Guide to Windshield Replacement in Massachusetts (2025)
Windshield replacement can be expensive, particularly if you don’t have the right coverage.
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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.
Quick Facts
In Massachusetts, comprehensive auto insurance covers windshield replacement.
In most cases, your insurer will waive your deductible if your windshield is repairable.
Policyholders in Massachusetts can choose a $100 glass deductible as part of their coverage.
Car insurance that covers windshield replacement
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.
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
GEICO
Progressive
USAA
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.
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