How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Side Mirror?
Last Updated on January 12, 2026
A broken side mirror is more than an annoyance—it can reduce visibility during lane changes, merging, and parking. The good news: many mirror issues can be repaired. When replacement is needed, the price depends heavily on whether you’re replacing only the mirror glass or the entire mirror assembly (especially if it includes heating, turn signals, blind-spot monitoring, cameras, or power-fold motors).
Key Takeaways
- Glass Vs. Assembly Changes Everything: Replacing only the mirror glass can be inexpensive, while full assemblies with electronics can cost much more.
- Features Drive Price: Heating, power-fold, blind-spot indicators, and cameras can raise parts cost and may require extra steps after installation.
- Insurance Depends on Cause: Collision, comprehensive, or uninsured motorist coverage may apply based on how the mirror was damaged—maintenance and wear usually aren’t covered.
- Deductible Math Matters: If the repair is near your deductible (or you’re concerned about future rates), paying out of pocket may make more sense than filing a claim.
- Side Mirror Replacement Can Range From Under $100 to $1,000+
- Types of Side Mirror Damage
- Factors That Affect the Cost of Side Mirror Replacement
- Signs You Should Replace a Side Mirror
- Repair vs Replace: What To Do First
- DIY vs Professional Installation
- Does Insurance Cover Side Mirror Replacement?
- Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Side Mirror Replacement?
- How to Save Money on Side Mirror Replacement
- Adjust Your Mirrors After Replacement
- Final Word: Side Mirror Replacement Cost
- FAQs on Side Mirror Replacement Cost
Side Mirror Replacement Can Range From Under $100 to $1,000+
The same “side mirror replacement” can mean very different repairs. If only the glass is cracked, you may be able to replace just the mirror glass insert. If the housing is broken or the mirror’s electronics are damaged, you may need the full assembly—often the most expensive option on newer vehicles.
| Repair Or Replacement | What’s Typically Included | Typical Cost Range | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace Mirror Glass Only | Glass insert (sometimes with adhesive/backing) | Often under $100 in parts (DIY); shop labor may apply | Cracked/shattered glass, housing and motors still OK |
| Replace Standard Mirror Assembly | Full assembly (glass + housing + mount; may be unpainted) | Commonly a few hundred dollars installed | Broken housing, loose mount, water intrusion, motor failure |
| Replace Advanced Mirror Assembly | Assembly plus features (heat, signal, blind-spot indicator, camera, power-fold); possible calibration | Can reach $1,000+ installed | Mirrors with sensors/cameras or multiple electronic features |
Bottom line: Expect the widest price swings on newer trims with driver-assist tech. If you’re comparing quotes, confirm whether the estimate includes painting a mirror cap (if needed) and any required recalibration for safety features.
Types of Side Mirror Damage
Most side mirror problems fall into one of these buckets:
- Glass-only damage: cracks, chips, missing pieces, or a mirror glass that’s detached from its backing plate
- Assembly damage: broken housing, loose mount, snapped hinge, damaged wiring, or failed power/heat/power-fold functions
- Feature-related issues: blind-spot indicators not working, puddle lamps out, turn signal strip broken, camera/sensor problems, or water intrusion causing intermittent failures
If the housing is intact and the mirror still moves properly, replacing only the glass is often the most cost-effective fix. If the housing is broken or the mirror is wobbling, the whole assembly may be the safer long-term solution.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Side Mirror Replacement
Mirror pricing isn’t just about the part—labor, paint, and features matter. Here are the biggest cost drivers:
| Cost Factor | Why It Matters | How It Changes The Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Make, Model, and Trim | Some mirrors are widely available; others are rare or feature-heavy | Common vehicles usually cost less than luxury, EV, or high-trim models |
| Mirror Features | Heating, power-fold, auto-dimming, blind-spot monitoring, cameras, and signals add parts and complexity | More features usually means higher parts cost and possible calibration |
| Glass-Only vs Full Assembly | Glass-only repairs are simpler than replacing the entire unit | Glass-only is often the lowest-cost fix when possible |
| OEM vs Aftermarket vs Used | OEM fits and matches features reliably; aftermarket/used may be cheaper but varies in quality | Aftermarket and used parts can reduce cost, especially on older cars |
| Paint and Finish | Some mirror caps/housings need paint to match your vehicle | Paint work can add meaningful cost at a body shop |
| Local Labor Rates | Shops price labor based on market rates and complexity | Higher-cost areas generally pay more for installation |
| Access and Wiring | Some mirrors require door panel removal and careful electrical work | More labor if the door panel, wiring harness, or clips are involved |
If you’re driving an older vehicle with lower repair costs, parts availability is often better and mirror replacements tend to be cheaper. For more context, see this guide on the type and year of your vehicle and how they affect repair costs.
