Does car insurance cover a broken side mirror?

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.

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.

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.