Mountain towns · 68 miles east of the shop
Auto body & collision repair for Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is 68 miles from Sun Valley as the crow flies. Most Lake Arrowhead customers choose us because the car was damaged in the Los Angeles area, they commute nearby, or they want our shop specifically — and California law lets you choose your shop.
After a collision in Lake Arrowhead
Who shows up, and what to do.
Lake Arrowhead is unincorporated San Bernardino County. In unincorporated areas the California Highway Patrol investigates traffic collisions on all public roads — surface streets as well as freeways — while the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department patrols the community for everything else.
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 Lake Arrowhead's local streets that's California Highway Patrol (CHP); on the CA-18 and CA-173, 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-173
Is the drive worth it?
Lake Arrowhead → 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
Lake Arrowhead FAQ
Local answers.
Who takes a traffic collision report in Lake Arrowhead?
Lake Arrowhead is unincorporated San Bernardino County. In unincorporated areas the California Highway Patrol investigates traffic collisions on all public roads — surface streets as well as freeways — while the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department patrols the community for everything else. If anyone is injured, call 911 first.
How far is Top Tier Auto Collision from Lake Arrowhead?
About 68 miles in a straight line — roughly 89 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 Lake Arrowhead 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 Lake Arrowhead?
Yes — we offer 24/7 towing. Call (626) 646-7117 with your location. From Lake Arrowhead, 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 Lake Arrowhead 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 Lake Arrowhead 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 Lake Arrowhead?
Collisions on the CA-18 and CA-173 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.
Lake Arrowhead 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