Is It Expensive to Replace a Side Mirror?

Usually, replacing a side mirror costs anywhere from about $150 to $500 for common cars if the whole assembly needs swapping, but advanced mirrors with features like blind-spot monitoring or cameras can push the total to $500–$1,500 or more, especially on luxury models. The final price depends on the vehicle, the mirror’s built-in tech, whether paint is required, and where you get the work done.

What Determines the Price?

Side mirrors range from simple manual units to sensor-packed components integral to a car’s safety systems. The following factors most strongly influence cost.

• Vehicle make and model: Luxury and newer EVs tend to have pricier parts and longer labor times.
• Mirror features: Power adjustment, heat, auto-dimming, integrated turn signals, puddle lights, memory, blind-spot monitoring (BSM), and surround-view/side cameras raise costs significantly.
• Parts choice: OEM parts typically cost more than aftermarket; recycled (used) assemblies can be cheaper if available.
• Paint and color-matching: Unpainted caps are inexpensive; painting to match can add cost and time.
• Labor rates and complexity: Accessing the mirror on some vehicles requires door-panel removal and careful handling of wiring and clips.
• Calibration needs: Mirrors with cameras or BSM/RCTA sensors may require ADAS calibration, adding both time and expense.
• Glass-only vs. full assembly: Replacing only the glass insert is much cheaper than replacing the entire assembly.
• Location: Urban areas with higher shop rates and limited parts availability can increase prices.

Taken together, these variables explain why quotes can vary widely for what seems like a simple repair.

Typical Cost Ranges in 2025

While exact pricing depends on your car and region, these ballpark figures reflect current U.S. market rates for parts and labor.

• Glass-only replacement: About $20–$200 for the insert; labor often $50–$100 if not DIY.
• Basic manual mirror (no power/heat): $150–$300 total at an independent shop; parts often $50–$150 aftermarket.
• Power or heated mirror: $250–$500 total; parts $100–$300 depending on brand and features.
• With turn signal/puddle light/auto-dimming/memory: $350–$800 total, depending on complexity and OEM vs aftermarket.
• With blind-spot monitoring sensors: $500–$1,200 total; may require BSM calibration on some models.
• With integrated camera (surround-view/360): $700–$1,500+ total; camera-equipped units are costly and often require ADAS calibration.
• Premium/luxury/EV brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Tesla, Lexus, etc.): $800–$2,500+ for the full assembly and related work, particularly with advanced tech.
• Paint and color match (if needed): $100–$300 for the cap; some mirrors are sold pre-painted, others require body shop work.
• Labor: Commonly $75–$150 per hour; most jobs take 0.5–1.5 hours before any calibration.
• ADAS calibration: $100–$400 extra when required for BSM/camera-equipped mirrors.

These ranges help set expectations: simple mirrors are relatively affordable, while tech-heavy assemblies drive costs up quickly.

Where to Get It Fixed—and What You’ll Pay

Your choice of service provider can shift both price and turnaround time. Here are common options and typical outcomes.

• Dealership: Highest likelihood of correct OEM parts and required calibrations; pricing is usually the highest. Best for vehicles with advanced ADAS/camera mirrors or warranty concerns.
• Independent body shop: Competitive pricing, paint services on-site, and experience with door/trim work. Good balance for most repairs.
• Independent mechanic: Often fine for non-painted, non-ADAS mirrors; may refer out for painting or calibration.
• Mobile glass/body services: Convenient for glass-only or simple mirror swaps; may charge a service fee and might not offer calibration.
• DIY: Cheapest if you’re handy and the mirror is simple. Not recommended for units with cameras or BSM unless you’re confident about wiring and follow-up calibration needs.

Matching the provider to your mirror’s complexity helps control costs without compromising safety or fit-and-finish.

DIY Considerations

For basic mirrors, DIY can be straightforward with trim tools and patience. You’ll likely remove a small interior trim cover at the mirror base, disconnect the harness (if powered), remove mounting nuts, and reverse the steps. For painted caps, consider pre-painted parts or plan for body shop work. If your mirror includes sensors or cameras, professional installation and calibration are strongly advised.

Insurance and Legal Considerations

Insurance can offset costs, but deductibles and coverage details matter. Legal requirements for driving with a damaged or missing mirror vary by jurisdiction.

• Insurance coverage: Comprehensive or collision might cover mirror damage (e.g., vandalism, hit-and-run, collision) subject to your deductible. If your deductible is $500–$1,000, filing may not make sense for a basic mirror.
• Glass-specific coverage: Typically doesn’t include mirrors; it’s usually for windshields/windows.
• Claim impact: Small claims can affect premiums; ask your insurer about consequences before filing.
• Legality of driving without a mirror: In many U.S. states, the driver’s side mirror is required; some allow driving with a functioning rear-view and one outside mirror, but enforcement varies. If your rear view is obstructed (e.g., cargo, tinted rear), a driver-side mirror is usually mandatory.

