Guide to Windshield Replacement in Massachusetts (2023)

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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 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.

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Massachusetts windshield replacement FAQs