Westside · 16 miles south of the shop
Auto body & collision repair for Santa Monica
Santa Monica sits 16 miles south of our Sun Valley collision center. We repair Santa Monica drivers' cars every week — structure, body and matched paint, with the insurance claim handled for you.
After a collision in Santa Monica
Who shows up, and what to do.
Santa Monica has its own police department, so collisions on city streets are handled by the Santa Monica Police Department. Collisions on the I-10 and CA-1 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 Santa Monica's local streets that's Santa Monica Police Department; on the I-10 and CA-1, 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.
Coastal, marine air
What Westside roads do to cars.
Marine-layer moisture and salt air that turn unrepaired chips and scratches into corrosion.
Bumper and parking-sensor damage in tight garages and valet lanes.
Low-speed collisions in congested traffic on Wilshire, Lincoln and Sepulveda.
The I-405 through the Sepulveda Pass is among the most congested freeway segments in the country, while the I-10 and CA-90 feed the beach neighborhoods. Pacific Coast Highway and Lincoln and Sepulveda boulevards carry heavy mixed traffic.
Near the coast, the marine layer and salt air turn a small chip into rust. Scratches that reach bare metal should be repaired promptly — corrosion creeps under the surrounding paint long before you can see it.
- I-10
- CA-1 (Pacific Coast Highway)
Getting here
Santa Monica → Sun Valley
The I-405 north over the Sepulveda Pass is the most direct Westside run to Sun Valley.
Not drivable? We tow 24/7 — call (626) 646-7117 with your location in Santa Monica.
11782 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352
- Monday – Friday
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Santa Monica FAQ
Local answers.
Who takes a traffic collision report in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has its own police department, so collisions on city streets are handled by the Santa Monica Police Department. Collisions on the I-10 and CA-1 are handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). If anyone is injured, call 911 first.
How far is Top Tier Auto Collision from Santa Monica?
About 16 miles in a straight line — roughly 21 road miles. The I-405 north over the Sepulveda Pass is the most direct Westside run to Sun Valley.
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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?
Yes — we offer 24/7 towing. Call (626) 646-7117 with your location.
Can I get a free estimate without an appointment?
Yes. Stop by during business hours (Mon–Fri 8–5 · Sat 9–3) or send photos through our free estimate form and we'll get back to you.
Does salt air in Santa Monica make paint damage worse?
Near the coast, the marine layer and salt air turn a small chip into rust. Scratches that reach bare metal should be repaired promptly — corrosion creeps under the surrounding paint long before you can see it.
What if my collision happened on the freeway near Santa Monica?
Collisions on the I-10 and CA-1 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.
Santa Monica 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