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Home Warranties Don’t Cover Windows — But Other Types of Coverage Do
Your home warranty company won’t budge on covering windows, so look into what your windows’ manufacturer warranty, your homeowners insurance or even a builder’s warranty will cover.
Roberta Pescow is a contributing writer specializing in health, home improvement, food, personal finance and lifestyle. Her articles have been syndicated on over 200 websites nationwide.
Whitney Vandiver writes for NerdWallet, currently focusing on home services, and has been published in The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The Seattle Times and The Independent. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading with a hot latte and spending time with her family. She is based in Houston.
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No, home warranties don’t cover windows. Some options that may include coverage for window repair or replacement include manufacturer warranties, a builder’s warranty and homeowner’s insurance (which is not the same as a home warranty).
Why home warranties don’t repair windows
Home warranties cover your home’s systems and appliances, not structural components. Windows, like walls and doors, are part of a home’s structure, so home warranties don’t cover them.
When a covered appliance or system damages windows
Secondary damage can happen when an appliance or system that a home warranty covers ends up causing damage to something the home warranty doesn’t cover.
For example, if a ceiling fan broke and one of its blades broke off and shattered a window, that would be considered secondary damage. Most home warranty companies won’t repair secondary damage. So your home warranty might repair the fan but not the broken window caused by the fan blade.
Options for window repair coverage
Three types of coverage may pay for damage to your windows, depending on the issue and circumstances. They are homeowners insurance, manufacturer’s warranty and a builder’s warranty.
Homeowners insurance
Homeowners insurance policies usually cover window damage from specific situations, including vandalism, fire, hail, wind and theft. For example,dwelling coverage repairs damage to the windows on your home if a strong gust of wind shattered them.
Other structures coverageis for damage to windows on your shed, detached garage or another building on your property that isn’t attached to your home.
And liability coverage comes into play if you or a member of your household accidentally damages a window on someone else’s property.
Manufacturer warranty
Manufacturer warranties cover product defects or installation mistakes. This coverage may also be called manufacturer insurance or an extended warranty.
Your coverage agreement should include the following issues:
Damage to screens.
Separation of any welds in the metal parts of your windows.
Cracks, fading, chips, blisters, delamination or warping of PVC.
Clouding or filminess between panes or inside windows.
Weather-induced breakage.
Window machinery failure.
Builder's warranty
Abuilder's warranty, also known as builder's insurance, applies to newly-built homes and remodels. It typically covers permanent parts of the home, including windows.
Based on quotes without discounts collected in September 2025.
Monthly fees
$20 and up
Based on quotes without discounts collected in August 2025.
Monthly fees
$60 and up
Based on quotes collected in June 2025.
Service fees
$100
per claim
Service fees
$100 or $125
per claim
Service fees
$75-$100
per claim
Plan types
Comprehensive
Plan types
Systems-only and comprehensive
Plan types
Appliance-only, systems-only and comprehensive
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do window repairs cost? How much do window repairs cost?
Window repairs average just over $400 and can range from about $70 to $1,700, depending on the window size, window type and the type of repair that’s needed. Labor for window repair runs about $30 to $90 per hour, so the more complex the repair job, the more you’ll pay.
Who covers window repairs? Who covers window repairs?
Which coverage will repair your windows depends on how and when they were damaged. A builder’s warranty applies to improper installation or window defects if you’re the owner of a newer home.
A manufacturer’s warranty would cover window defects or damage from improper installation if you purchased new windows for your home or purchased a home with a transferable window warranty.
Homeowners insurance kicks in if your windows were damaged by a sudden unexpected event such as a fire, explosion, storm or vandalism.
Because each warranty and home insurance policy is unique, it’s important to read them carefully to know whether you’re covered for window repairs, and under what circumstances.
How long will a builder’s warranty cover my windows? How long will a builder’s warranty cover my windows?
Most components are covered for one year under a builder’s warranty, although some policies may offer up to 10 years of coverage for major structural defects that make the home unsafe.
Do home warranties cover structural issues? Do home warranties cover structural issues?
Home warranties typically don’t cover structural issues, such window or foundation repairs. They generally only cover a home’s major systems and appliances that wear out from issues that occur due to normal wear and tear. You may be able to find a home warranty premium plan or optional add-on coverage that includes some of your home’s structural components such as the roof and floors.