Quick tip: Before ordering a replacement, confirm your mirror’s exact features (heat, signal, blind-spot indicator, camera, power-fold). The wrong part number can look identical but won’t plug in or function correctly.
Signs You Should Replace a Side Mirror
Side mirrors are a core part of safe driving. Repair or replace the mirror promptly if any of the following apply:
- You can’t see clearly due to cracks, missing glass, or severe distortion
- The mirror housing is loose, wobbling, or partially detached
- Power adjustment, heating, or power-fold functions no longer work
- Electrical issues appear after damage (intermittent features, warning lights, or a dead blind-spot indicator)
Repair vs Replace: What To Do First
Start by identifying what’s actually broken:
- If only the glass is damaged: Ask about replacing the mirror glass insert first. This is often a straightforward repair on many vehicles.
- If the housing is damaged or the mirror is loose: Plan on a full assembly replacement (especially if the mount/hinge is cracked).
- If features stopped working: Verify wiring and connectors. Some mirrors fail because internal wiring was pinched or a connector pulled loose during the impact.
If your vehicle has advanced driver-assist features in the mirror (like cameras or blind-spot monitoring), consider professional installation. Some systems may require verification or calibration after replacement.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Many drivers can replace mirror glass or even a full mirror assembly at home, but it depends on the vehicle and the mirror’s feature set.
- DIY is often realistic for basic mirrors and glass-only replacements—especially when there’s minimal wiring.
- Professional installation is usually safer when the door panel must be removed, wiring is complex, or the mirror includes sensors/cameras.
Quick tip: If the replacement mirror connects to a wiring harness inside the door, take photos before disconnecting anything. It can help prevent missed connectors and save time if you need a shop to finish the job.
Does Insurance Cover Side Mirror Replacement?
Car insurance may or may not cover side mirror replacement. Coverage depends on how the damage happened and which coverages you carry.
In general, auto policies cover sudden, accidental losses—not maintenance or normal wear and tear.
- Another driver hit you: The at-fault driver’s property damage liability typically pays to repair your car to pre-loss condition, including a mirror if it was damaged in the crash.
- Hit-and-run: You may be able to use uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (availability and rules vary by state).
- You hit something: Mirror damage from a single-vehicle impact is often handled under collision coverage.
- Non-collision events: Vandalism, theft, falling objects, or weather-related damage may be covered under comprehensive coverage.
Important: Even when a mirror is covered, your deductible usually applies. If your out-of-pocket cost is close to the repair price, you may prefer to pay for the repair without a claim.
Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Side Mirror Replacement?
Insurance may pay for a side mirror, but it still may not be worth filing a claim for a smaller repair.
Start with the basics: your deductible is the amount you pay before your insurer contributes to the repair. If the repair cost is at (or below) your deductible, insurance won’t pay anything.
Also consider the long-term impact. Depending on your insurer, state, and claim details, filing a collision claim can affect your rates at renewal. That’s why many drivers choose to pay smaller repairs out of pocket, especially when the mirror is the only damage.
How to Save Money on Side Mirror Replacement
- Ask about glass-only replacement first if the housing and functions still work.
- Compare OEM, aftermarket, and used options (confirm the exact feature set matches your trim).
- Get two or three estimates and ask what’s included (paint, calibration, shop fees).
- Check whether the mirror cap is sold separately—sometimes you can reuse your existing painted cover.
Adjust Your Mirrors After Replacement
After repairs, take a minute to adjust your mirrors correctly. NHTSA recommends setting side mirrors slightly outward to reduce blind spots. You can review NHTSA’s guidance here: Minimize Vehicle Blind Spots (NHTSA PDF).
Final Word: Side Mirror Replacement Cost
Side mirror repair costs vary widely. Replacing only the glass can be a relatively small expense, while replacing a full mirror assembly—especially one with cameras, sensors, or power-fold motors—can be significantly more.
If you’re considering insurance, review your coverages and deductible and weigh the long-term impact of a claim. For general background on coverages like collision and comprehensive, the NAIC provides a helpful overview here: What You Should Know About Auto Insurance Coverage (NAIC). Rules and claim outcomes vary by state and insurer, so when in doubt, ask your carrier or agent how a mirror claim would be handled.
