Today we want to look at a cover that is very commonly used in community insurance policies. Because each insurer may refer to it in a different way, although it has traditionally been known as glass breakage cover, it is useful to start by reviewing some of the names insurers use for this guarantee: “breakage damage to panes, mirrors, glass and communal sanitary fittings”, “breakages”, “breakages in common areas”, “breakage of glass, sanitary ware and marble”, “glass breakage”, and similar wording.
Glass Breakage in Community Insurance
In homeowners’ association insurance policies, glass breakage is one of the usual guarantees, although in many insurance companies it is offered as optional cover. This guarantee generally applies to elements located in the building’s common areas. Below, we explain in detail what insurers usually include.
What Does Glass Breakage Cover Usually Include in Community Insurance Policies?
Insurance companies usually include the breakage of the following community elements within this cover:
- Glass in common areas: This is the broadest part of the cover. Insurers generally include mirrors, exterior windows, panes, skylights or roof lights that are permanently installed in the shared areas of the building. Sanitary ware, such as washbasins or toilets fixed in these communal areas, may also be included.
- Translucent material screens: Elements such as skylights or screens made of translucent polyester or similar materials are often covered.
- Replacement and installation: The cover is not limited to the cost of the broken glass itself; it can also include the transport and reinstallation costs of the damaged elements.
Private Areas
Some policies, in addition to covering common areas, offer the option of extending protection to elements such as the exterior facade windows of the individual homes within the community, provided that the breakage is accidental. However, the most common approach is to take out this cover only for common areas, since breakages affecting private property will usually be handled mainly through home insurance policies.
Common Exclusions
Despite the breadth of the cover, certain elements or types of claims are not usually included:
- Aesthetic damage: Scratches, superficial marks or chipped surfaces are usually excluded.
- Decorative or non-fixed glass: Lamps, light bulbs and other decorative items that are not permanently fixed are usually excluded.
- Glass in commercial premises: Glass and sanitary fittings belonging to commercial premises located in the building are usually not covered, as those businesses normally have their own policies.
- Installation defects: Damage resulting from poor installation or material defects is also outside the scope of cover.
Limits and Conditions
Each insurer sets its own limits and sublimits for this type of cover. For that reason, it is advisable to review the particular conditions of the policy to know exactly the maximum amount covered and whether any deductible applies in the event of a claim.
If you need an insurance brokerage in Madrid with experience in community insurance, at VIDA SR we are at your disposal.