Most people spend about $100 to $250 to replace a side mirror cover, including parts and labor. The final amount depends on whether you choose aftermarket or OEM parts, whether the cap is unpainted or color-matched, and whether painting or other finish work is required. Additional features such as integrated turn signals or heating can also affect the price.
Below is a practical breakdown of typical options and price ranges you can expect, from budget caps to OEM equivalents. Note that costs vary by vehicle, region, and shop.
Part options and price ranges
Prices shown reflect common choices for passenger cars. The exact price can differ for trucks, SUVs, luxury models, or cars with special finishes and electronics.
- Unpainted, aftermarket mirror cap: $15–$60
- Painted, aftermarket cap (color-matched): $60–$180
- OEM painted mirror cap (dealer or official parts): $150–$350
- Premium finishes (e.g., carbon fiber, high-gloss): $180–$500
- Full mirror housing replacement (instead of just the cap): $250–$600
The list above covers commonly encountered scenarios. For some models with integrated lighting or heating, the cap and the housing can be more expensive due to additional hardware or modules.
Labor and painting costs
Labor and painting costs depend on the shop’s rate, vehicle access, and whether painting is needed to match the color and finish.
- Removal and installation labor: typically 0.5–1 hour
- Labor rate: usually $50–$120 per hour, depending on region and shop
- Painting and color matching (if you buy an unpainted cap): $60–$200
- Color blending for metallic or pearl finishes: $20–$60
- Additional components or housing with integrated features (if required): $50–$200
In many cases, if you opt for a painted OEM cap and the shop handles both part and color matching, total costs will fall near the upper end of these ranges. DIY painting can reduce costs but requires skill to achieve a good color match.
Additional considerations
Several factors influence the final price beyond the base part and labor:
- Integrated features: Mirrors with built-in turn signals, heating, or auto-dimming often cost more because the cap may involve additional wiring or modules.
- DIY vs professional: A do-it-yourself swap is sometimes feasible for unpainted caps, but painted color-matching usually requires a shop for a quality finish.
- Insurance and warranties: Cosmetic repairs may be covered if part of an accident claim, while standalone cosmetic replacements are often up to the customer’s deductible.
Owners should weigh the value of a perfect color match and proper alignment against the convenience and warranty considerations of a professional replacement.
Summary
Replacing a side mirror cover typically costs $100 to $250, with ranges broader for OEM-painted caps, premium finishes, or cars with integrated features. The price is driven by the part type (unpainted vs painted vs OEM), whether painting and color matching are required, and the labor rate at the chosen shop. For vehicles with complex features, or when opting to replace the entire housing, costs can rise to several hundred dollars. Consumers should compare parts, finishes, and labor estimates, and consider insurance coverage or DIY options based on their comfort with painting and color matching.