedule for a list of approved makes and models.

How to ensure your windows meet security requirements

Maintaining compliant locks protects your home from intruders and ensures your insurer honours your claims if a break-in occurs.

The ideal locking hardware depends on your window style and frame material.

Single glazing security

Single window glazing carries much higher risk of malicious damage than double glazed windows.

(Although you can install toughened glass covers to make windows more resistant to breakage.)

It also offers less insulation than double glazed and UPVC windows.

UPVC window security

You should fit window locks on every opening window. Fitting them on all floors provides maximum security. Ensure all fitted locks are key lockable.

Sash window security

Sash windows are made of movable panels (sashes) that slide vertically (or occasionally horizontally) along tracks within a frame. 

Security for them is more specialised because their size and sliding opening mechanism require specialised locks.

Fitting sash windows with appropriate pins and jammers (metal pegs or pivoting arms that stop the sliding sash from moving) helps reduce the chances of them being forced open.

Specialised key-operated jammer locks remain visible and act as a deterrent.

Cheaper jammers without key locks are available. Check your policy details to see if they satisfy your home insurance security terms.

Additional window security

Window limiters 

Restrict the window from opening fully and can operate with a key lock. 

Whilst they provide security, their primary role is safety, preventing individuals from falling out of higher-floor windows.

Window bars and grilles

Made of metal, these provide added security on single window glazing and non-viewing windows, such as basement rooms or commercial storage areas.

Extra strengthened glass

Also known as glass cover for windows, this features laminated or toughened glazing where glass faces direct risk of damage.

Window hinge jammers

Fit over window hinges to prevent the windows from being pried open.

If a window is broken in a break-in and your home is left unsecured, Hometree’s Home Plus plan can arrange emergency boarding-up quickly, without waiting for a standard insurance claim to be processed.

Get home emergency cover with Hometree

Our home emergency cover includes unlimited repairs, an annual boiler service, zero parts & labour charges, and 24/7 claims support to keep your home warm. Subject to exclusions and T&Cs apply.

You can get covered today or contact us for a free quote.