Window Insurance Claims Reference Guide
Last Updated: August 2026 (verified against statutes, regulations and ISO forms)
Coverage Classification
| Component | Coverage Type | Policy Section | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows attached to dwelling | Dwelling (Coverage A) | Section I | Covered as part of home's structure |
| Windows in detached garage/shed | Other Structures (Coverage B) | Section I | Separate limit; ISO HO 00 03 sets Coverage B at 10% of Coverage A unless a different limit is shown |
| Storm windows/screens | Dwelling (Coverage A) | Section I | When permanently attached |
| Removable storm windows | Personal Property (Coverage C) | Section I | When not permanently attached |
| Window treatments (blinds, curtains) | Personal Property (Coverage C) | Section I | Interior items are personal property |
| Skylights | Dwelling (Coverage A) | Section I | Part of roof/structure |
Covered Perils for Window Damage
| Peril | HO-3 Coverage | HO-2 Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind/Windstorm | Covered | Covered | Subject to wind/hail deductible in some states |
| Hail | Covered | Covered | Subject to wind/hail deductible in some states |
| Fire | Covered | Covered | Includes smoke damage to glass |
| Lightning | Covered | Covered | Direct strike or power surge damage |
| Vandalism | Covered | Covered | Intentional damage by third party |
| Theft/Burglary | Covered | Covered | Damage during break-in |
| Falling objects | Covered | Covered | Trees, debris, aircraft |
| Vehicle impact | Covered | Covered | Car striking home |
| Explosion | Covered | Covered | Gas explosion, etc. |
| Civil commotion/riot | Covered | Covered | Damage during civil unrest |
| Accidental discharge of water | Covered | Covered | Burst pipes causing window damage |
Under ISO HO 00 03, Coverages A and B are written on an open-perils ("risk of direct physical loss") basis subject to the listed exclusions; HO 00 02 is a named-perils form. The peril rows above are the ISO named perils and apply to both forms.
Standard Exclusions
| Exclusion | Basis | Regulatory Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wear and tear | Gradual deterioration | ISO HO 00 03, Section I, Coverage A/B "we do not insure" list |
| Seal failure from aging | Normal deterioration | ISO HO 00 03, Section I (wear and tear, deterioration) |
| Fogging between panes (IGU failure) | Wear and tear / inherent vice | ISO HO 00 03, Section I (wear and tear, deterioration, latent defect) |
| Wood rot around frames | Maintenance/neglect | ISO HO 00 03, Section I (wet or dry rot; neglect exclusion) |
| Settling/cracking from foundation movement | Settling, cracking, bulging | ISO HO 00 03, Section I (settling/cracking of foundations, walls) |
| Flood damage | Water exclusion | Requires separate NFIP or private flood policy |
| Earthquake damage | Earth movement | Requires earthquake endorsement |
| Mold around windows | Mold/fungus exclusion | Unless resulting from a covered peril (limited coverage under HO 00 03) |
| Improper installation | Faulty, inadequate or defective workmanship | ISO HO 00 03, Section I Exclusions |
| Manufacturing defects | Faulty materials / latent defect | May be covered under manufacturer warranty |
| Maintenance failure | Neglect | ISO HO 00 03, Section I Exclusions (neglect to use reasonable means to save property) |
| Condensation damage | Continuous or repeated seepage; deterioration | ISO HO 00 03, Section I |
Exclusion wording follows the ISO HO 00 03 form; the form itself is proprietary and was not fetched during verification. Confirm against the actual policy issued, which may differ from ISO.
