There are two main price differences. Out-of-pocket or using insurance.

OUT-OF-POCKET

Here in the United States, the out-of-pocket price for replacing a windshield generally costs about $250 to $1500. The price varies on many factors that affect the price:

* Your vehicle's Year, Make, and model

* The type of glass, such as heated, acoustic, infrared interlayer, or HUD (Heads Up Display)

* Additional features like rain sensor, condensation sensor, light sensor, or cameras that handle Forward Collision Alert with or without Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning System, High Beam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pedestrian Avoidance, etc

* OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer aka Dealer glass) VS OEE (Original Equipment Equivalent) aka aftermarket glass. OEM generally refers to glass made by the original equipment manufacturer or their specification. OEE (Original Equipment Equivalent) aka aftermarket glass is manufactured to meet applicable specifications but isn't necessarily supplied through the vehicle manufacturer.  Some aftermarket glass are designed to meet or exceed applicable industry standards and specifications. The right choice depends on your vehicle, glass requirements, availability, and budget.

* Logos such as the "Ford" Oval logo, or Ford's "F150", or Ford's "Super Duty", another example is the Jeep Rock crawling jeep (found on the bottom corner of the windshield). BMW will have its famous circular badge on the windshield. Each brand of vehicle has their own original logo that drives the price up. The presence or absence of a logo is not, by itself, a complete measure of glass quality or origin.

* ADAS calibration

* Labor rates vary

* Supply and demand

Using Auto Insurance

Most people ask: Can I use my auto insurance to pay for the windshield replacement?

It depends...

If you have "Liability" auto insurance, then the answer is no. You cannot use your insurance company to pay for the windshield replacement. You will have to pay out-of-pocket.

If you have "Comprehensive" auto insurance, then the answer is maybe.

Here's why:

First, you'll need to know the dollar amount of your Comprehensive deductible. Most people have $500 for their deductible but that may not be your situation. Always check your policy or contact your agent.

BUT... for some insurance companies like State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Traveler's, Farmers and Safeco, those companies offere  windshield coverage. Thereby having a smaller deductible such as $0 or $50 or $100 rather than their normal comprehensive deductible.

After you find out what your deductible is amount is, that is what you will pay the shop. Your insurance company will pay the balance to the shop.

Keep in mind: if you use your auto insurance, the deductible is payable per claim/incident. IT IS NOT LIKE HEALTH INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLES.

But what if the out-of-pocket price is less than your insurance deductible? Then, it would better to forego using insurance.