Auto Body & Collision Repair for Pacific Beach
Garnet Ave becomes Balboa Ave and runs almost to our door. Estimates Monday to Friday, all insurance companies welcome.
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From Pacific Beach, the drive to Clairemont Collision is about as simple as it gets. Garnet Ave becomes Balboa Ave just east of Mission Bay Dr, and Balboa Ave climbs through Clairemont, crosses I-805 and reaches Convoy St, one block from our shop at 7996 Armour St #12 in Kearny Mesa. 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 Pacific Beach Drivers
PB driving is beach-town driving: tight parallel parking on side streets, packed lots near the bay and the boardwalk, bikes and scooters everywhere, and stop-and-go traffic on Garnet Ave, Grand Ave and Mission Blvd. That adds up to bumper scuffs, mirror hits, door dings, keyed paint and the occasional rear-end bump. We handle the bigger jobs too, from structural damage to cars an insurer wants to total. 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
Small damage, straight answers
A lot of PB damage is small, and small damage raises the same question every time: is it worth a claim? For bumper scuffs and scratches, paying out of pocket can cost less than filing a claim. Send us a few photos and we'll tell you what we see before you make the drive.
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. That goes for claims against the other driver's insurance too. 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
Our San Diego auto insurance claim guide covers supplements, aftermarket parts and diminished value in plain English, and our insurance claim assistance page explains how we work with your insurer.
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 side damage on a new Civic and RAV4 to a right-side rebuild on a 2002 BMW M3.
What Customers Say
“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
“Never taking shortcuts, always fighting for the best replacement parts and attention to the details.”
Kyle Heppenstall, Google review, Aug 2026
Close to Pacific Beach
Mission Beach starts at the south end of Mission Blvd, and La Jolla begins just north of PB at Bird Rock. Across I-5 are Bay Park and Clairemont, and Balboa Ave carries on to Kearny Mesa.
Getting Here From Pacific Beach
Almost every route from PB ends up on Balboa Ave. Garnet Ave turns into it east of Mission Bay Dr, and Grand Ave merges into it near I-5. From there it's a straight run east across Clairemont and I-805 to Convoy St. Distances below are approximate driving distances from mapping data.
- From Kate Sessions Park (about 6.0 miles). Take Soledad Rd and Lamont St down to Beryl St, then Soledad Mountain Rd to Garnet Ave and turn left. Garnet becomes Balboa Ave; stay on it across I-5, Clairemont and I-805, then turn right on Convoy St and left on Armour St.
- From Crystal Pier (Garnet Ave & Mission Blvd) (about 6.9 miles). Turn right on Mission Blvd, then left on Grand Ave. Grand Ave joins Balboa Ave; stay on it east across I-805, then turn right on Convoy St and left on Armour St.
- From Grand Ave & Mission Blvd (about 6.8 miles). Head east on Grand Ave until it joins Balboa Ave, then follow Balboa Ave across Clairemont and I-805. Turn right on Convoy St, then left on Armour St.
- From Mission Bay High School (Grand Ave) (about 5.4 miles). Take Grand Ave east to Mission Bay Dr, turn left, then right on Garnet Ave, which becomes Balboa Ave. Turn right on Convoy St, then left on Armour St.
- From I-5. Exit at Balboa Ave/Garnet Ave and head east on Balboa Ave across Clairemont and I-805. Turn right on Convoy St, then left 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
Pacific Beach Auto Body FAQ
What's the easiest way to get to you from Pacific Beach?
Take Garnet Ave east. Just past Mission Bay Dr it becomes Balboa Ave. Stay on Balboa across I-5, Clairemont and I-805, then turn right on Convoy St and left on Armour St. It's about 6 miles from Kate Sessions Park and about 6.9 miles from Crystal Pier.
My car got scraped parking near the beach. Is that a quick fix?
Often, yes. Bumper scuffs, mirror hits and door dings are common repairs. Send us photos of the damage and we'll tell you what it looks like before you drive over.
My car lives on the street and someone keyed it. Can you fix the paint?
Yes. We repair scratches and refinish the damaged panels with PPG paint mixed in our own paint mixing room, then blend the color into the neighboring panels so it matches.
My car isn't drivable. Can you get it from Pacific 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 you offer a military or veteran discount?
Yes. Active duty military and veterans can ask about saving money on their deductible.
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.