On July 17, 2015, Governor Baker signed the Massachusetts 2016 State Budget resulting in the minor and major thresholds for surchargeable  accidents being increased. This is great news for Massachusetts drivers as it could save significant money if you're involved in an at-fault accident. 

With outside the budget item, Section 14, surviving the budget process, the threshold for minor accidents is now $1,001+ (up from $500) and the threshold for major accidents is now $5,001+ (up from $2,001). Given that the cost to repair vehicles has risen steadily, even extremely limited damage could easily exceed the previous thresholds. The new thresholds provide drivers with some relief in the application of surcharge points if you are at-fault for an accident.

The change in thresholds is effective as of July 1, 2015. No further action is required on this outside budget item, and it is now law.