Does auto insurance cover broken side mirrors?
Side mirror damage on your car is an expensive repair. The cost of replacing a side mirror averages around $299 for parts and labor. But does your auto insurance cover broken side mirrors? Read this article to find out about whether insurance covers side mirror replacement after damage from an accident.
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Kalyn Johnson
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
UPDATED: Sep 3, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different 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.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 3, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different 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.
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The side mirrors on your car or truck are some of the most vulnerable parts of your vehicle when it comes to potential damage. They protrude from the side of the vehicle, making them easy to break when you’re trying to maneuver into a tight space.
The auto side mirror is also in danger from careless drivers in a side mirror-to-mirror accident, which can leave you with an unexpected bill. So, do you need to foot the bill yourself in every case, or are side mirrors covered by insurance instead? Let’s take a look to see if insurance will cover a broken side mirror.
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- If the side mirror on your vehicle is damaged, state laws may dictate to get it replaced
- You can make a claim on your own policy or against the policy of the at-fault driver
- You will need to consider any deductible to see if it is worth claiming
When Car Insurance Covers a Side Mirror Damage From a Mirror-to-Mirror Accident
Does insurance cover mirror replacement? To find out if car insurance will cover a broken side mirror, you need to focus on how this happened.
The answer to the question “Does insurance cover a side mirror damage?” will depend on who caused the damage and what coverage you have. The types of auto insurance coverage vary greatly.
As a minimum, most states require you to have third-party property damage liability (PD) and bodily injury liability (BIL) auto insurance. This is also known simply as liability auto insurance and protects you if you’re involved in an at-fault accident with another vehicle.
However, this won’t cover damage to your vehicle when you’re at fault — including broken car mirrors.
Learn more about PD in our review of the best property damage liability (PD) auto insurance companies.
Cause of a Broken Mirror in a Car
Here is a list of a few scenarios of when insurance does cover a broken side mirror and what kind of car insurance they would fall under:
- If you broke the mirror on your car due to your own negligence, the type of policy you have will dictate the outcome. If you only had liability coverage, you would have to pay for repair or replacement out of your own pocket.
- However, if you have collision auto insurance, which covers damage to your vehicle when you’re at fault, you can likely file a claim with your insurance company even if you caused the accident.
- If the damage occurred due to a storm or other non-collision event, you’d need comprehensive auto insurance to make a claim.
- If your car side mirror was broken due to somebody else’s fault and you know their identity, you could file a claim against their insurance policy.
In this last case, you may have to provide evidence to prove that they were at fault, but in most cases, their insurance policy will cover your broken car mirror repair costs. For a side-by-side comparison, read our collision vs. comprehensive auto insurance guide.
Side Mirror Damage Caused by Hit and Run, Theft, or Vandalism
It’s not unusual for damage to occur in a tight parking lot when you’re not present with the vehicle.
Sometimes, the offending driver will depart the scene without leaving their details. If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) auto insurance, you may be able to claim insurance for a broken side mirror with your own insurance provider, but otherwise, you will have to cover the repair cost yourself.
Comprehensive coverage also extends to theft and vandalism, and collision coverage will sometimes cover a hit-and-run. Full coverage auto insurance typically includes comprehensive.
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When it’s Worth it to File a Side Mirror Insurance Claim
Just remember that you will need to consider the amount of your auto insurance deductible to see if you would be better off avoiding a claim and paying for the damages yourself.
The cost of replacing a car mirror averages around $299 for parts and labor. Your deductible will vary but could be $500 or more.
In that case, it won’t be worth filing a claim since you’ll have to pay the cost out of pocket anyway. Even if your deductible is small enough, it’s still worth considering not filing a claim since it could risk your rates going up.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Side Mirror Insurance Coverage
If you do want to make a claim, the process is relatively straightforward:
- Gather the information, including a police report (if applicable).
- Get in touch with the insurance company, tell your agent what happened, and file any relevant paperwork.
- You may need to take the car to an adjuster so the damages can be assessed and the cost of repairs or replacement.
