6 years experience in the personal financial industry
Theresa is a writer and former financial advisor with experience helping clients solve money challenges. She uses her expertise to clarify complex personal finance concepts.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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Your car’s windshield is your first line of defense against the rocks, bugs, and general debris that rises up on the road. And sometimes that defense can show some dents in its armor.
A simple rock striking your windshield can cause cracks and chips that obstruct your visibility and reduce the structural integrity in an accident. Both of these factors make repairing or replacing your windshield a necessary part of your car maintenance. But you have many factors to consider when pursuing windshield replacement, including legal requirements and costs.
Here’s what you need to know about windshield replacement in Massachusetts so you can ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers.
If you have only the state-mandated amount of liability insurance, your insurer won’t cover windshield replacement. But if you have a full-coverage policy that includes collision and comprehensive coverage, you have more options.
If your windshield cracks, your insurance will likely cover it under comprehensive coverage. This insurance covers non-accident damage to your car, including if a rock hits and cracks your window or if someone breaks your window.
If you’re in a car accident or a deer hits your windshield and cracks it, your collision insurance will cover that damage.
Some insurers even offer windshield coverage as an add-on option if you want additional insurance. In Massachusetts, insurers must offer an optional full glass replacement coverage for a zero or $100 deductible.
Keep in mind that you’ll likely have to pay your deductible before insurance covers it.
Is it illegal to drive with a broken windshield in Massachusetts?
Under state law, you’re allowed to drive with a broken windshield in Massachusetts, depending on the condition of the glass. If the damage is small and doesn’t obstruct your windshield wipers or vision, you can still legally drive your vehicle. But your vehicle might have trouble passing any necessary inspections.
It’s important to address glass damage sooner rather than later, as even a small chip or crack can work its way across the windshield and impact the structural integrity of the glass. Proactively fixing damage can also save you money, as repairing a windshield is cheaper than replacing one.
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Does Massachusetts law require auto insurance coverage for windshield repair?
No specific law requires you to carry insurance for windshield repair in Massachusetts. Glass repairs typically fall under comprehensive insurance, which is optional.
Massachusetts does require auto insurance companies to cover glass damage under comprehensive coverage, but policyholders aren’t required to purchase this coverage. In an effort to make fixing glass damage more affordable, Massachusetts requires insurance companies to offer a $100 deductible option.
Yet, while Massachusetts doesn’t require windshield repair coverage for drivers, it does require other types of coverage. Here are the minimum requirements for all drivers in Massachusetts:[1]
Bodily injury to others: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
Damage to someone else’s property: $5,000 per accident
Bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
Personal injury protection: $8,000 per person, per accident
Average cost of a windshield replacement in Massachusetts
The average price of a windshield replacement is between $100 and $1,500 without insurance.[2]
The cost of windshield replacement can vary based on many factors, including your vehicle make, age, and location. If your auto policy has a glass deductible, you’ll need to pay it before your insurance will cover the rest of the claim. Having a glass deductible typically decreases the cost of comprehensive coverage. But a higher deductible means higher out-of-pocket costs.
Good to Know
In many cases, an auto glass service technician can repair your windshield in a matter of hours. They can even make the repairs during your work day while you’re at the office or working from home.
Is auto glass coverage in Massachusetts worth it?
Here are some things to consider to help determine whether auto glass coverage is worth it:
Cost of repairs or replacement: It’s important to assess the costs of repairing or replacing your windshield. If the quote is relatively low and manageable for you, you might choose to cover repairs out of pocket instead of paying for additional coverage.
Deductibles and premiums: Depending on the deductible and the cost of repairs, it may or may not be beneficial to file a claim. For example, if your glass deductible is $1,000 but the replacement cost is $600, it doesn’t make sense to file a claim, as it’s cheaper to pay out of pocket during these times. Having a higher deductible means lower premiums, and a lower deductible means higher premiums. When you set a deductible, consider how much you could afford to pay if you need to replace your windshield. A deductible with up-front costs so high you can’t afford to pay them isn’t helping you.
