Auto Body & Collision Repair for Ocean Beach
I-8 starts in OB. Take it east to SR-163 north and you're nearly here. Estimates Monday to Friday, all insurance companies welcome.
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Interstate 8 begins at Sunset Cliffs Blvd in Ocean Beach, and that's where the drive to Clairemont Collision starts. From Newport Ave and Abbott St it's about 10.9 miles to our shop at 7996 Armour St #12 in Kearny Mesa, and nearly all of it is I-8 and SR-163. Our team has 60 years of combined experience, including years as appraisers for large insurance companies, and we work with all insurance companies.
Call (858) 877-9060 Send Photos for an Estimate
5.0 stars from 24 Google reviews · Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Walk-ins welcome for estimates on weekdays
What We Repair for Ocean Beach Drivers
OB is a beach town with narrow streets, alleys, packed parking near the pier and Newport Ave, and its share of surf vans, pickups and well-loved older cars. The damage we see from OB tends to be parking damage, mirror hits and sideswipes on tight blocks, and collisions in traffic on Sunset Cliffs Blvd, W Point Loma Blvd and the I-8 merge. We work on all makes and models.
- Collision repair, including computerized frame straightening and alignment
- Dent and scratch removal, bumper scuff and crack repair
- Paint matching with PPG paint systems, mixed in our own paint mixing room and blended into neighboring panels
- Wheel repair and refinishing to match the others
- Full-size van refinishing for Sprinter, ProMaster and Transit vans
- Pre- and post-repair diagnostic scans, and a quality control inspection before we hand back the keys
Vans, trucks and older cars
We repair and refinish full-size Sprinter, ProMaster and Transit vans, and we've rebuilt the front end of a 2000 Ford F150 Harley-Davidson Edition, new billet grille included. An older car still deserves a careful repair, and if an insurer says it isn't worth fixing, we'll give you a straight second opinion.
Ocean air and your paint
Living close to the water means salt air and sun on your paint every day. Chips and scratches that reach bare metal are worth fixing early. We mix paint in our own paint mixing room with PPG paint systems and blend it into the neighboring panels, so the repair matches.
Your Car, Your Choice of Shop
In California, you have the right to choose your own repair shop, even if your insurance company recommends another one, and even if the shop isn't the closest one to home. Because we used to evaluate claims for large insurance companies, we know what an insurer needs to see, and we provide the documentation to back up the repair.
- OEM genuine parts: we push your insurer to authorize them, and if it won't, we do our best to price match them
- Lifetime workmanship warranty for as long as you own the car, honored nationwide
- All insurance companies welcome, from GEICO, State Farm and Progressive to Allstate, USAA and Farmers
- Active duty military and veterans can ask about saving money on their deductible
Have questions about supplements, OEM vs. aftermarket parts or diminished value? Read our auto insurance claim guide for San Diego drivers, or see how our insurance claim assistance works.
Insurance Company Says It's Totaled?
A total loss call doesn't always mean a car can't be repaired. When an insurer insisted on totaling a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4Matic, the owner asked us to advocate for them. We worked with the insurance company, and it changed its decision and repaired the vehicle. Every claim is different and we can't promise the same result, but we can arrange towing, store your car while your insurer decides, and give you a straight answer on repair versus payout. Learn more about our total loss help.
Recent Repairs From Our Shop
Before-and-after photos of real repairs done at our Armour St shop, from a classic F150 to a candy apple red three-stage refinish.
What Customers Say
“Never taking shortcuts, always fighting for the best replacement parts and attention to the details.”
Kyle Heppenstall, Google review, Aug 2026
“I was rear ended and took my vehicle to Clairemont Collision. Jason did a great job dealing with my insurance company and helping me through my claim process…”
Bernard Montalvan, Google review, Jun 2026
Close to Ocean Beach
Across the San Diego River channel to the north is Mission Beach, with Pacific Beach beyond it. Follow I-8 east and you're in Mission Valley, and SR-163 climbs from there past Linda Vista to Kearny Mesa.
Getting Here From Ocean Beach
From anywhere in OB, the plan is the same: get to Sunset Cliffs Blvd, take I-8 east, then SR-163 north to the Balboa Ave exit. Distances below are approximate driving distances to our door from mapping data.
- From Newport Ave & Abbott St (about 10.9 miles). Head north on Abbott St to W Point Loma Blvd and turn right, then left on Sunset Cliffs Blvd onto I-8 east. Take SR-163 north, exit at Balboa Ave and head west. Turn left on Mercury St, then right on Armour St.
- From Robb Field (about 10.6 miles). Take W Point Loma Blvd to Sunset Cliffs Blvd, turn left, and get on I-8 east. Take SR-163 north to the Balboa Ave exit, head west, then turn left on Mercury St and right on Armour St.
- From Voltaire St & Sunset Cliffs Blvd (about 10.0 miles). Head north on Sunset Cliffs Blvd onto I-8 east. Take SR-163 north, exit at Balboa Ave, head west, then turn left on Mercury St and right on Armour St.
On Armour St, look for the Clairemont Collision sign on the street pylon and head down the driveway to unit #12. See photos of the entrance, hours and a map
Ocean Beach Auto Body FAQ
How far is your shop from Ocean Beach?
About 10.9 miles from Newport Ave and Abbott St, and about 10 miles from Voltaire St and Sunset Cliffs Blvd, almost all on I-8 and SR-163.
Why drive from OB to Kearny Mesa for a repair?
Because the drive is mostly highway, and the shop matters more than the miles. You get former insurance appraisers on your side, OEM parts advocacy, and a lifetime workmanship warranty for as long as you own the car. If your car isn't drivable, we can arrange towing.
Do you repair Sprinter and other full-size vans?
Yes. We repair and refinish Sprinter, ProMaster and Transit vans, from collision repair to full or partial refinishing.
Is it worth repairing an older car?
Often, yes. It depends on the damage, the car's value and your insurance. If your insurer wants to total it, read our total loss help page or call us for a second opinion.
My car isn't drivable. Can you get it from Ocean Beach to your shop?
Yes. We can arrange towing to our shop and help coordinate an insurance rental car.
My insurance company recommended a different shop. Can I still bring my car to you?
Yes. California drivers have the right to choose their own repair shop, and we work with all insurance companies. Our auto insurance claim guide explains your rights in plain English.
Do you use OEM parts?
We do our best to get your insurance company to authorize OEM genuine parts. If we can't, we do our best to price match the OEM parts.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. We offer a lifetime warranty on our workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle, and we stand behind our work nationwide.
Do I need an appointment for an estimate?
No. Walk-ins are welcome for estimates Monday through Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. We're closed Saturday and Sunday. You can also call (858) 877-9060 or send us photos of the damage for an estimate.
Get an Estimate
Call (858) 877-9060, send a few photos, or stop by 7996 Armour St #12, San Diego, Monday to Friday 8 AM–5 PM.