Plate glass insurance

Plate glass insurance is a specialized form of commercial property insurance that covers the substantial costs to repair or replace large panes of glass that are broken by accident, vandalism, or theft.

This coverage is often required by landlords to sign a commercial lease, particularly for new building space with large front windows.

Plate glass insurance covers repair and replacement costs if any large windows, glass storefronts, or glass doors at your business are damaged or broken. Because large glass panes can be very expensive to replace, this type of insurance offers peace of mind to policyholders who would otherwise have to pay for damage out of pocket.

Covered expenses typically include:

• Accidental breakage due to unexpected impact
• Glass damage from vandalism and break-ins
• Temporary boarding and security costs
• Materials and installation fees
• Decorative lettering, graphics, or signage applied to the glass

Plate glass coverage is typically added to a commercial property insurance policy to cover large glass panes in display windows, doors, and other parts of your business property. If you rent an office with a lot of windows or a retail space with a glass storefront, your landlord will likely require you to have this coverage.

It can also be added to a business owner’s policy (BOP) as an endorsement. A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property insurance to protect your business against lawsuits and damages in one convenient package.

Plate glass insurance is crucial coverage for businesses with extensive glass installations that could interrupt business operations and cost a lot of money if breakage were to occur.

Businesses that often secure plate glass coverage include:

• Clothing boutiques, florists, and other retail stores
• Furniture and jewelry showrooms
• Restaurants, bakeries, and cafes
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Toilet and sink wholesalers

Although plate glass insurance provides important coverage for small businesses, there are certain limitations. Some common exclusions include damage or breakage due to:

• Earthquakes, storms, and other natural disasters
• Improper installation
• Fire, explosions, or severe heat
• Acts of war, rebellion, or nuclear accidents
• Minor scratches or chipping
• Property damage caused by broken glass

Plate glass insurance is a type of specialty business insurance that protects against accidental damage or breakage of large, expensive glass panes in storefronts, windows, and doors.

Glass insurance, also called comprehensive glass insurance, covers accidental and intentional damage to a broader range of items, such as:

• Windows and doors
• Display cases
• Signs and partitions
• Windshields and side windows in business vehicles

If your business owns or leases a space with a substantial amount of glass externally and internally, a comprehensive glass policy is recommended, since plate glass insurance only protects panes of glass.

Insureon helps small businesses secure affordable insurance coverage from top-rated U.S. insurance carriers.

Get free quotes by filling out our easy online application or talk with a licensed insurance agent to determine the best coverage for your company.

Once you find the right policies for your small business, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours and get a certificate of insurance (COI) for your small business.