When it comes to home insurance, there is so much fine print. It can be hard to know exactly what you’re paying for. At Seal-Lite, we want all our customers to know where they stand with their home improvement products. In this article, we’re answering all your questions surrounding home insurance for windows and doors. Starting with…
Do windows have to lock for insurance?
A majority of insurance companies will ask for windows to be fitted with some form of locking mechanism. We would advise that you ensure all your downstairs windows are fitted with internal locks. These can be fitted to the top or bottom of the window. However, for maximum security, the locks should be operated by a key.
Can I claim for new windows on home insurance?
The rule of thumb with insurance companies is they won’t cover damage that is self-inflicted or caused by neglect. If you’ve had low-quality windows installed, causing your house to get draughty, replacing them won’t be covered by your insurance. This is also the case for broken window seals.
Even in extraordinary circumstances, say a falling tree breaking your windows, the insurance provider could claim that you’re liable for the tree being planted too close to the house. That’s why it’s important to get quality, resilient windows the first time around.
Does home insurance cover front doors?
Usually, yes. A front door and its locks are considered part of the overall home, and so should be covered by home insurance. Of course, this is only if you have not caused the damage yourself.
If damage has been done to your front door by an intruder, your insurance should pay out.
What is a ‘final exit door’?
When insurance providers mention the ‘final exit door’, they are referring to the last door you leave before you’re outside your property. If you live in your own house, this will be the front door to the building. If you live in shared accommodation, this is the last door you leave before entering the communal space.
Why are there locks on windows?
Fitting locks to your windows add an extra layer of security to your home. They help to prevent intruders from gaining access to your property.
Nowadays, most windows come with multi-point locking systems integrated into their mechanism.
Which door lock is best for insurance?
The most common, high-performing locks for front doors are:
- 5-lever mortice lock
- Rim locks/night latches
The 5-point mortice lock is a type of multi-point locking mechanism. By turning a key, it looks the door in 5 different places. It can be locked and unlocked from both the inside and the outside.
Rim locks and night latches are both additional security features. They are fitted to the door’s surface, as opposed to mortice locks, which are embedded in the door itself.
What is the average cost to replace a window?
It depends on the installer, the number of windows that need replacing, and the material the windows are made from. Typically, the cheapest replacement window option is white uPVC, depending on the size of the window.
Price can also vary if the windows are installed as part of an emergency replacement.
When should you replace your windows?
Most windows should last between 15-20 years. A good, reputable window installer will give you a guarantee of at least 10 years. If the windows falter before then, the insurance provider may not deal with it, but the installer should.
Every one of Seal-Lite’s products comes with a guarantee, giving you peace of mind long after your product has been installed.
What happens if you don’t have home insurance?
You could be in violation of your mortgage contract if you don’t have homeowner’s insurance. Your home insurance should at least equal the amount you still owe on your home.
If you don’t have any, your mortgage lender may find a new insurance provider for you. There’s a risk here that the new company will have higher premiums than you can afford. It’s also possible that they won’t provide the coverage you need for your possessions.
Should I lock my windows and doors at night?
You should definitely lock your ground-floor windows and any entrance doors. This prevents intruders from gaining access easily, in a way that insurance providers would view you at fault for.
To keep air circulating through the night, you can open your upstairs windows, providing they’re still inaccessible for potential intruders.
Does having single glazing have an impact on home insurance?
Single-glazed windows are more likely to have a higher insurance cost because they’re more likely to get damaged. Their single pane of glass is much more likely to get cracked or smashed.
For more resilient windows with lower insurance costs, upgrade to a high-performing set of double-glazed or triple-glazed windows today. Alternatively, for a more budget-friendly solution, consider getting secondary glazing from your single-glazed window.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I have new doors and windows fitted?
Yes. This is a “material fact” under the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012. Failure to tell your insurer when you install new doors and/or windows can invalidate the policy.
Are my windows and doors covered if my home is unoccupied?
Most policies will include unoccupancy clauses (typically from 30 to 60 consecutive days) after which your cover is reduced or completely void. If you’re planning an extended trip, leaving a property between tenants or have a second home, you should contact your insurer before you leave. They can usually extend cover or arrange unoccupied home insurance for an additional premium.
Will replacing my windows or doors lower my home insurance premium?
You can typically expect your home insurance premium to be lower if you invest in the increased security of your property (as you are potentially lowering the likelihood of making a claim). Modern windows and doors that meet recognised security standards such as PAS 24:2022 or Secured by Design are often viewed favourably by insurers when calculating your premium. Upgrades that may help include multi-point locking systems, anti-snap cylinder locks, laminated glass on ground-floor windows and patio doors, and certified composite or aluminium doors. As well as improving security ratings, reducing fire and storm damage risk is another reason that you may see lower insurance premiums.
Does accidental damage cover broken windows?
There is a difference between standard buildings insurance (which typically includes malicious damage and storm damage) and optional accidental damage insurance (such as damage from a football being kicked through the window). If you want to ensure that you are covered, you will want to take out an optional accidental damage policy.
Does storm damage to windows count as a claim?
Most UK policies classify a storm as having wind speeds over 47-55 mph. Storm damage is usually covered, but disputes from insurers can happen on the grounds of pre-existing wear or poor maintenance of the window or windows affected. This is why maintenance of your windows is very important. You will need to provide specific evidence that a severe weather event caused the damage. You will want to include key evidence, such as time-stamped photos and/or video evidence of the damage, alongside official Met Office weather reports confirming high wind speeds, and written repair quotes for the damage.
Will my insurer pay for like-for-like replacement, or just a basic equivalent?
This can be a common point of frustration for claims. Most standard policies replace windows and doors with “equivalent quality”, which may not necessarily be the same brand or specification that you had originally. “New for Old” cover is the standard for most buildings insurance policies, but the definition of the term “equivalent” is the aspect that can be contested by your insurance provider. If you’ve invested in higher-spec windows, such as flush sash, heritage-style, triple glazing or specialist hardware, it’s worth keeping receipts and specification sheets on file so you can argue for a true like-for-like replacement if you ever need to claim.
Quality windows and doors in Clevedon, Nailsea and Portishead
At Seal-Lite, we provide top-of-the-range windows and doors across the Bristol area.
If you have any more questions about our products or insurance, contact our fantastic team on 01275 342 656 or get a free online quote. You can also view our vast home improvement product range in our Clevedon-based showroom.