How much does it cost to replace a side mirror cap?
Expect to pay about $75–$300 for a painted side mirror cap installed in 2025, depending on your vehicle and local labor rates. DIY can be as low as $25–$150 if you buy an unpainted or pre-painted cap and install it yourself. Luxury models or tricky paint colors can push professional jobs to $250–$600. The total typically combines the cap ($20–$200), paint ($100–$250 if needed), and installation labor ($30–$140).
Contents
What is a mirror cap—and when does it need replacing?
The mirror cap is the outer shell that covers your side mirror’s housing, often painted to match the car. It commonly needs replacement after scrapes, cracks, or broken tabs from impacts or tight parking. In most models, the cap can be replaced without changing the entire mirror assembly, though some designs require removing the mirror glass or, rarely, the housing for access.
Typical cost breakdown (2025)
The final price depends on parts, paint, and labor. Here’s how the main components generally stack up in the U.S. this year.
- Part (cap only)
– Aftermarket, textured black or unpainted: $20–$60
– OEM primed (ready for paint): $50–$150
– OEM pre-painted (limited availability): $80–$250 - Paint and prep
– Body shop spray, single-stage or base/clear: $100–$250 per cap
– Pearl/tri-coat colors can add $50–$150 - Installation labor
– 0.3–0.7 hours typical; at $100–$180/hr = $30–$125
– Some shops bill a 1.0-hour minimum - Mobile service convenience premium
– Often $150–$300 all-in for popular models/colors - Dealer vs. independent
– Dealers often run 15%–40% higher on both parts and labor
In practice, many owners land near $150–$300 out the door for a painted cap professionally installed, with higher totals for premium brands and specialty paints.
Price ranges by vehicle type
Vehicle size, brand, and paint complexity influence your final bill. These ballpark ranges reflect typical U.S. retail pricing.
- Economy/compact cars: $75–$200 installed; DIY $25–$90
- Midsize cars and compact SUVs: $150–$300 installed; DIY $40–$150
- Luxury/performance brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, etc.): $250–$600 installed; DIY $90–$250 (pre-painted options help)
- Trucks and large SUVs: $200–$450 installed; DIY $60–$200 (larger caps, pricier paint)
These ranges assume only the cap is replaced; if additional mirror components are damaged, costs climb significantly.
What drives the price up?
Several variables can inflate the bill beyond the typical range. Knowing them helps you budget—or avoid surprises.
- Paint complexity: pearl, tri-coat, matte, or unusual metallics often add $50–$150
- Access difficulty: designs requiring mirror glass or housing removal add labor time
- OEM vs. aftermarket: OEM caps and dealer paint carry a premium
- Shop policies: 1.0-hour labor minimums and hazardous-material fees are common
- Color match standards: better blending and finish quality usually cost more
- Shipping/availability: special-order caps or rare colors add time and cost
If your cap is textured black from the factory, you can often skip paint entirely, substantially reducing the cost.
DIY or professional: which makes sense?
DIY: costs and basic steps
DIY is feasible for many models and can keep costs low, especially if you find a pre-painted cap that matches your paint code.
- Confirm part: use your VIN or paint code to order the correct cap (OEM or quality aftermarket)
- If painting: buy a primed cap and use matched basecoat and clearcoat, or have a paint shop spray it
- Remove the old cap: tilt or remove the mirror glass if required, release retaining clips from inside the housing
- Inspect clips and tabs: replace broken retainers; some caps need new clips or tape ($5–$15)
- Install the new cap: align tabs and press until clips fully engage; re-seat mirror glass
A careful DIYer can complete the swap in 20–60 minutes; painting adds hours for prep, coats, and curing.
Professional service: what to expect
Shops handle paint matching, prep, and installation, and typically warranty the finish. Prices vary by location and brand.
Before booking, it helps to ask a few targeted questions to avoid extra costs.
- Is the cap OEM, aftermarket, and will it arrive pre-painted or primed?
- What’s the labor time and hourly rate—and is there a minimum charge?
- How do you guarantee color match and finish, and what’s the warranty?
- Are there fees for materials, hazardous waste, or mobile service?
- How soon can you source the part and complete the job?
Clear estimates and a written warranty help ensure you get the result—and price—you expect.
Time estimates
Parts sourcing can take from same-day to a week, depending on availability and paint. Installation itself is typically under an hour for most models. If painting is required, expect 1–2 days total to allow for prep, spraying, and curing, especially at busy shops.
Common misconceptions and cautions
Not every mirror-cap job is the same. These points can prevent costly missteps.
- Cap vs. mirror assembly: replacing the cap is far cheaper; only replace the whole mirror if the housing, motor, or electronics are damaged
- Sensors and cameras: blind-spot indicators and 360° cameras usually sit under the cap; swapping the cap alone typically needs no calibration
- Color matching: even with correct paint code, age and sun fade can cause slight variation; blending nearby panels is rarely done for caps
- Clips/tabs: forcing the cap can snap retainers—check for hidden tabs and use plastic trim tools
When in doubt, consult a factory service manual or a trusted body shop before prying anything apart.
Summary
Replacing a side mirror cap typically costs $75–$300 installed in 2025, with DIY options from $25–$150. Expect to pay for the cap ($20–$200), possible paint ($100–$250), and brief labor ($30–$140). Luxury brands, complex paints, and tricky access can raise totals to $250–$600. Verify the correct part, paint code, and labor time up front to keep the job on budget and the finish looking factory-fresh.
How much to replace a mirror cap?
How Much Does a Mirror Cover Cost? typically cost between $15 to $130, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. Mirror covers can come in a variety of finishes such as chrome, carbon fiber, plain ABS plastic, or painted in primer, which can be painted with the color of your choice.
Does insurance cover side mirror damage?
Collision insurance will cover broken side mirror if the damage was caused by an accident, while comprehensive coverage will pay if the broken side mirror was due to something other than a crash, like vandalism or a natural disaster.
Can you replace just the side mirror cover?
It’s the housing that covers the entire assembly (except the glass). Its purpose is to protect the wiring and other components from moisture and debris. If your side mirror cover is broken, you have two different repair options to choose from: replacing just the cover or doing a full replacement.
How to fix a broken mirror cap?
How to Replace a Mirror Cap
- The first step is to locate the broken piece of the rear view mirror cap.
- Next, if your mirror cap is still attached, you’ll need to remove it.
- Once the old mirror cap is removed, you can start to install the new one.
- Once it is in place, gently press down on the mirror cap to secure it.
