Is Windshield Replacement Covered by Insurance in Massachusetts?

Windshield damage is a common occurrence for vehicle owners, ranging from minor chips to significant cracks. Understanding how auto insurance policies cover these expenses can help manage unexpected financial burdens.

Massachusetts Windshield Coverage Law

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 175, Section 113O, states that all policies providing comprehensive coverage must include payment for loss or damage to the insured vehicle’s glass, including the windshield. This law mandates that insurers offer a zero-deductible option for glass repair or replacement under comprehensive coverage. This means policyholders with comprehensive coverage generally will not pay an out-of-pocket deductible for glass repair or replacement. While the law allows for a standard $500 deductible on comprehensive claims, insurers must offer a $100 deductible option specifically for glass damage, and many policies provide a zero-deductible for windshield work. This provision helps ensure that policyholders can address windshield damage promptly without concern for immediate costs.

Comprehensive Coverage and Windshield Damage

Comprehensive coverage is a component of an auto insurance policy that protects a vehicle from non-collision incidents. This type of coverage typically applies to damage caused by events such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters like hail or floods, and accidents involving animals. Windshield and other glass damage, when not caused by a collision, falls under comprehensive coverage.

Without comprehensive coverage, windshield replacement or repair is generally not covered by an insurance policy. It is distinct from collision coverage, which addresses damage from impacts with other vehicles or objects. Comprehensive coverage is often optional unless a vehicle is financed or leased, in which case lenders typically require it. Small chips can often be repaired quickly and less expensively, while extensive cracks usually necessitate a full windshield replacement.

Information Needed Before a Claim

Before initiating a claim, a policyholder should gather specific information. The vehicle’s insurance policy number and the insurer’s contact details are primary requirements. It is also beneficial to have the vehicle’s make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) readily available.

Documenting the damage immediately after it occurs is important. This includes taking clear photographs of the damaged windshield and noting the date and circumstances of how the damage occurred. Understanding whether the damage is a small, repairable chip or a significant crack requiring full replacement can inform the initial discussion with the insurer.

Steps to File a Windshield Claim

Filing a windshield claim typically begins by contacting the insurance company. This can often be done through various channels, including a phone call to their claims center, via an online portal, or through a mobile application. During this initial contact, the policyholder will provide the previously collected details, such as the policy number, vehicle information, and a description of the damage and its circumstances.

Upon receiving the claim, the insurer will guide the policyholder through the next steps, which may include recommending specific repair shops or allowing the policyholder to choose a preferred service provider. Many insurers have networks of approved auto glass repair shops that can handle the billing directly. An inspection of the damage by the insurer or the repair shop may occur to assess the extent of the damage and confirm the repair or replacement needed.