Matching Requirements by State
| State | Regulation | Requirement | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | "When a loss requires replacement of items and the replaced items do not match in quality, color or size, the insurer shall replace all items in the damaged area so as to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance." | Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.9(a)(2) [Verified: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/10-CCR-2695.9] |
| Colorado | Not verified | No Colorado matching regulation was located. 3 CCR 702-5, Reg. 5-1-14 could not be confirmed to contain a matching provision. | Not verified |
| Connecticut | Yes (statute) | Replace all such items "with material of like kind and quality so as to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance"; applies to interior and exterior losses. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-316e [Verified: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_700.htm] |
| Florida | Yes (statute) | Insurer "shall make reasonable repairs or replacement of items in adjoining areas"; may consider cost, degree of uniformity achievable, remaining useful life and other factors. | Fla. Stat. § 626.9744(2) [Verified: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0626/Sections/0626.9744.html] (prior citation to Fla. Admin. Code 69O-166.013 was incorrect) |
| Georgia | No | Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 120-2-52 ("Fair and Equitable Settlement of First Party Property Damage Claims") governs motor-vehicle claims only; no residential property matching rule located. | Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 120-2-52 [Verified as auto-only: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/120-2-52] |
| Iowa | Yes | "Replace as much of the item as is necessary to result in a reasonably uniform appearance within the same line of sight." | Iowa Admin. Code r. 191-15.44(1)(b) [Verified: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/rule/191.15.44.pdf] (prior citation lacked the subrule) |
| Kentucky | Yes | "If a loss requires replacement of items and the replaced items do not reasonably match in quality, color, and size, the insurer shall replace all items in the area so as to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance." | 806 KAR 12:095 § 9(1)(b) [Verified: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/806/012/095/] |
| Minnesota | Not verified | Minn. Stat. § 72A.201 and § 65A.10 contain no matching/uniform-appearance provision; the prior citation (Minn. R. 2700.0700) could not be confirmed. | Not verified [Checked: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/72A.201] |
| Nebraska | Not verified | Neb. Admin. Code tit. 210, ch. 60 could not be retrieved from an official source to confirm a matching provision. | Not verified |
| New Hampshire | No | N.H. Code Admin. R. Ins 1000 (Ins 1002.16–1002.18) requires like-kind-and-quality replacement but contains no uniform/comparable-appearance provision; prior citation to Ins 1001.06(b)(9) not confirmed. | [Checked: https://gc.nh.gov/rules/state_agencies/ins1000.html] |
| Ohio | Yes | "The insurer shall replace as much of the item as to result in a reasonably comparable appearance." | Ohio Admin. Code 3901-1-54(I)(1)(b) [Verified: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3901-1-54] |
| Oregon | No | OAR 836-080-0225 is "Required Claim Communication Practices" and OAR 836-080-0235 "Standards for Prompt and Fair Settlements"; neither contains a matching provision. | [Checked: https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_836-080-0225] |
| Rhode Island | Yes | "When a loss requires replacement of items and the replaced items do not match in quality, color or size, the insurer shall replace all such items so as to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance"; interior and exterior losses. | 230-RICR-20-40-2 § 2.9(A)(1)(b) [Verified: https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/230-20-40-2] |
| South Carolina | Not verified | S.C. Code Regs. 69-14.6(G) could not be retrieved to confirm a matching provision. | Not verified |
| Texas | No | No statutory or regulatory matching requirement. | No applicable statute |
| Utah | Yes | "If a loss requires repair or replacement of items and the repaired or replaced items do not match in color, texture, or size, the insurer shall repair or replace items to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance for both interior and exterior losses." | Utah Admin. Code R590-190-13(1)(a)(ii) [Verified: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/utah/Utah-Admin-Code-R590-190-13] (prior citation to R590-190-14 was incorrect) |
| Vermont | Not verified | Prior citation (Vt. Admin. Code 4-3-40:14) could not be located on the Vermont DFR site. | Not verified |
| Washington | No | WAC 284-30-330 lists unfair claims practices and contains no matching/uniform-appearance provision. | [Checked: https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=284-30-330] |
| Wisconsin | No | Wis. Admin. Code Ins 6.11 contains no matching/uniform-appearance provision. | [Checked: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/ins/6/11] |
NAIC Model Regulation 902 (Unfair Property/Casualty Claims Settlement Practices Model Regulation, 1997) does not itself contain a matching or uniform-appearance provision; states listed "Yes" added that language when adopting the model. Matching disputes in states without a rule turn on policy language and case law. Under Connecticut law, the extent of an insurer's matching obligation is an "amount of loss" question for appraisal (341 Conn. 735).
Valuation Methods
| Method | Definition | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Cost Value (RCV) | Cost to replace with new item of like kind and quality | Standard for dwelling coverage; no depreciation |
| Actual Cash Value (ACV) | Replacement cost minus depreciation (Iowa r. 191-15.44(2) also permits market value) | Some policies; older homes may have ACV endorsements |
| Depreciation holdback | Insurer pays ACV initially, RCV after repairs completed | Common claim payment structure |
Window Depreciation Factors
| Factor | Typical Impact | Industry Practice (not statutory) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Primary factor | Roughly 2-5% per year depending on material (estimating-software convention; not verified against a published standard) |
| Material type | Affects useful life | Wood: 20-30 years; Vinyl: 20-40 years; Aluminum: 20-30 years (typical useful-life ranges; not verified) |
| Condition at time of loss | Adjusts depreciation | Pre-loss condition assessed |
| Maintenance history | Can increase/decrease | Documented maintenance may reduce depreciation |
Ordinance or Law Coverage for Windows
| Aspect | ISO HO 00 03 (base form) | With HO 04 77 Endorsement |
|---|---|---|
| Code upgrades required | Covered up to 10% of Coverage A (Section I, Additional Coverage "Ordinance Or Law") | Covered up to the increased percentage selected |
| Impact-resistant upgrades | Covered within the 10% if required by code enforced as a result of a covered loss | Covered within the increased limit if required by code |
| Energy efficiency upgrades | Only where required by an enforced ordinance or law | Only where required by an enforced ordinance or law |
| Typical endorsement limit | 10% of Coverage A built in | Commonly increased to 25% or 50% of Coverage A |
| Florida | Fla. Stat. § 626.9744(1): insured may not be required to pay for betterment required by ordinance or code except the deductible, unless specifically excluded or limited by the policy | Same |
The base-form 10% figure reflects ISO HO 00 03 Additional Coverage 11; the ISO form is proprietary and was not fetched during verification. Non-ISO carriers may exclude ordinance or law entirely. The former "average annual cost" row was removed as unverifiable.
