Guide to Windshield Replacement in Massachusetts (2024)

Windshield replacement can be expensive, particularly if you don’t have the right coverage.

Theresa Stevens
Theresa Stevens
  • AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselor

  • 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.


Featured in

media logomedia logo
Chris Schafer
Edited byChris Schafer
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferSenior Editor
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo

Updated June 29, 2023

Save up to $717 by comparing quotes from the top 100+ insurance companies

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers
Advertiser Disclosure

At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.

We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.

Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.

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. However, 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.

Quick Facts

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. However, 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.

Find Comprehensive Coverage in Massachusetts

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

Does Massachusetts law require auto insurance coverage for windshield repair?

There isn’t a specific law requiring you to carry insurance for windshield repair in the state of 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 does require 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:

  • Bodily injury to others: $20,000 per person/$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/$40,000 per accident

  • Personal injury protection: $8,000 per person, per accident[1]

What is the average cost of a windshield replacement in Massachusetts?

The average price of windshield replacement in Massachusetts is between $550 and $900. For context, the national average for windshield replacement is around $350, according to the National Windshield Repair Division.[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. However, a 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.

Find Comprehensive Coverage in Massachusetts

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

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
Allstate
GEICO
GEICO
Progressive
Progressive
USAA
USAA

Allstate

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 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.

GEICO

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.

Progressive

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 six 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.

USAA

Windshield replacement and other types of glass damage are covered by USAA’s comprehensive 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.

Find Comprehensive Coverage in Massachusetts

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

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.

Sources

  1. Mass.gov. "Understanding Auto Insurance."
  2. National Windshield Repair Division. "Welcome to the NWRD Information Center for Consumers."
  3. Cracked Windshield Laws. "Massachusetts Cracked Windshield Laws."
Theresa Stevens
Theresa Stevens

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.

Chris Schafer
Edited byChris SchaferSenior Editor
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferSenior Editor
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

Latest Articles

View all