What an outside rear view mirror does and why you need it
An outside rear view mirror is the mirror mounted on the outside of your car door — one on each side — that lets you see traffic behind and beside you without turning your head. It is a safety tool, not a luxury. Most states require both side mirrors to be present and functional, and many insurance companies will not cover damage that happens because a mirror was missing or broken.
The mirror itself is usually made of glass, but the whole assembly includes a metal or plastic housing, an internal bracket that connects to your door, and often a motor that lets you adjust it from inside the car. When any part fails — the glass cracks, the motor stops working, or the housing breaks — the entire mirror assembly usually needs to be replaced as a unit, though sometimes just the glass can be swapped out.
Key Takeaways
- Outside rear view mirrors are required by law in most states and let you see traffic to the side and behind your vehicle without turning your head.
- A broken mirror assembly typically costs between $150 and $500 to replace, depending on whether it has a motor and whether your car is newer or older.
- You can replace the glass alone if only the reflective surface is cracked, which costs less but requires careful removal to avoid damaging the housing.
- If your mirror was hit or damaged in an accident, your collision insurance may cover the replacement if you have that coverage and pay your deductible.
- Aftermarket mirrors are cheaper than dealer parts but may not match your car's color or have all the same features as the original.
How to tell if your mirror needs replacement
A mirror that is straightforward dirty or fogged up does not need replacement — you can clean it with glass cleaner and a soft cloth. But a mirror that is cracked, shattered, or missing pieces of the reflective coating should be replaced because you cannot see clearly through it, and that is a safety problem.
If the mirror glass is intact but the housing is cracked or the mirror hangs loose from the door, the whole assembly usually needs to come off. If the mirror does not move when you use the adjustment controls inside your car, the motor has failed and the assembly should be replaced. A mirror that is bent but still attached and functional can sometimes be left alone, though it may look wrong and could affect your resale value.
The difference between replacing just the glass and replacing the whole mirror
If only the glass is damaged — cracked or missing reflective coating — you can sometimes buy just the mirror glass insert and swap it into the existing housing. This costs less, usually $30 to $80 for the glass alone, plus the time to remove and reinstall it. The catch is that the glass is glued in place, so removal can damage the housing if you are not careful, and if the housing is already cracked or the motor is broken, you will end up replacing the whole thing anyway.
Replacing the entire mirror assembly means removing the old one from the door bracket, disconnecting any wiring for the motor or heating element, and bolting on a new one. This takes longer and costs more — $150 to $500 depending on your car — but you get a complete working unit with no risk of damaging the housing. Most repair shops will replace the whole assembly rather than just the glass, because it is faster and comes with a warranty.
What replacement mirrors cost and where to buy them
A new mirror assembly from your car's dealer typically costs $250 to $500, including the part and labor. An aftermarket mirror from an auto parts store or online retailer costs $100 to $300 for the part alone, then you pay a shop to install it, or you can install it yourself if you are comfortable with basic tools.
Aftermarket mirrors work fine but may not be an exact match. The color might be slightly different, especially if your car is an older model and the paint has faded. Some aftermarket mirrors do not have all the features of the original — for example, a heated mirror might come as a non-heated version, or a power-adjustable mirror might be manual-only. Before you buy, check the product description to make sure it has the features you need and matches your car's year, make, and model.
If you are replacing the mirror yourself, you will need a socket set or screwdriver set, depending on how your mirror is bolted on. The job usually takes 15 to 30 minutes per side. If you take it to a shop, labor typically runs $50 to $150 per mirror on top of the part cost.
Insurance coverage for a broken mirror
If your mirror was damaged in a collision or by another car, your collision insurance may cover the replacement. You would file a claim, pay your deductible (usually $250 to $1,000), and the insurance company would pay the rest. If the damage was caused by something other than a collision — for example, a branch fell on it, or someone hit it in a parking lot and drove away — your comprehensive coverage might cover it instead, usually with a lower deductible.
If you have neither collision nor comprehensive coverage, or if the damage is minor enough that the repair cost is less than your deductible, you would pay out of pocket. Some people choose to skip the insurance claim for a small mirror repair and just pay the shop directly, since filing a claim can raise your premium later.
Temporary fixes while you wait for a replacement
If your mirror is broken but you need to drive before you can get it replaced, you have a few options. If the glass is missing but the housing is intact, you can tape a small mirror or reflective material to the housing as a temporary fix — it will not be perfect, but it will let you see something. If the entire mirror is gone, you can rely more heavily on your other mirror and your blind-spot checks, but this is not safe for long-term driving.
In most states, driving with a missing or non-functional mirror is illegal, so do not delay the replacement. If cost is the issue, a used mirror from a salvage yard or online marketplace costs $30 to $80 and can get you back on the road quickly while you save for a new one.
How to remove and install a mirror yourself
If you decide to replace the mirror yourself, start by removing the interior door panel or trim ring around the mirror — this varies by car, so check your owner's manual or a repair video for your specific model. Once you can see the back of the mirror, you will find bolts or screws holding the bracket to the door. Unbolt those, then disconnect any wiring for the motor, heater, or turn signal if your mirror has those features.
Slide the old mirror off and set it aside. Position the new mirror on the bracket, reconnect any wiring, and bolt it back on. Test the adjustment controls and the heater (if equipped) before you reinstall the door panel. If anything does not work, double-check that the wiring is fully seated and that the bolts are tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a side mirror?
No — most states require both side mirrors to be present and functional. Driving without one is illegal and unsafe. If your mirror is broken, replace it before you drive the car again, or use a temporary fix only until you can get to a repair shop.
Why is my mirror fogging up on the inside?
Moisture has gotten inside the mirror housing, usually because of a crack or a failed seal. If the mirror is still clear enough to see through, you can try parking in the sun or using a hair dryer on low heat to dry it out. If it stays fogged, the mirror assembly needs to be replaced.
What if my mirror is bent but still works?
A bent mirror that still shows a clear image does not have to be replaced right away, but it may affect your visibility slightly and will look wrong. If it was damaged in an accident covered by insurance, you might as well replace it. If it was a minor bump, you can leave it alone unless it bothers you.
Do I need to replace both mirrors at the same time?
No — you only need to replace the mirror that is broken. However, if one mirror is very old and faded, you might want to replace both so they match in color and condition, especially if you are selling the car.
Is a heated mirror worth the extra cost?
If you live in a cold or wet climate, a heated mirror clears frost and condensation quickly, which is a real safety benefit. If you live somewhere warm and dry, it is not necessary. When you buy a replacement, check whether your original mirror had this feature — if it did, it is worth getting it on the new one.