Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage to windows?
What hail does to windows
- Broken or cracked glass: the obvious one, and almost always covered.
- Failed seals in double pane units: an impact can break the seal, and fogging between panes may show up weeks later. This is harder to prove, so note and photograph any fogging that appears after a storm.
- Cracked vinyl frames and sashes, especially on older, sun-brittle vinyl.
- Dented aluminum cladding and window wraps.
- Torn or dented screens.
Repair or replace
Broken glass can often be replaced in the existing sash. A cracked frame or a unit whose parts are no longer made may need a full window. Adjusters usually replace only damaged windows; if a replacement would not match the rest of an elevation, ask how the insurer handles matching.
Why window damage helps the roof claim
Dented screens and wraps on the side of the house that faced the storm show hail direction and size. Adjusters use this collateral evidence to confirm roof damage. Photograph it even if you do not plan to replace the screens.
One storm, one claim
Windows, roof, gutters and siding damaged by the same storm belong in the same claim with one deductible. Filing windows separately later invites questions about the date.
If glass is broken
- Clean up glass carefully and board or tape the opening.
- Protect floors and furniture from rain.
- Photograph inside and out, then report.
More: what adjusters look for and hail size and damage. Robust Roofing lists what else hail damages.