Checking your policy and local laws can prevent unexpected costs—or citations—while you arrange repairs.

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Safety

There are practical ways to keep costs down while ensuring your mirror works correctly and looks right.

• Compare quotes: Get estimates from a dealership and at least two independents; confirm whether paint and calibration are included.
• Consider aftermarket or CAPA-certified parts: Quality can be solid and pricing lower than OEM; verify compatibility with sensors and features.
• Look for recycled OEM parts: Auto recyclers and reputable online marketplaces can supply painted caps or full assemblies at a discount.
• Glass-only fix: If the housing and motors are intact, replacing just the glass is the cheapest route.
• Pre-painted caps: Buying a cap already color-matched can be faster and cheaper than body shop paint, if available.
• Mobile service: For simple swaps, mobile techs can save you time; confirm warranty and parts quality.
• Mind calibration: Skipping ADAS calibration when required can compromise safety features and may affect insurance liability.

Balancing parts choices with proper installation and calibration typically yields the best value over the long term.

Timeline: What to Expect

Most shops can replace a simple mirror in 30–90 minutes once the part is in hand. If painting is required, expect 1–3 additional days for prep, paint, and curing. When ADAS calibration is needed, set aside extra time—often same-day but sometimes requiring specialized equipment or a road test.

Summary

Replacing a side mirror isn’t necessarily expensive: basic jobs often land between $150 and $500. Costs climb with added features—blind-spot sensors, cameras, auto-dimming, and paint—reaching $500–$1,500 or more, and even higher on luxury or EV models. Shop around, consider quality aftermarket or recycled parts where appropriate, and don’t skip calibration for sensor-equipped mirrors. The right provider at a fair rate can deliver a safe, clean repair without overspending.

Can I replace just the glass of a side mirror?

Yes, you can usually replace just the mirror glass on a side view mirror, as long as the mirror’s housing and other electrical components (like heating elements) are intact and functioning. You can buy replacement glass, which may be snap-on or stick-on, and follow a process of removing the old glass, cleaning the housing, and installing the new glass. This is a viable and often cheaper alternative to replacing the entire mirror assembly if only the glass is broken.
 
This video demonstrates how to replace the side view mirror glass: 1mO’Reilly Auto PartsYouTube · Jun 5, 2018
When to Replace Just the Glass

• Intact Housing: The plastic housing that holds the mirror is not damaged, loose, or broken. 
• Working Electronics: If your mirror has heating or power adjustment functions, these components and their connections are intact and working properly. 
• Minor Damage: Only the glass itself is cracked, chipped, or shattered. 

Steps to Replace the Mirror Glass

1. Safety First: Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken glass. 
2. Remove Old Glass: Carefully remove any loose pieces of the old mirror. For snap-on glass, you may need to pry out the old backing plate. If the mirror is heated, you’ll need to detach the electrical connectors first. 
3. Clean the Housing: Clean the area thoroughly to remove any old adhesive or debris, ensuring a good surface for the new mirror. 
4. Attach New Glass: 
   • Snap-on: If your new glass comes with a new backing plate, snap it onto the actuator until it clicks into place. 
   • Stick-on: If it’s a stick-on replacement, apply the provided adhesive or double-sided tape and carefully press the new mirror onto the backing plate. 
5. Reconnect (If Heated): Reconnect the electrical connectors if your mirror is a heated model. 
6. Test: Check that the mirror functions correctly by adjusting it. 

This video shows the entire process of replacing a side view mirror: 34sClark Howard: Save More, Spend LessYouTube · Jun 21, 2018
When to Replace the Entire Assembly 

• Loose or Broken Housing: If the mirror assembly is loose or the plastic casing is cracked, you’ll need to replace the entire unit.
• Internal Damage: A strong impact that knocks the mirror off its swivel could indicate broken internal components.
• Faded or Corroded Mirror: If the mirror is old, corroded, or the housing has significant cosmetic damage, it might be best to replace the whole assembly.

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.

Do body shops replace side mirrors?

Yes! Side mirror repair and replacement can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. Is it dangerous to drive with a damaged side view mirror? A vehicle’s side mirror is a crucial safety feature that ensures you, the driver, have a complete view of your surroundings.

Is it legal to drive with a damaged side mirror?

While specifics vary, all states do require drivers to be able to see behind them with at least one mirror. Fortunately, if it is just a matter of a broken side mirror, many states allow officers to issue “Fix-It” tickets.