Southern Kern · 87 miles northwest of the shop
Auto body & collision repair for Taft
Taft is 87 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 Taft either way.
After a collision in Taft
Who shows up, and what to do.
Taft has its own police department, so collisions on city streets are handled by the Taft Police Department. Collisions on the CA-119 and CA-33 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 Taft's local streets that's Taft Police Department; on the CA-119 and CA-33, 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.
Inland heat & freeway miles
What Southern Kern roads do to cars.
Oilfield and farm-road grime, gravel and paint chips.
Blazing valley summers that fade and crack paint.
Wind, snow and ice on the Grapevine and Tehachapi Pass that cause winter collisions.
The I-5 crosses the Grapevine through Frazier Park, where snow and ice can close the Tejon Pass. CA-99 and CA-58 serve Bakersfield, and CA-58 continues over the Tehachapi Pass.
Inland summers are hot and dry, and long freeway commutes add rock chips and debris strikes. Sun-damaged clearcoat and chipped front ends are the most common cosmetic problems we see from inland drivers.
- CA-119
- CA-33
Is the drive worth it?
Taft → Sun Valley
The I-5 south over the Grapevine lands you in Santa Clarita and then Sun Valley; from Tehachapi, take CA-58 to the CA-14 south.
- 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
Taft FAQ
Local answers.
Who takes a traffic collision report in Taft?
Taft has its own police department, so collisions on city streets are handled by the Taft Police Department. Collisions on the CA-119 and CA-33 are handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). If anyone is injured, call 911 first.
How far is Top Tier Auto Collision from Taft?
About 87 miles in a straight line — roughly 113 road miles. The I-5 south over the Grapevine lands you in Santa Clarita and then Sun Valley; from Tehachapi, take CA-58 to the CA-14 south.
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 Taft 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 Taft?
Yes — we offer 24/7 towing. Call (626) 646-7117 with your location. From Taft, 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 Taft 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.
Does the heat in Taft damage car paint?
Inland summers are hot and dry, and long freeway commutes add rock chips and debris strikes. Sun-damaged clearcoat and chipped front ends are the most common cosmetic problems we see from inland drivers.
What if my collision happened on the freeway near Taft?
Collisions on the CA-119 and CA-33 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.
Taft 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