Likelihood of glass damage: Think about your driving habits and the area around your home. If you frequently encounter road debris, hailstorms, or other situations that increase the risk of glass damage, having auto glass coverage might be worth it for you.
Car insurance companies that offer auto glass coverage in Massachusetts
You have plenty of options when it comes to auto glass coverage for your damaged windshield in Massachusetts. Shopping around to review glass replacement policies and comparing quotes from a few different companies can help you find the best coverage for your needs.
Allstate
User Reviews
4.0
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.9 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$61/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$133/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 5,747 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Allstate
Drivers appreciate the initial pricing and overall service but dislike the frequent rate increases and misleading pricing tactics.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Accident forgiveness
Wide availability
Cheap rates
How drivers feel about Allstate
Drivers appreciate the initial pricing and overall service but dislike the frequent rate increases and misleading pricing tactics.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Accident forgiveness
Wide availability
Cheap rates
Reviews (3,131)
Edward
December 19, 2024
Verified Review
A Company with Many Years of Experience
Allstate has been good for me for many years with mediocre pricing.
Barbara
December 18, 2024
Verified Review
Allstate? Ugh!
Clearly, it's not good, or else why would I be shopping for a new policy.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
878
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.94
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A-
Why we picked this company
Allstate covers glass damage in its comprehensive policies. Allstate also offers Auto Glass Claim Express, a service that includes 24/7 access to a Glass Claim Express expert and a Lifetime Workmanship guarantee on full glass replacements.
Allstate partners with Safelite AutoGlass to handle glass-only claims, but you’re not required to use Safelite. Allstate does waive deductibles for glass repairs. You’ll need to pay your comprehensive deductible for glass replacement.
Pros
Ample opportunities for bundling discount
Offers a pay-per-mile option
A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons
Low customer satisfaction
Rates are merely average compared to other insurers
Below-average rank for customer satisfaction in many regions, according to J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study
GEICO
User Reviews
4.0
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.0 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$54/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$118/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 10,464 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (5,755)
Dianna
December 19, 2024
Verified Review
Roadside Assistance
When I needed emergency services on the road, they wanted me to go online. That was not possible at the time and they were not helpful.
Alan
December 18, 2024
Verified Review
Satisfied but too expensive
My experience with GEICO was good. They offer great coverage for the price and I'd recommend them to a friend. However, they are a bit more pricey but provide great services all the way around.
Samol
December 18, 2024
Verified Review
Geico is Good Insurance
It's excellent, but after a few accidents, the rates are creeping upwards.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
827
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.74
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
Glass damage is included under GEICO’s comprehensive coverage in Massachusetts. If the damage to your windshield is repairable, GEICO will waive your deductible. If your glass needs replacement, the cost of the project is subject to your comprehensive deductible. A chip or crack in your windshield smaller than a dollar bill is potentially repairable, according to GEICO’s website.
GEICO also offers a fast glass-claim service to get you back on the road safely as fast as possible.
Pros
Good rates for good drivers, seniors, and young drivers
Accident forgiveness available
A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons
High rates for drivers with certain violations, like DUIs
No rideshare or new car replacement coverage available
Lower customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power
Progressive
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
818
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.4 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$97/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$152/mo
How drivers feel about Progressive
Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive
Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (5,896)
Robert
December 19, 2024
Verified Review
Average
They did not call me back as they promised they would.
Vincent
December 19, 2024
Verified Review
Poor
Too expensive.
Lester
December 19, 2024
Verified Review
Beware!
Beware of the inaccurate snapshot readings that Progressive uses to increase quotes.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
818
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.82
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company
Progressive offers glass protection when drivers purchase comprehensive coverage. The glass deductible is waived if your windshield is repairable. If your windshield needs replacement, you’ll need to pay up to your deductible.Progressive states on its website that cracks less than 6 inches long are potentially repairable.
Comprehensive insurance covers windshield damage due to falling debris or hitting an animal. If you’re in an accident with another vehicle, your Progressive collision coverage may cover the claim as well.
