Deer Collision Repair in Rochester, MN
Hitting a deer can cause significant damage to your vehicle, even when the collision happens at a relatively low speed. Damage may extend beyond a cracked bumper or broken headlight to the hood, fenders, cooling system, sensors, suspension, and structural components hidden beneath the vehicle’s exterior.
G&J Body Shop provides professional deer collision repair in Rochester, MN for drivers throughout Southeast Minnesota. Our experienced team carefully inspects the damage, develops a complete repair plan, works with your insurance company when applicable, and restores your vehicle with safety, quality, and attention to detail in mind. If you’ve recently hit a deer, don’t assume the damage is only cosmetic. A professional inspection can help identify problems that may not be visible from the outside.
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What Should I Do After Hitting a Deer?
After a deer collision, your first priority should be getting yourself and your vehicle to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights, stay clear of traffic, and contact law enforcement when appropriate.
Once you’re safe:
- 1Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- 2Move the vehicle out of traffic if it can be driven safely.
- 3Do not approach an injured deer.
- 4Photograph the vehicle damage and accident scene when safe to do so.
- 5Contact your insurance company to report the accident.
- 6Have the vehicle professionally inspected before assuming it is safe to continue driving.
Even when a vehicle still runs after striking a deer, hidden damage can affect important mechanical and safety systems.
After hitting a deer, move to a safe location if possible, document the damage, and have your vehicle inspected before continuing to drive.
What Damage Can Hitting a Deer Cause?
Deer collisions frequently involve the front or front corner of a vehicle, but the extent of the damage depends on the vehicle, impact location, speed, and size of the animal.
Even if your vehicle still runs after hitting a deer, hidden front-end damage may make it unsafe to drive.
Can I Drive My Car After Hitting a Deer?
You should only continue driving after a deer collision if the vehicle appears safe to operate and there are no signs of mechanical, structural, lighting, tire, or fluid-related damage. When you’re uncertain, having the vehicle towed is the safer choice.
Do not continue driving if you notice:
A vehicle can sometimes look drivable while damage behind the bumper, grille, or body panels remains hidden. If you’re unsure, G&J Body Shop can inspect the vehicle and help determine the next step.
Visible vs. Hidden Damage After a Deer Collision
One of the biggest mistakes drivers can make after hitting a deer is judging the extent of the damage only by what they can see. A cracked bumper or damaged grille may be obvious, while additional damage can exist behind those components.
Visible Damage May Include
This is why a thorough damage inspection is an important part of the deer collision repair process.
Our Deer Collision Repair Process
Every deer collision is different, and damage isn’t always limited to what you can see from the outside. Our process is designed to identify the full extent of the damage, develop the appropriate repair plan, and keep you informed from the initial inspection through final delivery.
Does Insurance Cover Damage From Hitting a Deer?
Damage caused by hitting a deer is commonly handled under comprehensive auto insurance coverage rather than collision coverage, but coverage depends on the terms of your individual policy.
Your deductible and coverage limits may also affect what you pay out of pocket.
Because policies differ, your insurance company is the best source for determining exactly what your policy covers. G&J Body Shop can help with the repair side of the process by documenting vehicle damage, preparing repair information, and communicating with the insurance company when needed.
For a more detailed explanation of what happens during a repair claim, visit our Insurance Claim Assistance resource.
Can a Vehicle Be Totaled After Hitting a Deer?
Yes. A vehicle can be declared a total loss after a deer collision if the extent and cost of the damage meet the insurance company’s criteria for totaling the vehicle.
This is more likely when a vehicle sustains extensive front-end, structural, mechanical, or safety-system damage, particularly when the vehicle has a lower pre-accident value.
The insurance company ultimately determines whether a vehicle is repairable under the terms of the claim. If the vehicle is being repaired, our role is to identify and document the damage necessary to develop an appropriate repair plan.
Severe deer collision damage can result in a vehicle being declared a total loss depending on the extent of the damage, repair costs, and vehicle value.
Why Choose G&J Body Shop After a Deer Collision?
Deer collisions are common throughout Southeast Minnesota, and the resulting damage can range from a damaged bumper to extensive front-end and structural repairs. Choosing an experienced collision repair facility helps ensure that the entire damaged area is evaluated rather than focusing only on cosmetic damage.
Real Experiences From Rochester Drivers
Many of our customers come to us during stressful situations after an accident or severe weather event. Here’s what a few Rochester-area drivers had to say about their experience working with G&J Body Shop and our team throughout the insurance claim and repair process.
Deer Collision Repair Throughout Southeast Minnesota
Deer collisions aren’t limited to Rochester. Drivers traveling rural highways, county roads, and routes between communities throughout Southeast Minnesota regularly encounter deer, particularly around dawn, dusk, and periods of increased deer movement.
G&J Body Shop provides deer collision repair for drivers from Rochester, Byron, Kasson, Stewartville, Oronoco, Eyota, Dodge Center, Pine Island, Chatfield, and surrounding Southeast Minnesota communities.
Whether a deer damaged your bumper and headlights or caused more extensive front-end or structural damage, our Rochester collision repair facility can inspect your vehicle and develop a repair plan based on the damage we find.
Visit G&J Body Shop in Rochester, MN for trusted collision repair and insurance claim assistance.