Insurance for Glass Damage: Coverage and Practical Tips

W Rijswijk, tak jak w całej Holandii, istnieje możliwość zawarcia ubezpieczenia od szkód wyrządzonych na szybach, zwanego glasverzekering. Dla mieszkańców Rijswijk ten rodzaj ubezpieczenia może być szczególnie przydatny w przypadku uszkodzenia szyb w domu czy samochodzie. W tym artykule wyjaśnimy, czym dokładnie jest to ubezpieczenie i jaką ochronę oferuje.

Insurance for Glass Damage: Coverage and Practical Tips

Glass damage is a common occurrence: a ball through the window, a storm that causes a pane to shatter, or an accident in the kitchen. Fortunately, glass insurance often provides coverage for such situations. This article explains everything you need to know about glass insurance, when you can claim it, and how to practically handle glass damage. We keep it simple and provide concrete tips for citizens like you.

What Exactly is Glass Insurance?

Glass insurance is an insurance policy that covers damage to glass in and around your home. This includes fixed glass, such as windows, doors, bathroom mirrors, and glass sliding doors. In Poland, this coverage is often standardly included in the building insurance (for homeowners) or contents insurance (for tenants). Sometimes, a separate glass insurance policy is required, especially if you want to cover specific risks.

Important Basic Principles:

• Fixed Glass: Always covered, such as panes in walls or doors.
• Not Always Covered: Mobile glass, such as dishes, bottles, or car windows (often requires a separate comprehensive coverage).
• Compensation: Usually the repair or replacement costs, including installation. Note: a deductible may apply (often PLN 100-PLN 250).

Check your policy: glass insurance usually covers glass damage caused by your own fault, storm, vandalism, or animals. Flooding or earthquake? That may be covered under other policies.

When Do You Have the Right to Coverage?

Not every glass damage is insured. Here is an overview:

| Cause of Damage | Usually Covered? | Example |

|-----------------|-----------------|-----------|

| Own Fault (e.g., ball through window) | Yes | Child throws ball |

| Storm (force 7 or higher) | Yes | Branch breaks window |

| Vandalism | Yes | Attempted burglary |

| Animals | Yes | Cat jumps on window |

| Wear and Tear or Structural Defect | No | Old window shatters spontaneously |

| War or Riot | No | Exception in policy |

Tip: Keep receipts for previous damages. Multiple claims in a short period may increase your premium (no-claim bonus decreases).

Step-by-Step Guide to Glass Damage

Glass damage must be reported and repaired quickly to prevent further damage (such as leakage). Follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Safety First: Make the area safe. Cover the opening with foil, cardboard, or an emergency shutter (buy this in advance at a hardware store for PLN 10-PLN 20).

2. Document Damage: Take photos and videos of the damage, location, and cause. Note the date, time, and circumstances.

3. Report Damage: Call your insurer within 24-48 hours (stated in your policy). Provide details. Ask for a damage or emergency number for urgent cases.

4. Arrange Repair:

• With Insurer's Consent: Have a glazier come. Choose a recognized one (with a KOMO or Police Certificate).
• Emergency Repair: In urgent cases, the glazier can come immediately; declare later.
• Costs: Glaziers charge PLN 50-PLN 150 per hour + materials.

5. Claim: Send invoices, photos, and policy number via the insurer's app or portal. Pay deductible yourself.

6. Check Payout: Compare the offer with the invoice. In case of dispute: involve your legal assistance (often via your insurance).

Duration: Small damages are settled within 1-2 days; larger ones (e.g., sliding door) take a week.

Practical Tips to Prevent Problems

• Check Your Policy Annually: When moving or renovating (e.g., glass covering), adjust your coverage.
• Prevention: Install grilles, burglar-resistant glass, or storm-resistant windows. This reduces risk and premium.
• Optimize Deductible: Choose a higher deductible for a lower premium if you rarely have damage.
• Tenants vs. Owners:

| Situation | Responsible |

|----------|------------------|

| Rental Property | Usually landlord (building), but check rental agreement |

| Owned Property | You (building insurance) |

• Save Costs: Compare policies online via comparison sites. Choose all-risk coverage for broad protection.
• Neighbor Dispute: If a neighbor is at fault, claim from their insurer (liability insurance).

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

• Late Reporting: Insurer may reject claim.
• Self-Repair Without Consent: Compensation is lost.
• Incorrect Coverage: No glass insurance? Private payment can cost PLN 500+ for a standard window.
• Double Insurance: Tenants sometimes have both contents and building glass coverage; declare with the correct one.

Conclusion: Be Prepared for Glass Damage

Glass insurance provides peace of mind and prevents high expenses. By knowing your policy and following the step-by-step guide, you can efficiently resolve damage. If in doubt, contact your insurer or a legal aid office for free advice. This keeps your home safe and affordable.