Storm Damage in Guilford County: When Insurance Covers Window Replacement

Guilford County sees more than its fair share of thunderstorms with hail and strong winds—on average, 1–3 hail events and 10–20 strong‑wind events in a year. These storm conditions can shatter glass, crack frames, and force water into the wall system in a matter of minutes. So window damage from a sudden storm is not rare.

Will My Insurance Cover Broken Windows?

In short, the answer is usually yes when a covered peril is to blame. Homeowners insurance policies generally cover sudden damage from hail and wind, which includes shattered panes, dented cladding, and damage caused by wind‑driven debris.

You will still have a deductible, and there may be a separate percentage deductible for wind or hail. For example, if your insurance coverage is 300,000 dollars and your wind and hail deductible is two percent, the first 6,000 dollars of covered damage is your responsibility.

Some policies also list deductibles that change if the storm is a named event. Those specifics will depend on your policy. Always confirm coverage, exclusions, and deductibles with your insurer or agent.

North Carolina Homeowners Policies

In North Carolina, storm damage from wind and hail is part of the typical standard homeowners policy for inland counties like Guilford. Many carriers apply a separate wind or hail deductible that is expressed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage.

Coastal areas sometimes need a separate wind and hail policy through the state’s market of last resort when private carriers exclude that peril. While that coastal rule does not usually apply in the Triad, it illustrates how coverage is structured in our state and why your policy language matters.

Damage From Wear and Tear is Not Covered

A common question is whether insurance covers window replacement when the windows are already near the end of their service life. The answer depends on the cause of the loss.

Insurance is designed for sudden events. Hail damage and wind damage to windows generally qualify because they are abrupt and accidental. Wear and tear does not count.

Example:
A storm may break a window pane while the adjuster also notes long‑standing seal failure in another sash. The broken pane is tied to the event, which is covered, while the fogged insulated unit may be categorized as wear and tear.

In these types of cases, insurers often cover the portion of damage caused by the storm while denying the portion tied to wear and tear. That is why documentation of your windows’ pre‑loss condition helps claims move more smoothly. Clear photos and a professional assessment can help the carrier differentiate storm-related damage from pre‑existing conditions so you get the benefits your policy provides.

The Homeowners Insurance Claim Process For Windows

What to do right after a storm damages your windows:

When it’s safe, take clear photos of every pane, sash, frame, and surrounding trim from multiple angles, including the room interior and the exterior elevation. Include hailstones if they are still on the ground, and note the time.
Check for secondary damage around the opening where wind might have pushed water into the wall cavity.
Notify your insurer and open a claim. Ask if your policy has a specific wind or hail deductible and whether temporary board‑up costs are reimbursable.
An adjuster will either visit in person or ask for photos and estimates.

How Zen Windows Can Help With Your Claim

We know what adjusters need to see. Insurance companies want to restore your home to its pre‑loss condition using products that meet today’s code. They also want to see that the replacement you are requesting is like‑kind and quality.

If you work with Zen Windows, we will prepare a detailed, line‑by‑line replacement proposal that an adjuster can read at a glance:

A detailed written scope that lists each unit by size, operation, and glass package.
Manufacturer specifications for the exact product lines you choose.
Installation workplan notes, including flashing, sealants, and finishing steps aligned with local code.
Before and after photos that clearly show damage, removal, and final results.

When a code upgrade applies, such as tempered safety glass near a door or in a bathroom, we spell that out so the scope aligns with current code. If the rough opening calls for a different installation approach, we document that as well. This level of clarity reduces back‑and‑forth and helps keep your claim moving.

Practical Tips for Strengthening Your Claim

Keep a simple file for each exterior opening, especially if your home has a mix of ages and styles.
In early spring, take photos of your window exteriors and store them in a labeled folder. If a storm hits, you will be able to show the adjuster what a window looked like a week earlier.
After a storm, look for damage that may not be obvious from inside, including chipped cladding, torn screens, and bent balances. If you are not comfortable checking upper stories, we can perform that inspection for you and document what we find with date-stamped photos.

How Warranties Fit Into the Picture

Zen Windows offers a Double Limited Lifetime Warranty on the products we sell and the installation we arrange. Warranties like this address manufacturing defects and installation workmanship. They do not function like insurance for acts of nature.

Put simply, a hailstone that cracks a sash is an insurance matter, not a warranty claim. But if a component issue is discovered during the claim process, the warranty can address that problem while your insurance carrier focuses on storm-related damage.

Let Zen Windows Make Your Claim Experience Less Stressful

If storm damage has you looking for a local window company, give us a call. We will document the damage, put together a claim-friendly proposal, and replace your windows with products that suit your home and meet local codes.

For beautiful, energy-efficient windows with no sales pressure, upfront deposits, or runaround, contact Zen Windows to get started on your claim.

Disclaimer: All information on https://zenwindows.com/ is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. Zen Windows does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. Any action you take based on the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk.