Haus & Wohnen
Building Glass Breakage Insurance
glass insurance for businesses
Glass insurance for businesses: Comprehensive protection for your company
A cracked shop window or a broken glass door in the business? Such damage can quickly lead to costs of several thousand euros. A glass insurance for businesses minimises these financial risks and effectively secures your business operations.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A glass insurance for businesses protects against high financial burdens from damage to building and furniture glazing, which can quickly amount to several thousand euros.
The insurance coverage generally includes the replacement of broken panes as well as ancillary costs such as emergency glazing, disposal, and scaffolding, often up to specific maximum limits.
When choosing a tariff, don't just consider the price, but also the detailed scope of services, exclusions, and the level of excess to ensure optimal protection.
Glass breakage in commerce: An often underestimated risk with high consequential costs
Many business owners significantly underestimate the risk of glass breakage and the associated costs. Damage to a large shop window can quickly incur repair costs of several thousand euros. The causes of glass breakage are varied: They range from negligence, accounting for 27 percent of cases, to stone throw with ten percent, and to burglary, which statistically accounts for four percent of damages. Especially for businesses with public traffic or valuable displays, insurance is essential. An appropriate contents insurance policy can complement this. The repair of a mirrored wall or an entrance door made of safety glass is often associated with very high costs. Without commercial glass insurance, you bear these costs alone. This can severely impact your company's liquidity.
Typical Causes of Damage and Their Financial Impacts
The most common causes of glass breakage in the commercial sector are often everyday occurrences. Negligence by employees or customers tops the statistics at 27 percent. A falling object or a carelessly opened door is often enough. Stone chips, for example, caused by passing vehicles, account for ten percent of damages and can destroy expensive specialist glazing. Vandalism and burglaries, which account for four percent of glass breakages, not only incur repair costs but often result in the loss of goods. The costs for emergency glazing and quickly removing the shards quickly add up to several hundred euros, even before the actual repair begins. A business interruption insurance policy can provide additional security here. Keep in mind that stress in the glass can also lead to fractures. Although these account for a smaller percentage, they are often difficult to predict. Securing these risks is an important component of the financial stability of your company.
Leistungen der Glasversicherung Gewerbe: Understanding the exact scope of coverage
A commercial glass insurance policy typically covers damage to building and furniture glazing. This typically includes exterior and interior glazing that is permanently attached to the building. Fully installed or mounted sheets and glass panels are usually also insured as standard. The costs for emergency glazing to temporarily seal openings are often covered up to an amount of, for example, 1,500 euros. It is important that the insurance not only covers the cost of replacing the glass itself but also ancillary costs such as disposal, scaffolding, or crane work. A building insurance for business is a sensible addition. The exact benefits can vary depending on the provider and tariff, so a precise comparison is crucial.
Building Glazing: Secure Coverage for Windows, Doors, and Facades
Building glazing includes all glass surfaces permanently attached to the building. This includes window and door glazing, glass roofs, light domes, and glass blocks. In the event of damage, for example to a large shop window system, the costs can quickly reach five figures. Ensure that special glazing, such as safety glass or insulated glazing, is explicitly included in the insurance cover, as these often have higher replacement costs. The insurance usually covers the cost of replacing the panels in the same type and quality. Additionally, the costs for the removal and reinstallation of obstacles, such as protective grilles, can be included up to a sum of 2,000 euros. A comprehensive insurance policy for trade and craft should take this aspect into account. The coverage of costs for paints, artwork, or films on the glass is also an important consideration, which can be covered up to 1,500 euros.
Furniture Glazing and Special Glazing: Protection for Interiors and Advertising Installations
In addition to pure building glazing, the protection of furniture glazing is an important aspect of commercial glass insurance. This includes, for example, glass tops of tables, display cabinets, mirrors, or counter glazing. Especially in representative business premises or retail, damage worth several hundred to thousands of euros can quickly occur. An example: An employee accidentally bumps into a glass display cabinet, which breaks and damages further glass surfaces. Many tariffs also cover special glazing. These can include:
Artistically crafted glasses (often up to a certain amount, e.g., 15,000 euros)
Advertising installations such as illuminated signs or company signs made of glass (partially optional)
Glazing of aquariums or terrariums (depending on the tariff)
Glass-ceramic cooktops (included in some policies)
Carefully check which of these elements are present in your business and whether they are adequately insured under the chosen tariff. The commercial legal protection insurance can help in disputes over coverage scope. The inclusion of costs for renewing inscriptions or decorations on the glass can also be relevant and is often covered up to 1,500 euros.
