How much does it cost to replace passenger side mirror

You come out of the store and find the side mirror on your car is broken. This unfortunate situation is familiar to many. We need side mirrors for safe driving; what are the repair options and cost?

The first question is which part is broken? The side mirror consists of several parts:

the base (mirror assembly), mirror glass, cover and the turn signal (if equipped). For certain cars, the part might be available only as one complete piece. In some cases the cover is sold already painted, in others it comes black and might need to be painted separately.

The quickest way to get the repairs done is to visit your dealership. Of course, it's a good idea to order parts ahead of time because it's unlikely the dealer will have the side mirror in stock.

Many people simply visit the dealership, so the parts advisor can see the damage and order required parts, as well as set up the service appointment. In most cases, you will probably be able to get it done the next day.

The glass might need to be replaced even if it looks OK, because clips that hold the glass break easily. Replacing the complete side mirror at the dealership for an average car will cost 0.7-1.5 hours of labor plus parts.

Is the side mirror covered by the warranty? Yes, but the factory warranty only covers manufacturing defects and not accidental damage, scrapes or vandalism.

What are the less expensive repair options? Depending on your coverage and cause of damage, the side mirror might be covered by your insurance. Another option is to replace the mirror with an aftermarket or used part; both will be cheaper ($30-$150 for the complete side mirror).

Check prices online, or call a local auto recycling or salvage facility (junk yard).

You can often find a used part on eBay. To find out if the part fits, you will need to know the model year of your car as well as the options, such as whether the mirror is self-dimming or heated. Is there a built-in turn signal light? Does the mirror have a blind spot monitoring system warning light?

Meanwhile, if your broken mirror is hanging by the wires, it's a good idea to secure it temporarily so it won't cause a safety hazard if separated or damage the wires or paint.

How easy is it to replace a side mirror? If the side mirror is attached to the small triangle in front of the glass by the A-pillar, it's usually easier to replace, see this photo. Often it's just three little bolts covered by a little plastic cover plus one electrical connector. Replacing the mirror that is attached to the side of the door takes more work, as the door cover and other parts will have to be removed.

Can I just replace the glass on my side view mirror? Yes, if all the other parts are not damaged, the side view mirror glass can be replaced separately. The price for the glass (part) ranges between $20 and $150.

It's important to order a glass using the VIN number, because the part number will be different for different model years and options such as Blind Spot Monitor, Self-dimming, etc.

The dealer may charge you from 0.5 to 1.0 hours of labor to replace just the glass. In most cars the glass just pops into the clips, but the plastic clips are very fragile and break easily, especially when cold. If you are planning to do it yourself, get the proper instructions and make sure the parts are at least at room temperature.

My mirror is intact, but the painted cover is missing. How can it be repaired? This is an easy fix; order the cover with matching color from the dealer and the new cover just pops in (it's held with a few clips).

Side view mirror replacement costs about $150 to $350, including parts and labor at an auto repair shop. Your cost will be less if you install it yourself, but the actual cost to replace a side view mirror depends on your car's make and model and the repair shop's rates, if you use one. You can lower your cost by ordering a replacement side view mirror and installing it yourself.

The Cost to Replace a Side View Mirror

A side view mirror seems like a minor fix, but the part can be expensive, and the replacement often takes time to install due to wiring. You may end up paying just as much or more for labor as you do for the part itself.

Your actual cost will depend on your make and model. It will also make a difference if your mechanic is using OEM replacement parts or used parts to install. You may end up paying just as much or more for labor as you do for the part itself.

Typically, you can expect to pay between $150 to $350 for a side view mirror replacement with a mechanic or dealership. Most vehicle owners will pay around $250 for this service.

Insurance Claims for Side View Mirrors

Most vehicle owners do not make insurance claims for side view mirrors. Often, the cost of the claim is lower or near enough to their deductible that it doesn't make sense to file the claim, as you can lose claim free discounts or experience a rate hike. It's typically best to simply pay out of pocket for the repair and take it to a mechanic or handle it yourself.

One exception is if the damage to your side view mirror occurred during an accident with another driver that can be identified. In that case, you can claim the repair on the other driver's insurance, and it should be paid in full with no impact to your insurance coverage. However, side view mirror damage often occurs while the vehicle is unattended, or is the driver's fault, so at-fault side view mirror insurance claims are rare.

Replacing a Side View Mirror

Replacing a side view mirror is easy work, but it can take time, as it often involves removing the door panel. Follow these steps to properly remove and replace your side view mirror:

• Inspect the side view mirror assembly: In some older vehicles, your side view mirror may be simply mounted with exterior screws. If so, your installation is easy: simply remove the screws and mirror, then replace it with a new mirror and screws.
• Remove the door trim panel: If your vehicle doesn't have exterior access to the mirror mounting, you'll need to remove the door panel. This requires you to find the fasteners, typically behind vanity caps or recesses. You'll need to use a screwdriver to remove them and be careful not to break snap on clips as you remove the door panel.
• Disconnect the electrical cable: Once you have access to the mirror from the back side, you'll need to disconnect the electrical cable (assuming you have power windows).
• Remove the side view mirror: With the door panel and electrical cable removed, you're ready to take off the old side view mirror. This typically requires you to remove screws on the interior side of the door.
• Put it back together: Installation of the new side view mirror is a reverse of the previous process. You'll need to screw in the new mirror, attach the electrical cable, if any, and put the door trim panel back on the door. Before you put the door trim panel back, be sure to test your power windows and power mirror to ensure that you've connected it all back together properly.

Protecting Your Side View Mirror

Although a side view mirror replacement is easy, it's probably a repair you'd prefer not to do more than once. Unfortunately, side view mirrors are a common target of accidents and vandalism. But it is possible to take steps to protect your side view mirror from damage:

• Avoid close parking: Damage often happens as people are walking through parking lots or opening doors. In parking lots, do your best to leave plenty of space between your car and other cars. Park next to walls or other non parking spaces when possible, or park far away from other vehicles.
• Fold in your mirrors: If your side view mirror offers a folding option, fold it in every time you park, or when you're expecting close quarters. It's also a good idea to fold in mirrors when you're going through a car wash.
• Avoid parking on the street: Mirrors can be hit by passing vehicles on the street, or even become an easy target for vandals. Park in a garage at home whenever possible.
• Take care when backing out: Use extra caution when you're backing out of garage. You may do it every day, but you're not on perfect auto pilot. Many side view mirrors are hit while pulling out of the garage, especially if you have to turn to get out.
• Be careful in tight spaces: Just like backing out, take care and take your time any time you're pulling into a tight parking space.
• Avoid control abuse: Don't let kids play with power mirror controls, as this can wear the parts down and lead to internal damage.

Have you had side view mirror damage? Let us know how your repair went, especially if you made it a DIY project!

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