Does car insurance cover a broken side mirror?
Car insurance does cover a broken side mirror, but only in specific scenarios and with certain types of coverage. Broken mirrors generally can't be fixed; they must be replaced instead, which means ordering a whole new part. If you have issues with a broken side mirror, car insurance quotes with affordable prices are available.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed life and health insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chr...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Dec 1, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 1, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Comprehensive car insurance will cover a broken side mirror in certain circumstances, such as getting sideswiped by another car while parked
- If you are at fault for breaking your mirror while driving, then collision insurance will cover it instead
- Since it is usually impossible to fix a broken mirror, it has to be replaced, which means finding the right replacement part
- Replacement side mirrors can cost between $35 – $90 and may be significantly more with parts and labor
Insurance policies allow clients to receive financial reimbursement against losses, but does auto insurance cover a broken side mirror? It all depends on the specific type of insurance.
Comprehensive insurance, which is full auto insurance coverage, can cover a broken mirror in certain scenarios. It’s worth considering comprehensive insurance when it comes time to compare car insurance coverage.
If your side mirror was broken when you were not driving, comprehensive insurance would cover the damages. This could have been caused by flying debris or getting sideswiped by another car while parked.
If you are the one who damaged the mirror while driving, collision insurance will cover it instead. This would include accidents with another car or damage to the mirror caused by running into a pole or other stationary object.
To find car insurance for broken side mirrors or any other car issues, enter your ZIP code into the box above. Compare quotes from different insurers and select one that fits you best.
Where can I get my car side mirror fixed?
To get your car side mirror replaced, you will want to find a reputable auto body shop.
It’s usually impossible to repair a broken side mirror, so instead, it will need to be replaced, which means getting a whole new replacement mirror and having it installed.
Many car side mirrors have mirror casing painted the same color as the rest of the car.
The replacement part may not be that color, so unless you want it to stick out, you will need to find your car’s paint color as well. You will have to paint the mirror yourself or pay someone else to do it.
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What is the cost to repair a side mirror?
If you currently have a broken side mirror and your insurance won’t cover it, then you will have to pay for a replacement part out of pocket.
For example, liability insurance only covers damage to other vehicles if you cause an accident. It won’t cover your broken side mirror.
The cost of replacing a side mirror replacement can vary drastically depending on the car. Getting the replacement part can cost anywhere from $35 to $90. If you aren’t installing it yourself, parts and labor will cost from under $200 to over $300.
Replacing a broken side mirror can be pricey. If you want your car insurance to cover it, you will still need to consider paying the deductible.
This also might cause your rates to increase, so you must consider carefully whether it’s worth it to even make a claim.
If there is more damage to your car than just the mirror, then yes, it is likely worth it to make a claim. With just mirror damage, you have a choice to make.
If you were not at fault, you might be able to get the mirror fixed without having to pay the deductible anyway.
As always, it is best to check with your insurance company to determine what is covered before you decide on your course of action.
Should a body shop or dealership replace my side mirror?
An experienced technician can replace a mirror in one to two hours, dependent on how complicated the repair is. It is not always necessary to remove the interior door panel. Because of this, repair times can vary slightly.
Don’t forget also that most dealers mark up their parts’ prices. They can give you top-notch service. Ensure that the parts are purchased in advance. The dealership might not have the original part available at the time. So, buying the parts beforehand can save you valuable time.
How is the side mirror replacement performed?
If just the glass is to be replaced, a technician uses a plastic trim tool to remove the broken mirror glass, then a new part simply snaps into place with gentle pressure.
For a complete side mirror assembly replacement, the technician locates the mounting bolts on the ‘A’ pillar or door assembly, depending on your make and model.
The mounting nuts are removed, and the electrical connector is disconnected.
The new side mirror assembly is put in place, the electrical connector is reconnected, and the nuts are tightened.
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Are side mirrors covered under warranty?
Side mirrors can be covered by a warranty, but a factory warranty only covers defects in manufacturing.
If the car side mirror is damaged because of something like a collision or vandalism, the warranty likely won’t cover a replacement part.
However, if the mirror were to fall off and break due to not being installed properly, for instance, then the warranty would cover the cost of getting a new mirror.
If you have an issue with a broken side mirror, car insurance quotes are available. Enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool below to find the right insurance for you.
Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Broken Side Mirrors
Case Study 1: John’s Tree Mishap
John parked his car on the street under a large tree. One stormy night, a strong gust of wind caused a branch to break off and crash into John’s side mirror, completely shattering it. Fortunately, John had comprehensive insurance coverage, which included protection against damage caused by falling objects.
He filed a claim with his insurance company, and they approved the claim. The insurance company covered the cost of replacing the broken side mirror, allowing John to get his car back on the road without any out-of-pocket expenses.
Case Study 2: Lisa’s Parking Misfortune
Lisa was trying to park her car in a crowded parking lot when she misjudged the distance and accidentally collided with a concrete pillar. The impact caused significant damage to her side mirror, rendering it inoperable. Luckily, Lisa had collision insurance coverage.
She contacted her insurance provider, who guided her through the claims process. The insurance company covered the cost of the side mirror replacement, ensuring that Lisa could have her car back in its original condition.
Case Study 3: Mike’s Side-Swipe Incident
Mike was driving on the highway when another vehicle suddenly veered into his lane, causing a side-swipe accident. The collision resulted in severe damage to Mike’s side mirror, leaving it dangling precariously. As an insured driver with collision insurance, Mike promptly reported the incident to his insurance company.
They assessed the damage and approved the claim. The insurance company covered the cost of a new side mirror and its professional installation, restoring Mike’s vehicle to its pre-accident state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance cover a broken side mirror?
Car insurance can cover a broken side mirror, but it depends on the type of coverage you have and the circumstances. Comprehensive insurance can cover a broken mirror in certain scenarios, such as damage caused by flying debris or while the car is parked. Collision insurance may cover the mirror if you caused the damage while driving, such as in an accident with another vehicle or hitting a stationary object.
Where can I get my car side mirror fixed?
To get your car side mirror replaced, you should find a reputable auto body shop that specializes in mirror repairs and replacements.
What is the cost to repair a side mirror?
The cost of repairing or replacing a side mirror can vary depending on the car and the extent of the damage. The replacement part itself can range from $35 to $90, and if you’re not installing it yourself, the total cost including parts and labor can be between $200 and $300. It’s important to consider your insurance coverage and deductible before deciding whether to make a claim.
Should a body shop or dealership replace my side mirror?
Both body shops and dealerships can replace a side mirror. It’s recommended to choose an experienced technician who can handle the repair efficiently. Dealerships may have higher prices for parts, so it’s worth considering purchasing the replacement part in advance to save time and potentially money.
How is the side mirror replacement performed?
If only the mirror glass needs to be replaced, a technician can use a plastic trim tool to remove the broken glass and snap the new part into place. For a complete side mirror assembly replacement, the technician will locate the mounting bolts, remove them along with the electrical connector, install the new assembly, reconnect the electrical connector, and tighten the bolts.
Are side mirrors covered under warranty?
Side mirrors may be covered by a warranty, but typically only for defects in manufacturing. Damage caused by accidents or other external factors may not be covered. It’s important to check the terms of your warranty to determine what is included.
Are you looking for free insurance quotes?
Your one-stop online insurance guide. Get free quotes now!
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed life and health insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chr...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.