Keep an Eye on Costs: How to Calculate Your Commercial Glass Insurance
The costs of commercial glass insurance depend on several factors. Key considerations include the type and extent of the glass surfaces to be insured. Large shopfronts or special safety glazing typically result in higher premiums than simple office windows. The chosen sum insured also plays a role; the higher the maximum reimbursement in the event of damage, the higher the contribution. Some insurers offer flat rates, while others calculate the premium based on the exact square meterage of the glass surfaces. The location of the business can also be a factor; in areas with a higher risk of vandalism, premiums may increase. Comparing different offers is essential to achieve an optimal balance of price and performance. The repair of a shop window can quickly cost several thousand euros.
To realistically assess the costs, you should take an accurate inventory of all glass surfaces in your business. This includes:
Exterior glazing (windows, doors, shop windows, façade elements)
Interior glazing (glass partitions, display cabinets, mirrors, glass furniture)
Special glazing (safety glass, insulated glass, artistically treated glass, advertising installations)
Roof glazing and light domes
Many insurers offer online calculators that provide an initial estimate of the premium, often based on the type of business and the total glass area. However, for an accurate quote, an individual calculation by the insurer is usually necessary. Keep in mind that additional services, such as the co-insurance of films or inscriptions, can affect the premium but can save significant costs in case of damage. Affordable public liability insurance is important, but do not skimp on essential protections like glass insurance.
Choose the right tariff: Important criteria for your decision
When choosing commercial glass insurance, don't just focus on the price. The scope of coverage in detail is crucial. Carefully check which types of glass are insured and if there are any exclusions. For example, are damages caused by vandalism or natural events such as storms and hail covered? The amount of the deductible in the event of a claim is another important point; a lower deductible often means a slightly higher premium, but can be worthwhile in the case of more frequent minor damages. Also, pay attention to the regulations for new-for-old compensation – ideally, the insurer should cover the cost of replacing the glass with new glass of the same type and quality, without deductions for age or wear. The product liability insurance is another component of commercial insurance coverage. Clarify whether costs for emergency glazing and disposal of broken glass are covered, often up to an amount of 2,000 euros.
Our expert tip: Pay attention to these details in the fine print for optimal protection
The fine print, the General Terms and Conditions of Insurance (GTCI), often contains crucial details. Check, for example, if there are any waiting periods before coverage begins. An important point is also obligations – these are duties you have as the policyholder, such as the prompt reporting of a claim. Are consequential damages, for example from rainwater ingress after a glass breakage, co-insured or do you need separate cover against elemental damages for this? Also clarify how the insurance handles damages caused by gross negligence; some policies provide limited or no coverage in such cases. Be aware of exclusions: Often, damages caused by war, civil unrest, or nuclear energy are not covered. Hollow glass items like drinking glasses or vases are usually excluded. A thorough review of these points protects you from nasty surprises in the event of a claim.
More useful links
Der Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV) provides a comprehensive overview of statistics on the German insurance industry.
Statista offers detailed information and statistics about the insurance sector in Germany on a dedicated page.
Das Statistische Bundesamt (Destatis) publishes structural data on services relevant for industry analysis.
Der Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV) provides information on business developments in property, industrial, commercial, and agricultural insurance.
Das Investment offers an article about industrial insurance claims, especially in the context of AGCS in 2021.
Statista provides statistics on the vacancy rate of office properties in Germany.
Das Statistische Bundesamt (Destatis) is the official source for official statistics in Germany.
FAQ
Which types of glass are typically covered under commercial glass insurance?
As a standard, panes and sheets of glass that are part of building or furniture glazing are insured. This includes windows, doors, shop windows, display cases, mirrors, glass roofs, and skylights. Specialized types of glass, such as safety glass or insulated glass, are often covered as well.
What should be considered if there is damage to a glass advertising installation?
Advertising installations like illuminated signs or company nameplates made of glass can often be optionally included in commercial glass insurance. Check your policy to see if this is included and up to what amount costs are covered.
Are scratches on glass panes also insured?
No, mere surface damage such as scratches, scrapes, or chips, where the pane is not completely broken, is generally not covered by commercial glass insurance.
Does commercial glass insurance also cover the costs of an urgently needed emergency glazing?
Yes, the costs for emergency glazing or emergency boarding, to temporarily secure an opening, are covered by most policies, often up to a certain amount, for example, 1,500 euros.
How quickly must glass damage be reported to the insurance company?
Glass damage should be reported to the insurance company immediately, as soon as possible. The exact deadlines and reporting procedures are specified in the insurance terms and conditions.
Are glass furniture items such as tables or shelves always insured?
Glass furniture is considered part of the furniture glazing and is included in many commercial glass insurance policies. However, it is important to check the exact coverage in the policy documents as there can be differences between providers.
