If someone breaks into your car or truck, the side mirrors are some of the most likely parts to get damaged. They stick out from the side of the car, which makes them easy to break when you’re trying to get into a tight spot.
A careless driver can also damage your car’s side mirror in a side mirror-to-mirror accident, which can leave you with a big bill. Would you have to pay for every side mirror repair yourself, or would your insurance cover them? Let’s find out if your insurance will cover a broken side mirror.
As a driver, you know those side view mirrors are critical for checking blind spots and driving safely So when one gets smashed or ripped off, it’s incredibly annoying. Not to mention dangerous to drive without it.
You probably just want to get your mirror fixed or replaced ASAP. But does insurance cover side mirror damage? Or will you be stuck with the bill?
The answer depends on your specific auto policy coverages and how the damage occurred. Let’s break it down.
At XYZ Insurance Agency, we’ve handled hundreds of side mirror claims. Our claims experts have seen every scenario under the sun when it comes to busted side mirrors.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:
- What coverages apply if you’re at fault
- How it works when someone else causes the damage
- What to do if no one is at fault
- How filing claims impacts your premiums
- Tips for getting the best settlement
Let’s take a look under the hood at side mirror insurance claims!
When You’re At Fault for the Damage
Sometimes side mirror damage is your own darn fault. Hey it happens to all of us!
Like if you clipped a tight corner in your garage and smashed the mirror on the wall. Or backed into your neighbor’s trash cans, bending the mirror outward.
If you have collision coverage – Damage caused by an “at-fault” accident is covered under collision insurance. So if you collide with an object and break your side mirror, collision has you covered.
But keep your deductible in mind. You pay this amount out-of-pocket before your insurer pays for repairs. With side mirrors, the bill is often less than the deductible.
No collision insurance – Without collision coverage, you’ll be paying for the entire side mirror repair yourself. Ouch! This is why collision is highly recommended.
Filing claims raises premiums – An at-fault accident resulting in a claim can increase your insurance rates at renewal time. Insurance companies see you as higher risk after an at-fault collision claim.
So weigh the mirror repair cost against your deductible and potential premium increase before filing.
When Someone Else is Responsible for the Damage
It’s a whole different ballgame when another driver busts your side mirror. 3 options for recovering repair costs:
File a claim with their insurance – If the other driver admits fault, their liability coverage should pay your repair costs. Get a quote and submit it to their insurer.
Use your collision, get reimbursed – Easier to file with your own insurer if you have collision coverage. Your insurer will subrogate to get money back from the at-fault driver’s insurance later.
Claim with your UM coverage – If the at-fault driver flees the scene, use your uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) to cover repairs.
In these “not at-fault” cases, your premiums typically won’t rise after filing a claim. Don’t leave money on the table if someone else hit your car!
When No One is At Fault for the Damage
Sometimes side mirrors get smashed by random events or acts of vandalism. No one is really at fault, but you’re still stuck with the damage.
Comprehensive coverage to the rescue – Vandalism, theft, falling objects, and weather are covered causes of loss under the comprehensive portion of your policy. File away!
Minus your deductible – Just like collision claims, you’ll pay the comprehensive deductible before your insurer contributes to repairs.
An exception: natural disasters – Some policies exclude damage from common disasters like hurricanes or floods in regions prone to them. Your agent can explain exclusions.
Premium increases unlikely – Not-at-fault comprehensive claims don’t usually impact your rates at renewal time. So don’t hesitate to use this coverage when applicable.
How Do Side Mirror Claims Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?
We touched on this earlier, but here’s a summary of how at-fault vs. not-at-fault claims impact your car insurance rates:
- At-fault collision claim – premiums likely to increase
- Not-at-fault collision claim – premiums usually unchanged
- Comprehensive claims – typically no effect on premiums
Why do at-fault claims drive rates up? Insurance companies view you as higher risk after causing an accident, so they charge you more. It’s sneaky, but allowed.
Tips for Getting the Best Insurance Settlement on Side Mirror Damage
Getting your side mirror fixed or replaced should be hassle-free. Here are tips for making sure your insurer pays for the full cost:
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Gather repair estimates from a few shops – Insurers will base settlement on the lowest quote. Get several to submit.
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Ask if using aftermarket parts is allowed – Cheaper for insurers but may affect appearance. Clarify upfront.
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Point out unseen damage – Hidden clips, wiring, or dents under the mirror can increase cost. Inspect carefully.
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Discuss labor time needed – Labor can exceed part cost for side mirrors. Make sure estimate includes full install time.
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Request OEM parts – For a perfect appearance match, request parts from the original manufacturer.
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Negotiate your deductible – If repair cost barely exceeds deductible, ask insurer to waive some of it.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve! With these tips, you can recover the real cost to properly restore your side mirror.
Let XYZ Insurance Agency Handle Your Side Mirror Claim
As you can see, side mirror insurance claims can get confusing fast. Collision, comprehensive, deductibles, and more make it hard to know how to proceed.
But at XYZ Insurance Agency, our claims concierges can take the hassle out of side mirror claims and get your car fixed in no time.
Connect with our claims team today to:
- Review coverages and deductibles applicable to your damage
- Determine if filing a claim makes sense for your situation
- Get estimates for proper, safe repairs
- Negotiate directly with insurers to get you the maximum settlement
- Avoid premium increases when possible
Don’t drive around with a broken side mirror! Let our experts make the claims process smooth and headache-free for you. Call or stop into our office to get started.
The Final Word on Whether Insurance Covers a Broken Side Mirror
When does car insurance cover a broken side mirror? In most states, it’s against the law to drive with a broken side mirror. You cannot drive a vehicle with a defective mirror, at least on the driver’s side. In the event that someone damaged your side mirror, you should get a new one right away and may want to file 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 should still think about how much your deductible is compared to the total bill and any possible rate hikes. 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.
Are there any alternatives to filing an insurance claim for a broken side mirror?
If your side mirror is broken, you may not have to file an insurance claim. This depends on how bad the damage is and your personal situation. For instance, if fixing or replacing the mirror won’t cost too much, you might decide to pay for it yourself to avoid having your insurance rates go up because you filed a claim. However, it’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits before deciding on the best course of action.