Step-By-Step Guide to Setting Up an Auto Glass Insurance Claim in Massachusetts

What Every Driver Should Know Before Calling Their Insurance Company

Dealing with a chipped or cracked windshield is stressful enough—setting up an insurance claim shouldn’t add to it. At Aaron’s AutoGlass Inc., we help customers in Massachusetts with the auto glass claim process every day. The good news? It’s simpler than you think, especially when you know what to expect and have an expert on your side. A damaged windshield isn't just an inconvenience; it can compromise your vehicle's structural integrity and the proper function of its safety systems.

Below is a complete and easy guide. It will help you prepare, understand common mistakes, avoid surprise costs, and make your claim process smoother from start to finish. If you’ve experienced the dreaded thwack of road debris hitting your windshield, your next question is often: “What’s this going to cost me?” This guide will break down the costs, explain the key factors involved, and walk you through the five simple steps to getting your vehicle back on the road safely.

Average Massachusetts Windshield Replacement Costs (2025)

To understand why insurance verification matters and why some claims have deductibles, you need to know three main factors. These factors determine your final price. The cost of a new windshield in Massachusetts varies, but here’s a general breakdown:

Service Type	Typical Price Range	Notes
Standard Windshield Replacement (Non-ADAS)	$250 – $450	Common for older or base-model vehicles without advanced safety cameras.
Windshield Replacement With ADAS Calibration	$400 – $900+	Required for most modern vehicles to ensure safety systems function correctly.
High-Tech / Luxury Vehicle Windshield	$700 – $1,500+	Often requires OEM glass and involves complex sensors or heads-up displays.
Chip Repair (if eligible)	$50 – $150	A cost-effective option for minor damage, often fully covered by insurance.

Average Cost = $350 – $650 total

(including parts, labor, and calibration when needed)

Factor 1: Your Vehicle’s Advanced Technology (The #1 Price Driver)

Modern windshields aren’t “just glass.” Most vehicles manufactured from 2015 onward include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and the windshield is a crucial mounting surface for the cameras and sensors that power these safety features.

ADAS includes:

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

• Forward Collision Sensors

• Rain-Sensing Wipers

• Cameras mounted near the rearview mirror

Why ADAS Recalibration Affects Windshield Replacement Cost

When we replace your windshield, we must also perform a precise ADAS recalibration to ensure your safety systems work correctly. This is a non-negotiable step for vehicle safety and is mandated by vehicle manufacturers. If you skip calibration, cameras can become misaligned. This can cause dangerous system failures. Insurance companies require calibration to restore the vehicle to its pre-loss condition. Calibration usually adds extra steps or costs to the job, which is one of the biggest reasons pricing varies so significantly between different vehicle models.

Factor 2: Glass Type — OEM vs. Aftermarket

When replacing your auto glass, the type of glass used for the installation is a critical decision that impacts cost, quality, and vehicle function.

1. OEM Glass (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

• Made by or for your vehicle's original manufacturer.

• Guaranteed fit, clarity, and ADAS compatibility.

• The best and often required choice for high-tech vehicles to ensure safety systems function as designed.

• Carries a higher price point compared to aftermarket options.

2. Aftermarket Glass

• Made by third-party manufacturers that are not the original supplier.

• Often excellent quality and more affordable, meeting or exceeding federal safety standards.

• May not be compatible with every complex ADAS setup, so professional guidance is essential.

  
  

At Aaron’s AutoGlass Inc., we explain which glass is safest and most appropriate for your specific vehicle before any work begins, ensuring you understand your options fully.

Factor 3: Labor & Convenience

Your final price may vary depending on where and how the service is performed, as well as the complexity of your vehicle's design.

Mobile Auto Glass Replacement Service Areas

We offer full mobile service for auto glass replacement throughout our service areas in the West Roxbury, Fairhaven and New Bedford Massachusetts areas. Our mobile service technicians come directly to your home or workplace, providing a convenient and efficient repair experience. Mobile service is usually included. However, very long travel distances or special vehicle setups may require an in-shop service.

How Vehicle Complexity Impacts Glass Replacement Time

Luxury SUVs, trucks with advanced sensors, and vehicles with custom trim or heads-up displays often require more time and specialized materials for a proper glass installation. These complexities can influence labor costs, as our technicians must take extra care to protect sensitive electronics and interior components during the removal and installation process.