Pros
Rewards for good drivers
Numerous coverage options and discounts available
Optional coverage for pet injuries
Cons
Much lower-than-average overall customer satisfaction ranking in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
Trustpilot rating of 1.1 stars (out of 5) from more than 1,000 reviews
Rates trend higher than rates from many competitors
USAA
User Reviews
4.9
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.4 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$45/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$99/mo
4.9
Best choiceBased on 1,646 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (940)
Arlington
December 18, 2024
Verified Review
Mediocre
It's too hard to get past all the checks and balances to verify you're a member. There are too many questions and memory items to get past their firewall. Lastly, everyone is working remotely, and you can hear the family activities in the background.
Peter
December 18, 2024
Verified Review
Not Happy with USAA
They increase premium rates without notifying you well in advance. They even raise the premium for a minor fender bender, like pulling out of a driveway into an illegally parked vehicle.
Donna
December 17, 2024
Verified Review
I was in an accident which was not my fault, and my insurance increased to $118 a month. I don't drive my car much, less than 50 miles a day. Additionally, I have home insurance with USAA and my payment increased by $100. As a veteran, I find this totally wrong.
I was in an accident which was not my fault, and my insurance increased to $118 a month. I don't drive my car much, less than 50 miles a day. Additionally, I have home insurance with USAA and my payment increased by $100. As a veteran, I find this totally wrong.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
884
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.35
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
USAA’s comprehensive insurance covers windshield replacement and other types of glass coverage. You can get your windshield repaired at any auto repair shop, but USAA partners with Safelite AutoGlass.
Your windshield will need replacement if the damage is larger than a dollar bill and impairs your view or obstructs a camera or sensor, according to USAA. If you’ve already paid for auto glass repairs, you can request reimbursement through USAA’s website or mobile app.
Pros
High customer satisfaction
Low premiums
SafePilot program rewards good driving with up to 30% discount
Cons
Only available to active-duty military, veterans, military spouses, or children of service members or veterans
No 24/7 customer phone support
Customer reviews are mixed for service and claims processing
Instantly Compare Car Insurance Rates and Save
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Does filing a windshield replacement claim affect rates?
Typically, any claims will affect your insurance rates. But depending on the circumstances of the replacement, it may not have any effect at all.
If a rock cracks your windshield and you file a claim for it, your premiums may increase slightly or not at all. If you repeatedly make claims for a cracked windshield, your insurer will likely increase your rates.
If your windshield is broken due to an accident, you can expect your rates to increase. Talk to an agent if you want to know how a windshield claim could affect your rates.
Massachusetts windshield replacement FAQs
If you live in Massachusetts and need your windshield repaired or replaced, this additional information may help as you research your options.
Is it free to replace a windshield in Massachusetts?
It depends on your auto insurance company policy and the deductible that you chose. Some companies offer a no-glass deductible, but glass deductibles are permitted under Massachusetts law. If you have a deductible, you’ll need to pay it before your insurance company will cover the windshield replacement.
Can you drive a car without a windshield in Massachusetts?
In most cases, you’re required to have a windshield on your vehicle in Massachusetts, as it helps protect you and your passengers from hazards on the road.
Is it legal to drive with a cracked windshield?
Yes. Driving with a crack in your windshield in Massachusetts is legal, as long as the crack is small and doesn’t obstruct your view of the road or hamper any cameras or sensors. In addition, no chips or cracks larger than a quarter are allowed.[3]
What does a $0 glass deductible mean?
Some companies offer a $0 glass deductible, which means you can repair or replace your windshield with zero out-of-pocket costs. Review your insurance policy to see if it comes with a $0 glass deductible.
Theresa Stevens is a personal finance writer based in Boston, Massachusetts. Her work has been featured in Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, and more. As a former financial advisor, she has first-hand experience helping people solve their money challenges. When she's not writing, you'll find her trying out new karaoke spots or planning her next trip abroad.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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