What to Know About Replacing Side Mirrors After an Accident

Side mirrors are essential for safe driving, providing critical visibility for lane changes, parking, and avoiding collisions. After an accident, whether the mirror is cracked, hanging by wires, or completely missing, prompt replacement is not just about aesthetics—it’s about safety and compliance with the law. At Chaney’s Collision Centers, we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about replacing side mirrors after an accident.

Why Side Mirrors Matter

Side mirrors—also known as wing mirrors—are more than just convenience features. They help eliminate blind spots, offer a wider field of view, and are legally required in most places. Driving with broken or missing mirrors can put you at higher risk for accidents and may lead to legal trouble if local regulations require both mirrors to be functional.

Assessing the Damage

After an accident, assessing the condition of your side mirror is the first step. Common types of damage include:

Cracked or shattered glass
Detached or dangling mirror housing
Damaged electronic components, such as heating elements, adjustment motors, or built-in cameras

For modern vehicles, mirrors often come equipped with complex features, making replacement more involved and sometimes costlier.

Repair vs. Replacement

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may have the option to either repair or replace the mirror:

Minor damage: If only the glass is cracked, you may simply replace the mirror glass without changing the entire assembly.
Severe damage: If the housing, electronics, or mechanism is broken, a full replacement is typically necessary.

Steps for Replacing a Side Mirror

DIY or Professional Replacement

Basic side mirror replacements are sometimes DIY-friendly, especially for older vehicles or manual mirrors. The process generally involves:

Removing the Interior Door Panel: Release the panel to access the mounting nuts and connected wiring.
Disconnecting Electrical Components: Unplug any wiring harnesses for powered mirrors, heating, or indicators.
Unscrewing and Replacing the Mirror Unit: Remove bolts, take out the old mirror, fit the new unit, and reconnect all wiring.
Testing the New Mirror: Before reassembling the interior, test all functionalities to ensure they’re working properly (adjustment, heater, blind-spot monitor, etc.).

For cars with complex features or sensors, professional installation is recommended to avoid damaging electronics or voiding warranties.

Costs: What to Expect

The cost to replace a side mirror varies widely based on the vehicle’s make, model, and the complexity of the mirror:

Basic manual mirrors: $50–$100 (parts only) or around $160-$220 including labor for most cars.
Power/heated mirrors with extra features: $230 on average but can climb higher for luxury models with integrated cameras or sensors.
Dealership service: Typically about 45% more expensive than independent shops.

You can sometimes save by sourcing used or aftermarket parts or checking local salvage yards for compatible mirrors.

Legal and Safety Considerations

It’s illegal in many areas to drive with a missing or inoperative required side mirror, posing both a safety risk and a legal issue.

Quick Tips for a Smooth Replacement

Check your insurance—some policies cover mirror replacement after an accident but beware of high deductibles for minor claims.
Consider DIY if it’s a basic, manual mirror and you’re comfortable with car repairs.
For advanced features or if you’re unsure, always opt for a professional repair to preserve your vehicle’s safety systems.
Never ignore a broken mirror—even minor damage can compromise your ability to drive safely.

Conclusion

Replacing a damaged side mirror is essential for your safety and compliance with the law. Whether you tackle it yourself or rely on experts at Chaney’s Collision Centers, prompt and proper replacement ensures your vehicle stays street-legal and safe on the road. Don’t overlook this vital repair—your safety depends on it.

If you have questions or need professional help, reach out to Chaney’s Collision Centers for expert, reliable service every time.