Cracked window - home insurance or just replace?

No1newts · 17 Oct 2015 at 10:53

Hi all,

I have a blackout blind up in the kids room so rarely see the window, took it down today so I could air the room out and there was a huge crack running across the window, no idea how it could have happened but it's there.

So, is it worth claiming on the insurance and then possible excess/increased premiums or does anyone know if a replacement window and labour is just a cheap and quick fix.

Would rather just get it done, but anyone had anything similar happen who could advise?

Cheers in advance!

Kronos · 17 Oct 2015 at 10:55

I would think it is probably best to replace yourself as you could guarantee that the premiums would be hiked next renewal.

andy_mk3 · 17 Oct 2015 at 10:57

I would just replace. A panel wont cost an awful lot. The excess will be a fair % of the total cost, and as above the premium will likely go up.

peterwalkley · 17 Oct 2015 at 12:23

If you want a benchmark price, I had to have a double-glazed panel replaced earlier this year. It was about 100cm x 45cm size and also leaded on the outside. Cost was £90 all in from a local firm less than a mile away. Not worth doing on insurance, your excess will likely be £500 quid.

You will want them to come out and do the measurements before ordering the panel. Interior vs exterior glazed and panel thickness are very easy to get wrong.

helpimcrap · 17 Oct 2015 at 15:14

Replace it yourself. If you know a fitter or someone who knows a fitter go through them.

My brother is a fitter and one of my bedroom windows is split (the smaller of the 2) and he reckoned £20 tops for him to get the glass but he wouldn't charge me fitting. It was only one of the 2 panes of double glazed glass btw.

Adam · 17 Oct 2015 at 16:56

One of my windows randomly cracked in an old house and it was about £60 to replace the double glazed section. Not at all expensive. Look on rated people for a window repair guy rather than calling a glazing firm.

byeo · 17 Oct 2015 at 19:02

Time to question the kids...

Steveocee · 17 Oct 2015 at 19:29

Glass panes really aren't that expensive, I've just had units fitted to my man cave and honestly the panes the,selves are so easy and cheap it's almost a crime that there are companies charging so much. Get it swapped it will be much cheaper.

No1newts · 17 Oct 2015 at 19:38

Cheers all! Will put a call in Monday

helpimcrap · 17 Oct 2015 at 19:45

Like with everything nowadays - get a few companies to quote. They will want the work in autumn/winter as work drops off because it's so cold.

Mark A · 17 Oct 2015 at 19:54

Window companies are usually busier this time of year as everyone wants new windows ready for the winter. It drops off after christmas after everyone has spent up.

Best way to get 1 pane replaced is to go to the nearest small company you can find. As its such a small job and a bigger company wont want to know, or they will charge a ridiculous amount to make it worth their while. This is assuming its a pvc window, timber windows would be a bigger job as the old beads and putty would have to be removed and replaced.

It is a very easy job to do DIY if its internally beaded PVC.