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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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jun 23, 2023
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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: Jun 23, 2023
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.
On This Page
- If the side mirror on your vehicle is damaged, state laws may dictate that you 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 in the first place
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.
They’re also in danger from careless drivers in a 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 does auto insurance cover broken side mirrors instead? Let’s take a look.
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When Auto Insurance Covers Side Mirror Damage From a Mirror-to-Mirror Accident
Does insurance cover side mirror damage? To find out if your insurance will cover a mirror-to-mirror accident, you need to focus on how this happened. The answer to the question “does insurance cover side mirror replacement?” 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 side mirrors.
Learn more about PD in our review of the best property damage liability (PD) auto insurance companies.
Cause of the Side Mirror Damage
Here is a list of a few scenarios 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 the damage was 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 side 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 side 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 to avoid a potential ticket.
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The Final Word on Whether Insurance Covers a Broken Side Mirror
When does car insurance cover side mirror damage? In most states, you cannot drive a vehicle with a defective mirror, at least on the driver’s side. If you have a broken side mirror, you need to get it repaired 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are broken side mirrors covered by auto insurance?
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 includes broken side mirrors?
Comprehensive coverage is the type of auto insurance that typically covers broken side mirrors. 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 get my side mirror repaired or replaced through auto insurance?
Yes, if your auto insurance policy covers broken side mirrors, you can typically get them 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 broken side mirrors?
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 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.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
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.