What You'll Need Before Filing Your Auto Glass Claim

Many drivers in Massachusetts do not understand what their insurance covers. Some incorrectly believe all windshield replacements are free or that a glass claim will never affect their premiums. The reality is that your specific auto insurance policy dictates the terms. Not all policies include full glass coverage with a zero deductible; some have separate glass deductibles, while others may encourage you to use specific vendors. This is why verifying your insurance coverage before filing the auto claim is crucial for a smooth claims process.

Because we make the entire process simple, fast, and accurate, we help you avoid common pitfalls. When you call us first, we help you gather the correct information and prevent billing surprises.

✔ Your Insurance Policy Information

Have your insurance policy number handy. It’s also helpful to know your glass deductible amount, which can often be found in your policy documents or by logging into your online account or mobile app. Our service advisors and staff can help you navigate finding this information.

✔ Vehicle Information

We will need your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which is located on the driver’s side dashboard, the door jamb sticker, or your registration. Alternatively, your license plate number will also work.

✔ Damage Details

Be ready to provide the approximate date the damage occurred and describe the type of damage (e.g., a small chip from outdoor debris, a long crack, or a completely shattered windshield). The appearance of the damage helps us determine if we need to repair or replace the glass.

Once you have this information, call Aaron’s AutoGlass. We’ll collect the details and connect with your insurer to begin the glass claim.

The 5-Step Process to a Stress-Free Claim

Step 1: Call Aaron’s AutoGlass Inc.

Your first and only call should be to us. We gather your vehicle and insurance information and initiate the claim setup on your behalf. This eliminates the need for you to navigate confusing phone menus or online forms with your insurer.

Step 2: We Contact Your Insurance Carrier

Under Massachusetts Consumer Choice Law (M.G.L. c. 90, § 34M), you have the legal right to choose any licensed auto glass company you prefer, regardless of which shop your insurer recommends.

At Aaron’s AutoGlass, we act as your advocate throughout the entire process. We communicate directly with your insurance company —to verify your coverage, begin the claim, and ensure everything is handled quickly and correctly.

Step 3: A Three-Way Call May Be Required

For security and verification, your insurer may require you on the line to confirm your identity and authorize the work. Don’t worry—we’ll stay on the call with you, guiding you through any questions. During this brief call, your insurer will review your comprehensive coverage, confirm your deductible, approve the insurance claim, and provide a claim number for reference. This is also the point where we confirm your right as a Massachusetts consumer to choose your preferred repair shop over the insurer's network of glass repair shops.

Step 4: We Schedule Your Repair or Replacement

Once the claim is approved, we schedule your service. We can determine if a Windshield Repair is possible or if a full replacement is necessary. You can often get appointments the same day or the next day, either at our shop or through our convenient mobile service. Your windshield repaired or replaced by our experts ensures safety and quality.

Step 5: We Handle the Paperwork

No chasing claim numbers or submitting a reimbursement request—we submit all necessary documentation directly to your insurance provider for billing. We ensure every detail is correct, from the cost of the glass to the labor for calibration.

Why Choose Aaron’s AutoGlass for Fast, Accurate Service

When you call us first, you eliminate guesswork and get a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish. We help prevent common issues with auto glass claims, such as incorrect deductibles, misquoted coverage, and delays in scheduling. We are experts in navigating the Auto Glass claim process and are committed to the highest industry professional standards for both customer service and technical work, giving you Peace of mind.

Ready to File Your Auto Glass Claim? Let Us Help.

Navigating an auto glass insurance claim in Massachusetts doesn't have to be a complicated ordeal. By understanding the key factors that influence cost—like ADAS technology and glass type—and knowing what information to have ready, you can streamline the entire process. The most critical step is partnering with a trusted auto glass service provider like Aaron's AutoGlass who can advocate on your behalf.

The five-step process outlined above, from your initial call to the final paperwork, is designed to remove the burden from your shoulders. At Aaron’s AutoGlass Inc., we manage the communication with your insurance company, ensure your rights as a consumer are protected, and perform expert repairs and replacements that meet the highest quality standards.

Whether you need a simple chip repair or a full windshield replacement with complex recalibration, one call at 1-774-202-2963 is all it takes to get the process started and get you safely back on the road with confidence and peace of mind.