How Much Does Replacing a Car Mirror Cost?

In the U.S., replacing a side mirror typically costs $150–$500 for common power mirrors, $70–$250 for glass-only repairs, and $300–$1,200+ for mirrors with features like blind-spot monitoring or cameras; luxury/ADAS-heavy models can reach $800–$2,500. Labor, paint, and sensor calibration can add $100–$600 depending on the vehicle and shop.

What You’re Paying For

The final price depends on the part you need, the technology inside the mirror, whether it needs painting, and where you have the work done. Modern mirrors can include heaters, turn signals, cameras, and sensors that require calibration after installation.

• Part type: Glass-only vs. full mirror assembly (housing + motor + electronics)
• Features: Power adjust, heating, memory, auto-dimming, puddle lights, turn signals
• Driver-assist tech: Blind-spot monitoring (BSM), 360°/surround-view cameras, lane cameras, power-folding
• OEM vs. aftermarket: OEM usually costs more but may fit and function best with sensors
• Paint: Unpainted black caps are cheaper; color-matched paint adds cost/time
• Labor rates: Typically $90–$180/hour; dealers often higher than independents
• Calibration/programming: Required on many ADAS-equipped cars; adds time and fees
• Vehicle segment: Luxury, newer EVs, and imported brands tend to be pricier
• Location: Large metro/coastal areas can run 10–20% higher than national averages

These factors stack: a simple glass swap can be quick and inexpensive, while a tech-heavy assembly on a luxury model can be several times more.

Typical Price Ranges in the U.S.

The following estimates reflect common “parts + labor” totals. Your quote may differ based on shop rates, parts availability, and your vehicle’s exact options.

• Side mirror glass only (no housing): $70–$250 installed (parts $20–$150; labor $50–$100)
• Manual/basic non-heated full assembly: $150–$350 installed
• Power/heated mirror (no sensors), unpainted cap: $200–$500 installed
• With blind-spot monitor and/or turn signal: $300–$700 installed
• With cameras (360°/surround-view) and/or memory/power-folding: $500–$1,200+ installed
• Luxury brands and tech-heavy EVs: $800–$2,500 installed (OEM assemblies can be $1,000+ before labor)
• Interior rearview mirror: $50–$250 basic; $150–$500 auto-dimming/compass/HomeLink; $500–$1,200 for digital camera-based mirrors
• ADAS calibration add-on (if required): +$100–$400
• Paint and refinish (if color-matching): +$150–$400 at a body shop; DIY paint materials $50–$200

If your mirror integrates sensors or cameras, expect the quote to land on the higher end and to include calibration or programming fees.

Parts vs. Labor Breakdown

On basic jobs, parts usually dominate the cost; on premium mirrors, the part itself can exceed labor several times over. Labor is often 0.5–1.5 hours for standard mirrors, plus additional time if door panels must be removed or if calibration is needed.

Here’s how labor time commonly shakes out for shops to estimate:

• Mirror glass swap: 0.2–0.5 hours
• Basic assembly replacement: 0.7–1.2 hours
• Door panel R&I and wiring checks: +0.3–0.6 hours
• ADAS calibration/programming: 0.5–1.0 hours (varies by make/model)

Shops may itemize these or quote a flat installed price. Dealer rates tend to be higher but may be required for certain calibrations or proprietary programming.

Insurance Coverage and When to Use It

Comprehensive insurance typically covers mirror damage from vandalism, theft, falling objects, or hit-and-run, but you’ll pay your deductible first. Collision coverage applies if you struck something. Whether to claim depends on the total cost versus your deductible and potential premium changes.

• Use insurance if repair cost significantly exceeds your deductible (e.g., $800+ repair with a $250–$500 deductible)
• Pay out of pocket if cost is near or below deductible, to avoid possible premium impacts
• Confirm if your policy allows aftermarket or recycled OEM parts and whether calibration is covered

Always ask the shop for an itemized estimate to submit to your insurer, including calibration and paint line items.

DIY vs. Professional Replacement

DIY can save money on simple mirrors or glass-only replacements, but electronics, airbags in door panels, paint, and calibrations raise the stakes. If your mirror ties into safety systems, professional service is safer and may be required to restore features.

• DIY-suitable: Glass-only pads, basic manual mirrors, non-painted caps
• Avoid DIY if: Mirror includes BSM, cameras, memory, power-folding, or requires door airbags/trim removal and calibration
• Tools/materials: Trim tools, Torx/sockets, panel clips, service manual; paint supplies if color-matching
• Risks: Breaking clips, damaging paint, water leaks, warning lights, non-functioning sensors without calibration

When in doubt, request a shop quote that includes calibration—especially on 2016+ vehicles with ADAS.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

A precise estimate depends on your VIN and the mirror’s option codes. Providing good information up front shortens turnaround and avoids surprise add-ons.

1. Provide your VIN and trim; note options like heating, BSM, power-folding, memory, cameras
2. Send photos of the damage and the intact mirror on the other side (to match features)
3. Ask for OEM vs. aftermarket pricing and availability
4. Confirm if paint is needed and whether the shop paints in-house or sublets to a body shop
5. Ask if ADAS calibration or programming is required and whether they can perform it
6. Request written, itemized estimates (parts, labor hours, paint, calibration, taxes/fees)
7. Check warranty terms on parts and labor (12 months/12,000 miles is common; some offer longer)
8. Compare dealer, independent body shop, and mobile options if it’s glass-only

Following these steps helps you compare apples-to-apples and prevent scope creep on the final invoice.

Time Estimates

Turnaround can range from under an hour to a couple of days, depending on parts, paint, and calibration scheduling.

• Glass-only: 20–40 minutes
• Basic assembly: 45–90 minutes
• Painted mirror cap/assembly: Add 1–2 business days for paint/curing
• Calibration/programming: 30–90 minutes, sometimes same-day scheduling constraints
• Dealer backorders: Can extend to several days for OEM parts on newer/luxury models

Ask about parts availability before booking; delays usually stem from paint queues or backordered assemblies.

Regional and International Considerations

Prices above reflect U.S. averages in 2024–2025. In dense metro or coastal markets, expect 10–20% higher totals. Outside the U.S., VAT, import duties, and brand-specific parts availability can shift costs materially; OEM pricing for European luxury brands is often higher in their home markets, while aftermarket options may be limited.

Summary

Most standard side mirror replacements fall between $150 and $500 installed, glass-only fixes are often under $250, and tech-rich mirrors with sensors or cameras commonly cost $300–$1,200+, with luxury models sometimes reaching $2,500. Confirm features via VIN, ask about paint and calibration, and compare OEM vs. aftermarket quotes to get the best value without compromising safety systems.

Does AutoZone replace mirrors?

When broken windows or mirrors occur, AutoZone has the high-quality replacement for your ride. Safeguard your auto windows by investing in top-of-the-line brands and products that AutoZone always has in stock. Stay protected from the elements with new glass as soon as you find a crack in your vehicle windows.

Is a side mirror covered by insurance?

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.

Are car mirrors expensive to replace?

Replacing a car side mirror costs around $299 on average. This pricing includes both parts, which can range from $139 to $328, and labor costs, generally adding about $90. However, the mirror replacement cost can escalate depending on several factors.

How much is a mirror for a car?

Mirror Buyer’s Guide
A can cost you anywhere between $10 and $100 on parts alone. A repair shop may charge $75 to $150 for labor, depending on the rates in your area.