Side view mirror replacement costs between $150 and $1,500 per mirror depending on whether you replace just the glass, the whole mirror assembly, and whether your car has power adjustment or heating features.

The price splits into three main categories. A glass-only replacement — where a technician pops out the broken glass and installs a new one — runs $150 to $350 and works only if the mirror housing itself is intact. A full mirror assembly replacement — the entire unit, housing and all — costs $300 to $1,000 at a dealership or $200 to $600 at an independent shop. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts from your car's maker cost more than aftermarket parts that fit the same vehicle but come from a third-party supplier.

Labor time is usually 30 minutes to an hour, billed at your shop's hourly rate. Dealerships typically charge $100 to $200 per hour; independent shops charge $50 to $100 per hour. If you have comprehensive insurance that covers collision or comprehensive damage, your deductible (usually $500 to $1,000) may explore, meaning you pay out of pocket if the repair costs less than your deductible.

Key Takeaways

  • Glass-only replacements cost $150 to $350 and work only if the mirror housing is not cracked or bent.
  • Full mirror assembly replacements run $300 to $1,000 at a dealership or $200 to $600 at an independent shop, depending on whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts.
  • Power-adjustable and heated mirrors cost more to replace than manual mirrors because the parts themselves are more expensive.
  • Your insurance deductible may mean you pay the full repair cost out of pocket if the bill falls below your deductible amount.
  • Aftermarket mirrors from third-party suppliers fit your car the same way as OEM parts but typically cost 30 to 50 percent less.

Glass-only replacement versus full mirror assembly

If your mirror glass is cracked or shattered but the plastic or metal housing around it is undamaged, a technician can often replace just the glass. This is the cheapest option and takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The glass slides or clips out of the housing, and a new piece slides back in. Cost runs $150 to $350 depending on whether the glass is heated or has a defrost function built in.

If the housing is cracked, bent, or the mirror won't adjust or stay in position, you need a full assembly replacement. The entire mirror unit comes off (usually four bolts or clips on the inside of the door), and a new one bolts back on. Wiring for power adjustment, heating, or turn signals reconnects to the car's electrical system. This takes 45 minutes to an hour and costs $300 to $1,000 at a dealership or $200 to $600 at an independent shop.

OEM parts versus aftermarket parts

An OEM mirror is made by your car's manufacturer or an authorized supplier and carries the same part number as the original mirror on your car. An aftermarket mirror is made by a third-party company and fits your car's make and model but is not made by the manufacturer. Both work the same way and last the same length of time, but OEM parts cost 30 to 50 percent more.

A Honda Civic OEM mirror assembly might cost $400 to $500 at a Honda dealership, while an aftermarket version for the same car costs $250 to $350 at an independent shop or online retailer. The difference comes down to brand name and warranty — dealerships stand behind OEM parts with their own warranty, while aftermarket suppliers offer their own warranty, which may be shorter or have different terms. If you plan to keep the car long-term and want the assurance of the manufacturer's backing, OEM makes sense. If you want the lowest cost and don't mind a different warranty, aftermarket is the practical choice.

Power-adjustable and heated mirrors cost more

A basic manual mirror — one you adjust by hand and that has no heating function — is the cheapest to replace. A power-adjustable mirror with a switch inside the car that moves the mirror left, right, up, and down costs more because the part itself includes a motor and wiring. A heated mirror, which defrosts in winter, adds another $50 to $150 to the part cost. A mirror with both power adjustment and heating is the most expensive option.

The labor cost is the same whether your mirror is manual or power-equipped — the technician still spends 45 minutes to an hour on the job. But the part cost difference is real. A manual mirror assembly might be $200 to $300, while a power-adjustable heated mirror for the same car might be $400 to $600. If you have a luxury or high-end vehicle, these features are often standard, and the cost difference between replacing with the same features and replacing with a basic mirror is significant.

Dealership versus independent shop pricing

A dealership charges more for the same mirror replacement than an independent shop, usually 40 to 60 percent more. A dealership for a Toyota might charge $600 to $800 for a full mirror assembly replacement (parts and labor), while an independent shop charges $350 to $500 for the same job. Dealerships use OEM parts by default, have higher overhead costs, and often have longer wait times. Independent shops typically use aftermarket parts unless you request OEM, have lower overhead, and often can fit you in faster.

The trade-off is warranty and convenience. A dealership warranty covers the mirror for a set period (often one year) and you can return to the same dealership if something goes wrong. An independent shop's warranty depends on the shop and the parts supplier. If you're comfortable with aftermarket parts and a smaller warranty, an independent shop saves money. If you want the certainty of OEM parts and the dealership's backing, you pay more.

Insurance coverage and deductibles

If your mirror was damaged in a collision or by weather (hail, falling tree branch), your comprehensive or collision insurance may cover the repair. Comprehensive coverage typically covers weather and vandalism; collision coverage covers accidents. You pay your deductible — the amount you're responsible for before insurance pays — and insurance covers the rest.

The catch: if your repair bill is less than your deductible, you pay the full amount out of pocket. If your deductible is $1,000 and the mirror replacement costs $400, you pay $400 yourself and don't file a claim. Filing a claim for a small repair can also raise your premium at renewal, so many people skip the claim for minor damage. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to confirm what's covered and what your deductible is before you get a repair quote.

What to expect at the shop

When you bring your car in, the technician will inspect the mirror to determine whether a glass-only replacement will work or if you need a full assembly. They'll give you a quote that lists the part cost, labor cost, and total. If you haven't decided between OEM and aftermarket, ask the difference in price — most shops can show you both options. Once you approve the quote, the repair usually takes one to two hours if the shop has the part in stock, or several days if they need to order it.

If you're having the repair done at a dealership, call ahead to confirm they have the part available. Independent shops often stock common aftermarket mirrors and can complete the job the same day. Ask whether the quote includes tax and whether there are any additional fees (diagnostic fees, shop supplies, etc.) before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just the glass if my mirror is power-adjustable?

Yes, if only the glass is broken and the housing and motor are intact. A glass-only replacement for a power mirror costs the same as for a manual mirror — $150 to $350 — because the glass itself is the same. The motor and wiring stay in place.

How long does a mirror replacement take?

A glass-only replacement takes 15 to 30 minutes. A full mirror assembly replacement takes 45 minutes to an hour. If the shop needs to order the part, add several days to the timeline. Most independent shops can complete the job same-day if they stock the part; dealerships may take longer due to higher volume.

Will my insurance cover a broken mirror?

Comprehensive or collision coverage may cover mirror damage, but you pay your deductible first. If the repair costs less than your deductible, you pay the full amount out of pocket. Filing a small claim can also raise your premium, so many people skip the claim for mirror damage.

Is an aftermarket mirror as good as an OEM mirror?

Yes, an aftermarket mirror fits and functions the same way as an OEM mirror. The difference is brand name and warranty terms. OEM mirrors carry the manufacturer's backing; aftermarket mirrors carry the supplier's warranty. Both last the same length of time under normal use.

What if my car has a camera or blind-spot sensor in the mirror?

If your mirror houses a camera or sensor, the replacement cost increases because the part itself is more expensive and the technician must recalibrate or reprogram the system after installation. This can add $200 to $500 to the total cost and may require specialized equipment. Ask your shop whether they can handle this before you commit.