Glass breakage insurance in Switzerland provides comprehensive protection for various types of damage to glass objects. It includes the protection of glass furniture and construction elements, such as windows and glass doors.
This insurance often covers specific damages related to vehicles and electronic devices, such as phones. This is a insurance for individuals very popular.
We break it all down for you!
What is glass breakage insurance?
Glass breakage insurance financially covers damage to glass objects, such as
- windows,
- glass doors,
- glass tables, and
- other glass furniture and construction elements.
It is generally offered as an optional additional option in household or buildings insurance.
This insurance covers repair or replacement costs and, in some cases, installation. It is important to distinguish between building glazing and furniture glazing, as coverage can vary depending on the damaged item.
What exactly does glass breakage insurance cover?
Glass breakage insurance covers a variety of glass objects and installations.
Here is a comprehensive list of items covered:
- Glass furniture : This includes furniture such as glass tables, display cases, and wall mirrors.
- Glass construction elements : This covers windows, glass doors, and potentially other fixed glass installations such as conservatories.
- Glass appliances : Such as glass cooktops, telephones and aquariums.
- Other glass installations : This may include items like ceramic toilet bowls and sinks, depending on the insurance policy.
- Automotive glass : Damage to the windshield, side windows, rear windows, and glass roofs.
- Consequential damages : Some contracts also cover indirect damage caused by broken glass, such as damage to carpet or furniture in the event of a broken aquarium.
Glass breakage insurance for buildings
Building glass breakage insurance covers
- fixed glass objects such as windows,
- the surfaces of vitroceramic cookers,
- as well as toilet bowls
- and ceramic sinks.
It is generally included in building insurance and guarantees the costs of repairing or replacing damaged glazing.
This insurance is particularly useful for homeowners, as it protects against the potentially high costs of damage to the building's glazing.
What are the deductibles and limits?
Although there is no exact answer, building glass breakage insurance deductibles vary depending on the type of event.
In general, an excess agreed in the policy is deducted from the compensation for each event.
For natural events, the deductible is 10% of the compensation, with a minimum of 1000 CHF and a maximum of 10,000 CHF for residential or agricultural buildings, and a minimum of 2500 CHF and a maximum of 50,000 CHF for other buildings.
Specific natural damage may have different deductibles depending on the terms of the insurance policy.
Broken glass in automobile insurance
In automobiles, broken glass refers to coverage for damage to the vehicle’s glass. This includes the windshield, side and rear windows, as well as the glass roof.
Partial comprehensive insurance is often the one that covers this damage and guarantees coverage of the costs of repairing or replacing the glazing.
It is important to note that insurance policies can vary, so it is worth checking the specific details of your insurance policy for complete protection.
What are the deductibles and limits?
This is a difficult question because it depends very much on your insurer.
For automobiles insured by Zurich, coverage and deductibles vary depending on the type of comprehensive insurance taken out.
For collision insurance, applicable to vehicles less than seven years old, the excess is set at CHF 1,000, with an additional excess of CHF 2,000 if the responsible driver is under 25 years old.
For partial comprehensive insurance, valid until the fifteenth year of the vehicle, the excess is CHF 200. Maximum coverage is CHF 200,000 for cars and CHF 60,000 for motorcycles.
Broken phone glass
Glass breakage insurance for telephones is often taken out in addition to home insurance. It is generally not included for electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.
For these devices, specific coverage, often called “electronic device casco”, is recommended. This additional protection guarantees protection against most damages, including glass breakage.
It generally covers the costs of repairing or replacing the device in the event of damage, after deduction of a deductible.
What are the deductibles and limits?
A difficult question because each insurance has its own formula.
At Allianz, for example, they offer complementary comprehensive insurance which is guaranteed from CHF 100 per year with a deductible of CHF 200.
This coverage covers all electronic devices in the household, providing protection against various damages, including broken glass. It is advantageous compared to the often expensive individual insurance offered with the purchase of devices.
Repair costs for an iPhone 13 screen can reach CHF 695, but with Allianz coverage the premium per device is around CHF 20.
Procedure in case of broken glass
The general procedure to follow is as follows:
- Assess the damage : Determine the extent of the damage and whether it concerns your car, home or other insurance specific to broken glass.
- Contact the insurer : Immediately inform your insurance company of the loss.
- Document the damage : Take photos of the damage and keep any receipts or quotes related to the repairs.
- Repair or replacement : Depending on the insurer's assessment, the damage will either be repaired or the item will be replaced.
- Coverage of costs : The insurance will cover the costs according to the terms of your policy, after deduction of any excess.
It is important to read your insurance policy carefully for specific details of coverage and procedures in the event of broken glass.