Rochester Collision Center
Insurance claimsand your rights
Minnesota law gives you the right to choose who repairs your vehicle. Here is what your insurer can and cannot require, what we need to get started, and what to expect while we have your vehicle.
- You choose the shop
- One estimate is all you need
- 15+ vehicle rental fleet
- All insurance companies
Your rights
Can my insurance company choose where my vehicle is repaired?
No. That decision is yours alone.
Minnesota law is direct on this point. An insurance company cannot determine where you have your vehicle fixed. You have the legal right to have the repair done wherever you believe you will get the best quality, service, and value.
Some insurers apply enough pressure steering customers toward their own preferred shops that Minnesota wrote a required disclosure into law. When you report a claim, your insurer is obligated to read you this:
Minnesota Statutes 72A.201, subd. 6(7)
"You have the legal right to choose a repair shop to fix your vehicle. Your policy will cover the reasonable costs of repairing your vehicle to its pre-accident condition no matter where you have repairs made. Have you selected a repair shop or would you like a referral?"
The same statute prohibits insurers from using intimidation, coercion, threats, or inducements to steer you toward a particular shop.
If you were not given that advisory when you reported your claim, you were supposed to be. Tell your insurer you are having the work done at Rochester Collision Center and we will take it from there.
Your rights
Do I need more than one estimate?
No. You are legally required to get one.
You do not have to drive around town collecting competing estimates, and you do not have to take your vehicle to a claims center your insurer controls before bringing it to us.
Minnesota Statutes 72B.092, subd. 1
No insurer or adjuster shall "limit the freedom of an insured or claimant to choose the shop" or "require that an insured or claimant present the claim or the automobile for loss adjustment or inspection at a 'drive-in' claim center or any other similar facility solely under the control of the insurer."
Your insurer is welcome to inspect the vehicle here. If they prefer to write their own initial estimate, that works too. Either way, we work with all insurance companies and are a Direct Repair Facility for more than ten of them, so their process is familiar territory.
Getting started
What we need to begin repairs
Less than you might expect. There are two paths depending on how your insurer handles estimates, and we will tell you which one applies once we know who your carrier is.
File your claim and get a claim number
Contact your insurance agent or company. They will walk you through the information they need and issue a claim number. Ask about rental coverage while you have them on the phone.
Bring us the claim number, or their estimate
Some insurers require that they write the initial estimate themselves. In that case all we need is a copy of it. If your carrier will work from our estimate instead, the claim number is enough.
We handle the rest
Estimate, insurer coordination, supplements for hidden damage, and updates through the repair. You do not need to manage the back and forth.
While your vehicle is here
Getting around without it
Rental vehicles
A fleet of more than 15 late model, low mileage rentals on site. Check whether your policy includes rental coverage. If it does not, our rates are competitive.
Shuttle service
Rochester Motor Cars shuttles will drop you off and pick you up anywhere within Rochester city limits.
Towing arranged
We do not operate a tow truck, but we are glad to set up towing for you.
Add other work
In-house paintless dent repair, paint buffing, touch-up, and some minor interior repairs. We can also coordinate service work with our service departments.
Common questions
Claims and repairs, answered
Timing and cost
How long will the repairs take?
Several things affect it: parts availability, how extensive the damage is, insurance approval delays, and damage that only becomes visible once we start disassembly. Your estimator will give you a time estimate for your specific repair.
How long does an estimate take?
Usually 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how extensive the damage is. You can also send photos ahead of time to shorten the visit.
Will an accident affect my insurance rates?
Only your insurance company can answer that. What we can tell you is that an insurer cannot raise your premium because you chose one repair shop over another.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
During and after the repair
How will I know when my vehicle is finished?
We update you throughout the process and will let you know as soon as the vehicle is complete and ready for pickup.
When can I wash and wax my vehicle?
You can wash it the same day you pick it up, because the finish is already cured. Hand washing and touchless washes are both fine, including the touchless wax option. Hold off on hand waxing for 90 days.
Do you work on all vehicles?
We repair all major makes and models, whether or not the vehicle was purchased from us.
Is the repair guaranteed?
Yes. Our repairs carry a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own the vehicle.
The information on this page describes Minnesota law as it applies to automobile insurance claims generally. It is not legal advice, and your policy terms and specific situation may affect how it applies to you. Statute citations are provided so you can read the language yourself at the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Have your claim number? Let's get started.
Send photos of the damage and we can begin the estimate before you drive over.
Two locations
Where to bring it
Both shops work with all insurance companies and repair all makes and models.
North Rochester
Rochester Collision Center
2828 Pennington Ct NW
Rochester, MN 55901
507-288-3828
Mon to Fri, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
South Rochester
Rochester Collision Center South
1000 12th St SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507-285-4790
Mon to Fri, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Filing a hail claim? Our hail damage repair page covers that process specifically. For the full service list, see the Rochester Collision Center overview.
It's your vehicle. It's your choice.
Free estimates at both Rochester locations, on all makes and models, with a lifetime guarantee on our repairs.
Call 507-288-3828 Schedule online