UK Wing Mirror Replacement Cost Guide

The average wing mirror replacement cost in the UK sits around £220.

If you regularly park anything larger than a small car on narrow UK streets, wing mirror damage can quickly become a frequent and costly problem. As cars grow in size and include more advanced technology, replacements are becoming more common and expensive.

In this article, we will break down the costs of replacing a wing mirror and provide average prices for popular car models.

Key takeaways

How much does it cost to replace a wing mirror?

The average wing mirror replacement cost in the UK is £220. This is per wing mirror, so two will set you back £440.

Cars on the lower end should expect a price starting from £130, whereas more expensive models (e.g., Range Rovers, Mercedes and BMW) may have to pay as much as £300 per mirror.

If your car is a little older and parts are easy to get, it could be as low as £85.

No matter your car, you can use car repair finance to split the cost of repairs into interest-free instalments.

Wing mirror replacement costs by car make

For an accurate estimate, it’s helpful to look at wing mirror replacement costs for your car make.

Here’s an overview of popular UK car brands and costs per each wing mirror:

Car Make	Wing Mirror Cost
BMW	£140 to £160
Ford	£100 to £170
Honda	£100 to £160
Hyundai	£100 to £150
Mercedes	£160 to £190
Toyota

How much does it cost to replace an electric wing mirror?

The average UK electric wing mirror cost is £255.

If your car has blind spot detection or lane-keeping sensors, a replacement could cost up to £350, especially if the sensor is damaged.

Basic mirrors without electronic features are cheaper, while modern ones with motors and heaters are more expensive due to fitting costs and potential software updates.

Here are the typical electric wing mirror costs by brand:

Car Make	Electric Wing Mirror Cost
BMW	£160 to £270
Ford	£120 to £220
Honda	£125 to £230
Hyundai	£130 to £210
Mercedes	£180 to £270
Toyota	£160 to £195

How long does it take to replace your wing mirror?

Wing mirror replacement times range from 1-3 days.

Waiting for the part to arrive usually takes longer than the repair itself unless the mirror is particularly complex or has damaged fixings.

Since wing mirrors are commonly damaged, replacement parts are widely available. For brands like Ford and Vauxhall, you can even buy colour-coded covers directly from their websites.

Does car insurance cover wing mirrors?

Yes, your car insurance can cover wing mirror damage, but it depends on the type of policy you have.

Comprehensive insurance usually includes accidental damage to mirrors, while third-party, fire, and theft policies generally do not.

Keep in mind that making a claim may mean paying your policy excess, and repeated claims could affect your premiums. Always check your policy details or speak with your insurer to be sure what’s covered.

Is it worth claiming for a wing mirror?

Claiming for a wing mirror isn’t always worth it.

If the repair cost is close to your insurance excess or you risk higher premiums, it’s often cheaper to fix it yourself.

Always check your policy, but for small damage, DIY or a local repair is usually the smarter choice.

Is it illegal to drive without a wing mirror?

UK law requires vehicles to have two functioning, properly adjusted mirrors, including the interior rear-view mirror.

This makes it legal to drive with only one wing mirror. However, for vehicles without a rear-view mirror, like vans, driving with one wing mirror is illegal.

Additionally, if a damaged mirror exposes sharp edges, it could be deemed Dangerous and Defective under section 40a of the Road Traffic Act, making it illegal to drive.

Can I legally drive with one wing mirror?

As explored above, technically, yes, in the UK, you can legally drive with only one wing mirror, but only under certain conditions.

Your vehicle must have at least:

The driver’s side mirror and either the passenger side mirror or a functioning interior rear-view mirror.

Driving without a passenger side mirror is legal as long as the interior mirror provides adequate rear visibility.

Can you get pulled over for a cracked wing mirror?

Yes, in the UK, you can be stopped by the police for a cracked or damaged wing mirror if it affects your ability to see properly.

Driving with a broken or missing mirror could be considered unsafe and may result in a fine or penalty points.

Minor cosmetic cracks that do not affect visibility are less likely to be an issue, but it’s always safest to repair or replace a damaged wing mirror promptly to stay legal and maintain safety on the road.

Signs your wing mirror needs a replacement

A clean break isn’t the only time you’ll need a new wing mirror. Here are some other signs you need a replacement:

Cracks or breaks in the mirror
A wobbly mirror that moves
Mirror adjustment function not working
Missing or damaged mirror mount
Any visibility problems in the mirror

Will a car fail an MOT if the wing mirror is broken?

A missing driver's side mirror is a Major MOT fault and will result in a failure.

If the passenger side mirror is damaged or missing, it may only receive an advisory, provided the car has two other mirrors.

However, if the damage creates a hazard, it may still be deemed unsafe by the MOT tester.

What happens in a wing mirror replacement?

During a mirror replacement, the mechanic will remove the broken wing mirror and, if necessary, the mirror mount. They will then disconnect any required electrical connections.

After installing the new mirror, the mechanic will test all of its functions to ensure everything is working correctly.

Can I replace a wing mirror myself?

If you are unsure, it is best not to attempt replacing a wing mirror yourself. You shouldn’t make repairs without experience or training.

However, with labour costs at garages approaching £70 per hour, small repairs can soon get expensive. It may well be possible to change your wing mirror at home, provided you have the right tools and knowledge.

If you have a decent toolkit and the right parts, the job should take about an hour, and sourcing parts is usually straightforward.

Can I just replace the wing mirror glass?

Yes, professional wing mirror glass replacement costs are usually around £12 per mirror.

If only the wing mirror glass is broken, you can usually replace just the glass without taking the whole mirror apart or buying an expensive new one.

Wing mirrors consist of several parts, but the glass is typically held in place with plastic tabs or adhesive. If just the glass is broken, you can usually find affordable replacement parts online.

Factors to consider when replacing wing mirror glass:

Be cautious of sharp edges—always use proper PPE.
Remove old glass gently, as it may be unclipped by turning or glued, and using the wrong technique could damage the adjustment mechanism.
Make sure your replacement materials meet the legal road requirements.

Are aftermarket wing mirrors any good?

Aftermarket wing mirrors can be a cost-effective option, but quality and compatibility vary. Before buying, keep these considerations in mind:

Make sure the mirror fits your specific vehicle model properly.
Check that it supports any advanced features your car may have, such as heating, electric adjustment, or blind-spot monitoring.
Research reviews to ensure the mirror is reliable and well-made.

When chosen carefully, aftermarket mirrors can provide a good balance of affordability and functionality, but OEM parts remain the safest option for a perfect fit and quality.

Common causes of electric wing mirror faults

When a standard wing mirror breaks, it’s usually quite clear what caused it. However, electric wing mirrors may require more investigation.

Typical causes of electric wing mirror issues include:

Blown fuses
Faulty wiring
ECU issues
A malfunctioning switch

Final thoughts

Replacing a wing mirror may seem straightforward, but mistakes can be costly and affect your safety.

Unless you are completely confident in your skills, it is best to have a professional handle the repair. Getting an expert to carry out the work ensures your vehicle stays roadworthy and helps you manage wing mirror replacement costs effectively.

Split the cost with Bumper

Wing mirror replacement costs don’t have to be a burden in your budget, especially if you have a Bumper car repair loan by your side.

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers