Do dealerships replace side mirrors?
Yes. Dealership service departments commonly replace side mirrors, whether it’s a glass-only fix or a full mirror assembly with housing and electronic features. The exact option depends on the damage and the vehicle’s equipment.
What dealerships can replace
The options below cover the typical replacements a dealership can perform, from simple glass repairs to full assemblies with advanced features.
- Glass-only replacement for a cracked or chipped mirror surface
- Full mirror housing replacement when the housing is damaged but the mounting mechanism is intact
- Complete mirror assembly replacement, including housing, glass, and linkage for severe damage
- Mirror assemblies with features such as power adjustment, heating, auto-dimming, integrated turn signals, or blind-spot monitoring cameras
In most cases, the dealership will determine whether a glass-only fix or a full assembly replacement is needed based on the extent of damage and the vehicle’s feature set.
Process and timing
Understanding the repair steps helps set expectations for timing and cost. The process can vary by model and feature complexity, but follows a common sequence.
- Diagnosis by the service advisor to confirm the issue and required parts
- Parts availability check and ordering, with potential same-day pickup for standard items
- Scheduling and removal of the damaged mirror assembly
- Installation of the new mirror, with care taken not to disturb adjacent sensors or wiring
- Calibration or programming for cameras, sensors, or memory settings if the mirror includes advanced features
- Testing the mirror’s positioning, lighting, and electronic functions; final sign-off and payment
Calibration and programming are particularly important for vehicles with camera systems or blind-spot monitors, and may require specialized equipment. Availability of in-house calibration can affect turnaround time.
Costs, insurance and warranties
Costs vary widely based on the vehicle, the replacement option chosen, and whether OEM parts or aftermarket parts are used. Insurance coverage and warranty terms also influence the final out-of-pocket expense.
- Glass-only replacements tend to be the least expensive option, while full housing or complete assemblies are more costly
- OEM (dealer-supplied) parts are typically more expensive than aftermarket equivalents, but may offer better compatibility and warranty coverage
- Labor costs depend on the vehicle model and the complexity of the installation, especially if calibration or programming is required
- Insurance may cover vandalism or collision-related mirror damage; many policies also cover glass-only replacements under comprehensive or collision coverage
- Most dealerships provide a parts-and-labor warranty on the replacement, and some offer a workmanship warranty on the installation
Before proceeding, ask for a written estimate that itemizes parts, labor, and any calibration fees, and confirm whether an alignment or mirror recalibration is included in the price.
Choosing where to have the work done
Deciding between a dealership and an independent shop depends on your priorities, such as guaranteed OEM parts, calibration needs, and warranty coverage.
- Dealerships typically provide OEM parts, official calibration services, and alignment with vehicle systems, which can be important for newer models
- Independent shops may offer lower labor rates and fast turnarounds, but confirm they have the proper calibration equipment for your car’s camera or sensor systems
- If your car is under manufacturer warranty or a certified pre-owned program, a dealership service center may be required to maintain eligibility
- Always verify that the shop will calibrate cameras or blind-spot systems correctly and provide a test drive to confirm proper function
Getting multiple quotes and asking about calibration capabilities can help you choose the best option for your vehicle and budget.
Summary
Dealerships routinely replace side mirrors and can handle a range of scenarios—from glass-only fixes to full assemblies with advanced features. The replacement choice depends on damage, vehicle features, and whether calibration is needed for cameras or sensors. Expect a process that includes diagnosis, parts procurement, installation, possible calibration, and testing. Costs vary based on parts (OEM vs aftermarket) and whether insurance coverage applies, and warranties typically accompany the work. If in doubt, obtain a detailed quote and clarify calibration requirements before proceeding.
How much does a side mirror cost to replace?
The average cost of wing mirror replacement is around £130 to £315 for a complete replacement of the whole wing mirror unit. That includes the removal of the damaged wing mirror and fitting of the replacement unit.
Do dealerships fix side mirrors?
Typically, the cost of replacing a side view mirror at a collision center or dealership ranges from $150 to $400, although it can be more expensive with high-end cars. Based on how the vehicle was damaged, you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover the repairs.
How much does it cost to replace a side mirror?
Cost Of Replacing A Mirror
On average, one broken side mirror will set you back by about $299, with the final price heavily relying on two components. The first one is the cost of materials, which ranges from $139 and $328. The second one is labor cost; here, an additional $90 is usually added to the price.
Are side mirrors covered by insurance?
Does car insurance cover broken side-view mirrors? Yes, car insurance covers broken side-view mirrors, although it may not make sense to file a claim if your deductible is higher than the cost of repairs.
