A window smashed by a football, a double glazing unit cracked after a storm, a glazed door damaged during an attempted break-in: broken glass happens fast and never at a convenient moment. The good news? In Luxembourg, glass breakage cover is one of the standard sections of virtually every home insurance policy. In the vast majority of cases your insurer therefore pays to replace the glazing — all you have to do is follow the right procedure and call in a professional glazier such as Vitralux.
What exactly is glass breakage cover?
Glass breakage cover is included in the multi-risk home insurance policies sold in Luxembourg. It pays for accidental breakage — and, depending on the policy, for cracking — of the glazed parts of your home, whether you own it or rent it.
The following are usually covered:
- Windows and French doors, including double and triple glazing
- Picture windows and conservatories (sometimes only as an extension)
- Rooflights such as Velux units
- Internal glazed doors and glass partitions
- Fixed mirrors and shopfronts
- Fireplace and wood-burner door glass
- Depending on the policy: ceramic hobs, shower screens and sanitary ceramics
Every Luxembourg insurer (Foyer, LALUX, Bâloise, AXA and the rest) sets out the precise scope of its cover in the general conditions, so the safest move is to read your policy or ask your agent.
What the cover does not include
Like every section of a policy, glass breakage comes with the usual exclusions:
- Plain scratches, chips and purely cosmetic damage
- Damage caused by worn-out frames or surrounds
- Breakage that happens while glazing is being fitted, removed or refurbished
- Loose glass objects such as crockery, ornaments and light fittings, unless separately covered
In short: if the pane really is broken or accidentally cracked, you are normally covered. If it is merely scratched, the cover does not apply.
Broken window: the steps to follow in Luxembourg
- Make the area safe: move the debris aside and board the opening up temporarily with a tarpaulin or cardboard, without putting yourself at risk.
- Photograph the damage from several angles before anything is touched: those pictures are your evidence for the insurer.
- Report the claim to your insurer promptly. Luxembourg policies usually set a notification deadline of 8 days, and require the company's agreement before permanent repairs begin.
- Ask a professional glazier for a written quotation. Vitralux gives you a clear, itemised quote that your insurer can use as it stands.
- Once it is approved, have the glazing replaced. You pay only the excess set out in your policy; the insurer covers the rest.
Never replace the glazing before you have told your insurer
You would risk losing your right to compensation. Temporary boarding-up, on the other hand, is always possible and always advisable — which is exactly what our 24/7 emergency service is there for.
After a break-in or an act of vandalism
If the glass was broken during a burglary, an attempted break-in or an act of vandalism, report it first to the Police Grand-Ducale, then attach the receipt to your claim. The claim will then be settled under the theft and vandalism section of your policy — check that it is actually switched on, because some insurers sell it as an option.
To stop it happening again, it is worth strengthening the vulnerable points with certified security glass.
Why call Vitralux?
- Fast call-outs anywhere in Luxembourg, including temporary boarding-up
- Itemised quotations that meet the requirements of Luxembourg insurers
- Replacement of every kind of glazing: single, double and triple glazing, laminated glass, safety glass, mirrors and shower screens
- Help with the paperwork: we put together a complete file for your insurer
- Careful workmanship, clean finishes, quality glass
Broken glazing is not just unsightly: it undermines the thermal insulation of your home and its security. The sooner it is replaced, the better. Take a look at our glass replacement service for every kind of breakage.