- The insurance company will then consider all the details, determine whether to accept the claim and provide you with repair options.
If you accept the offer, you’ll need to pay any deductible when work gets underway. These cases might make you wonder, “Can I file an insurance claim without a police report?”
Side Mirror Laws
Many states require that a vehicle has a working driver’s side mirror. For example, in the case of Washington state, laws dictate that side mirrors should give the driver a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle. So, if your mirror is currently damaged, you’ll want to repair or replace it as quickly as possible because you can get a ticket for a broken side mirror.
The Final Word on Whether Insurance Covers a Broken Side Mirror
When does car insurance cover a broken mirror on a car? In most states, it is illegal to drive with a broken side mirror. You cannot drive a vehicle with a defective mirror, at least on the driver’s side. If someone broke your side mirror, you need to replace the side view mirror as soon as possible and may want to consider an insurance claim.
Your next move will depend on the type of coverage you have and who was at fault. Even if you file a claim with your insurance company, you need to consider the value of your deductible against the total bill and any potential rate increases. Read our guide to learn how to file an auto insurance claim.
You never know when an accident is going to occur or how much the damages will be. So make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place. Enter your zip code below and compare car insurance quotes today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance cover broken mirror replacement?
In most cases, yes, broken side mirrors are covered by auto insurance. However, the coverage and conditions may vary depending on your insurance policy and the circumstances surrounding the damage.
What type of auto insurance coverage typically covers auto side mirror replacement?
Comprehensive coverage is the type of auto insurance that typically covers auto mirror repair. This coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision, such as vandalism, theft, or certain types of accidents.
Do I need to pay a deductible for a broken side mirror claim?
The deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Whether you need to pay a deductible for a broken side mirror claim depends on your insurance policy. Some policies may have a separate, lower deductible for glass-related claims, while others may require you to pay the standard deductible.
Can I fix the side mirror on my car through auto insurance?
Yes, if your auto insurance policy covers auto mirror replacement, then your broken side mirrors can be repaired or replaced. It’s important to contact your insurance company and follow their guidelines for filing a claim and getting the necessary repairs or replacement.
Will filing a claim for a broken side mirror affect my insurance premium?
Filing a claim for a broken side mirror may or may not affect your insurance premium. It depends on the terms of your policy and your insurance provider’s policies. Some insurance companies offer “zero-deductible glass coverage” that does not impact your premium when you file a glass-related claim.
Are there any limitations or exclusions to coverage for auto side mirror repair and replacement?
Certain limitations or exclusions may apply to coverage for broken side mirrors. For example, if the damage to your side mirror is a result of a collision or if it occurred outside the specified coverage territory, your policy might not cover it. It’s essential to review your insurance policy or consult with your insurance provider to understand any limitations or exclusions.
What steps should I take regarding side mirror glass replacement if my side mirror is broken?
If your side mirror is broken, follow these general steps:
- Document the damage: Take photos of the broken side mirror to support your insurance claim.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company about the incident and provide them with all the necessary details.
- Follow the claims process: Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process, which may involve providing additional information or getting a repair estimate.
- Arrange for repairs or replacement: Once your claim is approved, follow the instructions given by your insurance company to repair or replace the broken side mirror.
Are there any alternatives to filing an insurance claim for a broken side mirror?
Depending on the extent of the damage and your personal circumstances, you may have alternatives to filing an insurance claim for a broken side mirror. For example, if the cost of repairing or replacing the mirror is relatively low, you might consider paying for it out of pocket to avoid potential premium increases that could result from filing a claim. However, it’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits before deciding on the best course of action.
Will my auto insurance policy cover a broken side mirror if it occurred due to my own negligence?
Generally, auto insurance policies cover accidental damages regardless of fault. This means that if you accidentally damage your side mirror, whether due to negligence or not, your insurance policy may still provide coverage for the repairs or replacement. However, intentional damages or damages caused by illegal activities might not be covered.
