Glass Damage Happens — Here’s What to Do
Whether it’s a window broken in a storm, a sliding door damaged in a burglary, or a shower screen cracked in an accident, glass damage is one of the most common home insurance claims in New Zealand. The good news is that most home and contents policies cover glass breakage — and the process is usually more straightforward than people expect.
Here’s a practical guide to navigating a glass damage insurance claim, from our experience working with East Auckland homeowners and their insurers.
Step 1: Make the Area Safe
Before anything else, make sure broken glass is safe. Keep children and pets away from the area. For broken windows, cover the opening with cardboard or plastic sheeting to keep the weather out. Don’t try to remove large broken pieces yourself — call a glazier for emergency boarding or temporary glazing if needed.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Take photos before any cleanup. Your insurer will want evidence of the damage, and photos taken immediately are the most useful. Note down when and how the damage occurred — insurers will ask.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurer
Call your insurer or lodge a claim online as soon as possible. Most policies have a timeframe for reporting claims. Your insurer will either send an assessor or ask you to get quotes directly, depending on the value of the claim and your policy.
Check your policy excess — for smaller glass repairs, it may not be worth claiming if the repair cost is close to your excess amount.
Step 4: Get a Quote from a Qualified Glazier
Your insurer may have preferred suppliers, or may accept quotes from any qualified glazier. Howick Glass works with most major New Zealand insurers and can provide quotes in the format your insurer requires. We can also liaise with your insurer directly if that’s helpful.
WINZ Quotes
If you’re on a benefit or low income and face glass damage you can’t afford to repair, Work and Income NZ (WINZ) may provide assistance for essential repairs. We can provide quotes for WINZ applications — just ask when you contact us.
Emergency Glass Repairs in East Auckland
If you have urgent glass damage that needs immediate attention, call Howick Glass on 09 535 4180. We cover East Auckland and can advise on emergency boarding and repair options. Or get in touch online and we’ll respond promptly.