What to Do When You Hit a Deer Near Rochester, MN

July 31, 2025

Hitting a deer near Rochester, MN can be upsetting and disruptive, but knowing what to do can help you stay safe, handle the insurance claim properly, and get your car back in top shape quickly. At Rossi Collision Center, we’ve helped many local drivers recover after wildlife collisions. Clients consistently praise our great turnaround times and personalized service. Below is your local, practical guide.

1. Safety First: After the Accident

  • Pull over safely: Move to the shoulder or a safe area if possible
  • Check that everyone’s okay: Prioritize injuries, call 911 if needed
  • Turn on hazard lights: Alert other drivers
  • Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicle damage, deer location, and surroundings
  • Call local authorities if needed: Especially if the deer is blocking the road

2. Common Questions About Deer Collisions

Q: Do I need to file a police report if I hit a deer?
 A: In Minnesota, if the deer is alive or blocking traffic, you’re required to file a report with the Department of Natural Resources or local police.

Q: Will my insurance cover deer damage?
 A: Most collision or comprehensive policies will cover deer collisions. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage. Rossi Collision Center works directly with major insurance companies and can help with claims.

Q: How long does it take to repair deer damage?
 A: Most repairs, especially using paintless dent repair (PDR), can be completed in just a day or two. Clients consistently praise our efficient claim handling.

Q: Can small dents from hitting a deer be fixed without repainting?
 A: Often yes, if the paint is intact, we use paintless dent repair (PDR) to restore the panel without repainting.

3. Understanding the Damage: What Rust or Collision Repairs You Might Need

  • Paintless Dent Repair (PDR):
    • Best when paint is intact and dents are shallow
    • Faster, less expensive, and retains the original factory paint finish
    • Perfect for fender or door panel dents from animal collisions
  • Factory‑matched and Aquabase paint:
    • Used when paint is damaged or scratched
    • Provides perfect gloss and color match
  • Frame and unibody straightening:
    • Required if the beam or structure is bent
    • Rossi Collision Center uses precision machines to ensure alignment like new
  • Suspension service and alignment:
    • Deer hits often cause damage beneath the bumper
    • We perform full inspections and correct misalignments
  • Auto glass repair or windshield replacement:
    • If the windshield cracks, we can replace it quickly with OEM-quality glass

4. Step-by-Step Deer Collision Damage Repair Process

  1. Estimate and Claim Setup
    • Bring your vehicle to our shop or call us for a rapid estimate
    • We handle the insurance paperwork directly
  2. Tailored Repair Plan
    • We evaluate all damage: dents, structural, alignment, paint
    • Provide recommendations clearly: “Here’s what can be fixed with PDR vs. repaint”
  3. Efficient Repair Work
    • In-house services: PDR, paint, frame straightening, alignment, glass
    • Many repairs completed in house, no outsourcing delays
  4. Quality Check and Final Walkthrough
    • We review the repair with you to confirm satisfaction
    • Ensure your car feels safe, looks great, and drives right
  5. Fast Turnaround and Warranty
    • Clients frequently comment, “Wow, they got my car back in just two days”
    • Rossi Collision Center offers a warranty on all repair work

5. Why Choose Rossi Collision Center Near Mayo Clinic?

  • Local trusted service: Located just blocks from downtown Rochester and Mayo Clinic
  • 30+ years of experience: Repairing cars for Rochester-area residents
  • Insurance partners: We work directly with major insurers, no confusion for you
  • All-in‑house repairs: Frame straightening, PDR, paint, alignments, glass, and more
  • Quick turnaround: Local clients say, “Seamless process, fast work, felt taken care of”

7. Local Tip: Deer Season and Common Accident Areas

  • When: Minnesota deer season and dawn/dusk hours see more deer activity
  • Where: Watch wildlife areas and service roads just outside Rochester or near the Arboretum
  • Drive smart: Slow down, watch roadside ditches, and use high beams when safe

Summary: Your Next Steps

  • Stay safe, document, and report the incident
  • Contact your insurance provider
  • Bring your car to Rossi Collision Center for a free estimate
  • Ask about PDR for quick dent removal
  • Book an appointment and get back on the road with confidence

Ready to repair your vehicle?

If you hit a deer near Rochester, MN, call Rossi Collision Center or request an estimate online. We’re just blocks from Mayo Clinic, offering trusted, in‑house collision and paintless dent repair. Clients praise our “fast, professional service” and “friendly local team that handled insurance seamlessly.” Book your appointment today and drive ready again.

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