Does auto insurance cover side mirrors damaged in a hit-and-run incident?
If you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance policy is more likely to cover side mirrors damaged in a hit-and-run incident. Comprehensive coverage typically includes coverage for vandalism and uninsured motorist incidents, which may apply in hit-and-run cases. However, it’s crucial to report the incident to the police and your insurance company promptly to initiate the claims process.
How much does it cost to replace a side view mirror?
How much it costs to replace a passenger side mirror depends on several factors, such as the vehicle make and model of, whether the mirror is powered or manual, etc.
The cost of replacement for a side mirror can range from as low as $20 for a basic manual mirror to over $500 for a high-end model with advanced features.
How to replace a driver’s side mirror?
Replacing a driver’s side mirror can be done by yourself, provided you have some basic tools and a bit of patience. If you’re not comfortable to replace the driver’s side mirror yourself, or if your vehicle requires more complex steps, it might be wise to look for auto mirror replacement services near you.
Are side mirrors covered under warranty?
Most new cars come with a basic limited warranty, which typically covers most components of the car against defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty usually includes side mirrors, unless they have been damaged by external forces or accidents.
Will AutoZone replace my side mirror?
Yes, AutoZone does replace side mirrors. When you’re looking to replace your broken side mirror, it’s important to make sure the replacement part matches your vehicle’s specific make, model, and year.
What to do if someone breaks your car mirror?
If someone hit your side mirror and drove off, first, check whether only the glass is broken or if the entire assembly needs replacement. If you want to file an insurance claim, take photos of the damaged mirror.
But, what to do if someone hits your side mirror in a hit-and-run? If you believe that someone hit your side mirror in a hit-and-run accident, it’s wise to file a police report. Check with your insurance provider to see if the damage of the side mirror is covered in your insurance policy.
Is it illegal to drive without one side mirror?
Most states require at least two mirrors that provide a view behind the vehicle. This can be the rearview mirror plus one side mirror (usually the driver’s side). A few states, like California, specifically require that vehicles have a mirror on the driver’s side and at least one other mirror (either the passenger side mirror or the rearview mirror).
Is it illegal to drive without a side mirror in Michigan?
According to Michigan laws, it is legal to drive with a broken side mirror provided that the vehicle has a rearview mirror that provides a clear, unobstructed view of the road behind. If the view through the rearview mirror is obstructed, then the vehicle must have outside mirrors on both the left and right sides.
How to replace a passenger’s side mirror?
Replacing a passenger’s side mirror is similar to replacing the driver’s side. However, if the process involves electronic components and you are not confident, it might be better to seek professional help for auto mirror replacement near you.
How much does it cost to replace a rear view mirror?
The replacement of manual rearview mirrors typically costs between $10 to $50 for the part. Mirrors equipped with more advanced features are more expensive and can cost anywhere from $100 to over $300, depending on the technology included.
How much is it to replace a Tesla side mirror?
Replacing a side mirror on a Tesla can be quite costly, especially since Tesla vehicles often feature advanced technology within their mirrors, such as cameras, heating, and auto-dimming. The cost of the mirror itself can range from $300 to over $600 depending on the model and the specific features included in the mirror.
Someone broke my car mirror in a parking lot, what should I do?
If your car mirror was broken in a parking lot, you should take photos of the damage and the surrounding area, as this can be helpful for insurance claims and if you decide to file a police report. You might want to look around for any potential witnesses who might have seen the incident, or security cameras that could have recorded it.
Does Geico cover a broken side mirror?
Geico typically covers a broken side mirror if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Comprehensive coverage usually includes damage to your car that happens as a result of incidents other than collisions, such as vandalism, theft, or environmental damage.
Where can I get my car side mirror fixed?
If you prefer original equipment manufacturer parts, visiting a dealership that services your car’s make is the best option. Local auto body shops are also equipped to handle a wide range of repairs, including side mirror replacements.
Stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts sell side mirrors, often with the option to either install it yourself or have one of their mechanics do it for you.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Kalyn Johnson
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.