Whether or not car insurance covers a side mirror depends on the specifics of your policy and the circumstances of the incident that caused the damage.
In general, if you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your car insurance policy may cover the cost of repairing or replacing a side mirror if it was damaged in a covered incident. Covered incidents may include accidents, theft, vandalism, or damage caused by severe weather conditions such as hail or high winds.
However, if the damage to the side mirror is minor and does not impact the operation of the vehicle, it may not be worth making a claim on your insurance. In such cases, you may be able to pay for the repair or replacement out of pocket.
It’s important to review your specific insurance policy and contact your insurance provider to confirm what is covered and what your deductible is before making a claim.
How much does collision insurance cost?
The cost of collision insurance in Ontario, Canada can vary based on a number of factors such as the age and make of your vehicle, your driving record, your location, and your coverage limits. It’s best to get a quote from an insurance provider to determine the specific cost of collision insurance for your situation.
As a general guide, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the average cost of auto insurance in Ontario was $1,616 in 2020. However, this includes all types of coverage, not just collision insurance.
To get a more accurate estimate, you can contact insurance providers directly or use online tools to get quotes. It’s recommended to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best coverage and price for your needs.
Due to this reason, the higher the risk that your insurance company deems you to be, the more you’re going to have to pay for collision insurance.
Side mirror hit-and-run
If your side mirror was damaged in a hit-and-run incident, there are a few steps you can take:
- File a police report: Report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Provide as much detail as you can about the incident, including the time and location of the hit-and-run, any witness statements or video evidence, and the description of the vehicle and driver if possible.
- Contact your insurance provider: Contact your insurance provider to report the incident and provide them with a copy of the police report. Your insurance policy may cover the cost of repairing or replacing the side mirror, depending on the specifics of your policy.
- Repair or replace the side mirror: Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to repair or replace the side mirror. Your insurance provider may have preferred repair shops they work with or you may need to find a reputable auto body shop on your own.
Cost to repair a side mirror
The cost to repair a side mirror in Canada can vary based on a number of factors, such as the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of the damage, and the location of the repair shop. Here is a rough estimate of the average cost to repair a side mirror in each province:
- Ontario: $200-$500
- Quebec: $150-$350
- British Columbia: $250-$500
- Alberta: $200-$400
- Saskatchewan: $150-$300
- Manitoba: $150-$300
- Nova Scotia: $200-$400
- New Brunswick: $200-$400
- Prince Edward Island: $150-$300
- Newfoundland and Labrador: $200-$400
- Yukon: $200-$400
- Northwest Territories: $200-$400
- Nunavut: $200-$400
It’s important to note that these are just estimates and the actual cost of repairing a side mirror can vary based on the factors mentioned above. Additionally, if the side mirror needs to be replaced rather than repaired, the cost will likely be higher.
What if I hit someone’s side mirror?
If you hit someone’s side mirror while driving, it’s important to take responsibility for the damage and take the appropriate steps to resolve the situation. Here are the steps you should take:
- Stop and exchange information: If the owner of the vehicle is present, stop and exchange contact and insurance information with them. If the owner is not present, leave a note with your contact and insurance information on the damaged vehicle.
- Report the incident to your insurance company: Contact your insurance company and report the incident. They will likely ask for information about the other driver and the extent of the damage. Depending on your policy, your insurance company may cover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged side mirror.
- Get an estimate for the cost of repairs: The owner of the damaged vehicle will need to get an estimate for the cost of repairing or replacing the side mirror. They may choose to use a repair shop recommended by their insurance company or one of their choosing. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs out of pocket rather than making a claim on your insurance.
- Pay for the repairs or file a claim: Depending on the cost of repairs and your deductible, you may choose to pay for the repairs out of pocket or file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost. Keep in mind that making a claim may increase your insurance rates.
It’s important to handle the situation with honesty and integrity, and to take the appropriate steps to resolve the incident as quickly and fairly as possible.
Will comprehensive insurance coverage cover my side mirror?
Yes, comprehensive insurance coverage can cover the cost of repairing or replacing a side mirror in Ontario, Canada, as long as the damage is caused by a covered event. Comprehensive insurance typically covers damage to your vehicle caused by events such as theft, vandalism, fire, or weather-related incidents, among other things.
If your side mirror is damaged as a result of a covered event, you can file a claim with your insurance company and they will determine if the damage is covered by your policy. Depending on the specifics of your policy, you may need to pay a deductible before your insurance company covers the cost of repairs or replacement.
It’s important to review the details of your comprehensive insurance policy to determine what is covered and what your deductible is before making a claim.
Will my insurance premium increase after making a claim for my side mirror?
It’s possible that your insurance premium could increase after making a claim for your side mirror, depending on the specifics of your policy and the circumstances surrounding the claim.
When you file a claim with your insurance company, they will typically investigate the incident and determine who was at fault. If you were found to be at fault for the damage to your side mirror, your insurance premium may increase. However, if you were not at fault, your premium may not be affected.
Additionally, even if you were not at fault, some insurance companies may increase your premium if you file multiple claims within a certain period of time. This is because filing multiple claims can be an indication of increased risk and may suggest that you are more likely to file additional claims in the future.
About the Author: Ashley Miller