Florida-Specific Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) | HVHZ consists of Broward and Miami-Dade counties; HVHZ buildings must comply with FBC-Residential ch. 44 | FBC-Residential 8th Ed. (2023) § R202 definition [Verified: https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-residential-code-2023/chapter/2/definitions] |
| Wind-borne debris region | Within 1 mile of the coastal mean high water line where ultimate design wind speed V_ult ≥ 130 mph, or anywhere V_ult ≥ 140 mph (prior text stated only "≥ 140 mph") | FBC-Residential § R202; FBC-Building § 1609 [Verified: https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-residential-code-2023/chapter/2/definitions] |
| Protection of openings | Exterior glazed openings in wind-borne debris regions must be protected (impact glazing or shutters tested to ASTM E1996/E1886, TAS 201-203 or AAMA 506) | FBC-Residential § R301.2.1.2 [Verified: https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-residential-code-2023/chapter/3/building-planning] |
| Insurance discounts | Rate filings must include actuarially reasonable discounts, credits or rate differentials for windstorm mitigation features (including opening protection); no fixed percentage is set by statute | Fla. Stat. § 627.0629 [Verified: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.0629.html] |
| Discount range | Not verified — the statute specifies no percentage; the prior "10-45%" figure was removed | Fla. Stat. § 627.0629 |
| My Safe Florida Home grants | $2 state for every $1 applicant match, up to $10,000 state contribution; low-income applicants eligible for up to $10,000 with no match; windows, skylights, exterior and garage doors are eligible opening-protection improvements | Fla. Stat. § 215.5586 [Verified: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0215/Sections/0215.5586.html] |
Texas Coastal (TWIA) Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Compliance | Structure must comply with plan of operation and applicable building code; TWIA may not insure until a certificate of compliance is issued (limited exceptions, including a 15% surcharge option for uncertified 1988–June 18, 2009 residential construction) | Tex. Ins. Code §§ 2210.251, 2210.2515, 2210.258 [Verified: https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_2210.251; https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_2210.258; https://www.twia.org/windstorm-certification/] |
| Building code compliance | Construction, alteration, repair or additions in the catastrophe area begun on or after the 2009 H.B. 4409 effective date must comply with applicable building code standards in the plan of operation (IRC/IBC-based codes adopted by rule under § 2210.251(b)) | Tex. Ins. Code § 2210.258(a) [Verified: https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_2210.258] |
| Window replacement | Windows are among the improvements TWIA lists as requiring a certificate of compliance; windows must meet the adopted code's windstorm provisions (a separate "impact protection required" mandate was not verified and has been removed) | TWIA Windstorm Certification page [Verified: https://www.twia.org/windstorm-certification/] |
| Certificate types | WPI-8 (TDI, new/ongoing construction); WPI-8-E (TDI, completed improvements, since June 1, 2020); WPI-8-C (issued by TWIA Jan 1, 2017–May 31, 2020) | TDI Windstorm Inspection Program [Verified: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/wind/index.html; https://www.twia.org/windstorm-certification/] |
| Effective date | Applies to structures constructed, altered, remodeled, enlarged, repaired or added to on or after Jan 1, 1988 | Tex. Ins. Code § 2210.251(a) [Verified: https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_2210.251] |
| Coverage area | 14 first-tier coastal counties (Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Willacy) plus parts of Harris County east of Highway 146 (La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook, Shore Acres) — not "14 second-tier counties" as previously stated | Tex. Ins. Code ch. 2210; TWIA FAQ [Verified: https://www.twia.org/faq/] |
Deductible Considerations
| Deductible Type | Application | Typical Range (market practice, not statutory) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deductible | All perils | $500-$2,500 |
| Wind/hail deductible | Wind and hail claims only | 1-5% of Coverage A |
| Hurricane deductible | Named storm / hurricane events as defined in the policy | 1-10% of Coverage A |
| Percentage vs. flat | Varies by state/policy | Coastal states often use percentage deductibles |
Deductible Example Calculation
| Coverage A Limit | Deductible Type | Deductible Amount | Window Claim $5,000 | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | Flat $1,000 | $1,000 | $5,000 | $4,000 |
| $300,000 | 2% wind/hail | $6,000 | $5,000 | $0 (below deductible) |
| $300,000 | 5% hurricane | $15,000 | $5,000 | $0 (below deductible) |
Arithmetic verified: percentage deductibles are calculated on the Coverage A limit, not the claim amount.
Documentation Best Practices
| Document | Purpose | When to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-loss photos | Establish condition | Before any loss event |
| Manufacturer specs | Verify replacement specs | At installation |
| Installation records | Prove proper installation | At installation |
| Maintenance records | Counter neglect claims | Ongoing |
| Weather reports | Tie damage to covered peril | Immediately after loss |
| Contractor estimates | Support claim value | During claim process |
| Building permits | Prove code compliance | For any modifications |
Common Claim Disputes
| Issue | Insurer Position | Policyholder Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Seal failure vs. storm damage | Wear and tear exclusion | Document storm event and timing |
| Pre-existing damage | Damage existed before loss | Pre-loss photos showing condition |
| Matching denial | Only replace damaged windows | Cite state matching regulation if applicable (see table above) |
| Code upgrade denial | Not covered under base policy | Verify ordinance/law coverage (10% built into ISO HO 00 03) and, in Florida, § 626.9744(1) |
| Depreciation excessive | Standard depreciation tables | Provide maintenance records, condition evidence |
| Cosmetic vs. functional | No functional impairment | Manufacturer specs on performance impact |
Key Legal Authorities
| Authority | Coverage | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| ISO HO 00 03 | Standard homeowners policy form | Insurance Services Office (proprietary; not fetched) |
| NAIC Model Regulation 902 | Unfair Property/Casualty Claims Settlement Practices Model Regulation (Model 900 is the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act) | [Verified: https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/model-law-902.pdf] |
| State Insurance Codes | State-specific requirements | Individual state statutes |
| State Administrative Codes | Claims handling regulations | Individual state regulations |
| Florida Building Code, 8th Ed. (2023) | Impact protection requirements | Florida Building Commission |
| Texas Insurance Code Ch. 2210 | TWIA coastal requirements | Texas Legislature |
Verification & Sources
Verification performed August 2026 against the following primary sources (all fetched directly):
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.9 — https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/10-CCR-2695.9
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-316e — https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_700.htm
- Fla. Stat. § 626.9744 — https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0626/Sections/0626.9744.html
- Fla. Stat. § 627.0629 — https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.0629.html
- Fla. Stat. § 215.5586 — https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0215/Sections/0215.5586.html
- Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 120-2-52 — https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/120-2-52
- Iowa Admin. Code r. 191-15.44 — https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/rule/191.15.44.pdf
- 806 KAR 12:095 — https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/806/012/095/
- Minn. Stat. § 72A.201 — https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/72A.201 (no matching provision)
- N.H. Code Admin. R. Ins 1000 — https://gc.nh.gov/rules/state_agencies/ins1000.html (no matching provision)
- Ohio Admin. Code 3901-1-54 — https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3901-1-54
- OAR 836-080-0225 / -0235 — https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_836-080-0225; https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_836-080-0235 (no matching provision)
- 230-RICR-20-40-2 — https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/230-20-40-2
- Utah Admin. Code R590-190-13 — https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/utah/Utah-Admin-Code-R590-190-13
- WAC 284-30-330 — https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=284-30-330 (no matching provision)
- Wis. Admin. Code Ins 6.11 — https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/ins/6/11 (no matching provision)
- NAIC Model 902 — https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/model-law-902.pdf
- Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Ed. (2023), §§ R202, R301.2.1.2 — https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-residential-code-2023/chapter/2/definitions; https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-residential-code-2023/chapter/3/building-planning
- Tex. Ins. Code §§ 2210.251, 2210.258 — https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_2210.251; https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_2210.258
- TDI Windstorm Inspection Program — https://www.tdi.texas.gov/wind/index.html
- TWIA Windstorm Certification and FAQ — https://www.twia.org/windstorm-certification/; https://www.twia.org/faq/
Not verified (official text could not be retrieved): Colorado, Nebraska, South Carolina and Vermont matching rules; ISO HO 00 03 form text; depreciation-rate and useful-life figures; deductible market ranges.