Mountain towns · 85 miles east of the shop
Auto body & collision repair for Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is 85 miles from our shop — at the far edge of our 100-mile service area, and there are body shops closer to you. This page covers when it still makes sense to choose us, and what to do after a collision in Big Bear Lake either way.
After a collision in Big Bear Lake
Who shows up, and what to do.
The City of Big Bear Lake contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for police services, so sheriff's deputies respond to collisions on city streets. Collisions on the CA-18 and CA-38 are handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Collision report lookup- 01
Safety first
If anyone is hurt, call 911. If the cars can be moved and it's safe, get out of traffic.
- 02
Report it to the right agency
On Big Bear Lake's local streets that's San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (by contract); on the CA-18 and CA-38, the CHP.
- 03
Exchange information and take photos
Names, license, plate, insurer and policy number — then photos of both cars, the scene and the damage.
- 04
File a DMV SR-1 within 10 days if required
California requires it when anyone is injured or property damage exceeds $1,000.
- 05
Choose your shop
Your insurer can't require a particular body shop (Cal. Ins. Code § 758.5). Tell them your car is going to Top Tier.
Mountain snow & wildlife
What Mountain towns roads do to cars.
Paint chips from sand and cinders spread on icy roads.
Deer and wildlife strikes, especially at dawn and dusk.
Slide-offs, guardrail scrapes and snowbank impacts in winter.
CA-18, CA-330 and CA-38 climb to Big Bear and the Rim of the World communities, CA-138 reaches Crestline from the Cajon Pass, and CA-2 connects Wrightwood.
Mountain driving brings winter ice, sand and cinders spread on icy roads, and wildlife at dawn and dusk. Cinders chip paint on every winter trip, and deer strikes can damage far more than the bumper cover shows.
- CA-18
- CA-38
Is the drive worth it?
Big Bear Lake → Sun Valley
Once you're down the mountain, the I-210 west brings you to Sun Valley. If a car isn't safe to drive down the grade, don't — call us about towing.
- The car was damaged in the Los Angeles area and is already nearby
- You work or commute close to the San Fernando Valley
- You want a shop you trust, and your insurer can't make that choice for you
11782 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352
- Monday – Friday
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Big Bear Lake FAQ
Local answers.
Who takes a traffic collision report in Big Bear Lake?
The City of Big Bear Lake contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for police services, so sheriff's deputies respond to collisions on city streets. Collisions on the CA-18 and CA-38 are handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). If anyone is injured, call 911 first.
How far is Top Tier Auto Collision from Big Bear Lake?
About 85 miles in a straight line — roughly 110 road miles. Once you're down the mountain, the I-210 west brings you to Sun Valley. If a car isn't safe to drive down the grade, don't — call us about towing.
Do I have to use the body shop my insurance company recommends?
No. California Insurance Code section 758.5 prohibits insurers from requiring you to use a particular repair shop, and that applies in Big Bear Lake the same as anywhere in California. Tell your insurer your car is going to Top Tier and we'll work with the adjuster directly.
Can you tow my car from Big Bear Lake?
Yes — we offer 24/7 towing. Call (626) 646-7117 with your location. From Big Bear Lake, it's also worth checking your policy's roadside or towing benefit, which may cover part of a longer tow.
Is it worth bringing my car from Big Bear Lake to Sun Valley?
It can be — especially if the car was damaged in the Los Angeles area, you work or commute nearby, or you want a shop you trust. Start with photos through our free estimate form; you'll know what the repair involves before you decide on the drive.
How do winter roads around Big Bear Lake affect paint and body damage?
Mountain driving brings winter ice, sand and cinders spread on icy roads, and wildlife at dawn and dusk. Cinders chip paint on every winter trip, and deer strikes can damage far more than the bumper cover shows.
What if my collision happened on the freeway near Big Bear Lake?
Collisions on the CA-18 and CA-38 are handled by the California Highway Patrol. Get to a safe place, exchange information, take photos, and note the nearest exit or call box number — it makes the CHP report and your insurance claim easier.
Big Bear Lake damage? Handled.
Send photos for a free estimate, or call (626) 646-7117. We work with every insurance company.
11782 Sheldon St, Sun Valley · Mon–Fri 8–5 · Sat 9–3