I was unfortunately involved in a hit and run, and my car definitely needed repairs. Given that I had good work done previously by Balboa Auto Body, it was a no brainer for me to have them repair by vehicle for a second time. I called and spoke with the receptionist to schedule an appointment on a Wednesday for a quick repair estimate. Fernando was able to draft up the estimate to send to my insurance. I then scheduled an appointment to drop it off first thing the following Monday to begin repairs. I also had explained to Fernando that I was paying out of pocket for a rental while my vehicle was going to be repaired, so if the work was going to take longer than expected (about a week and a half), to let me know so I could make new arrangements. A few days went by and I hadn't heard anything or received any updates. I made my boyfriend the point of contact while I was at work. I asked him to call for a status update. We then got a call back from Fernando that Thursday, with not so good news. He mentioned he was having a hard time getting an approval from my insurance to proceed with the repairs. He did mention he called more than once and did not receive a response. Fuming, assuming that my car was being worked on, my car sat there for days and I paid a rental for nothing. Fernando completely dropped the ball and should have communicated to me sooner about the situation. At that point I called my insurance and got the ball rolling. The following week was Thanksgiving and I was informed my car would not be completed the day prior, as I had hoped. Given they were closed for Thanksgiving and the following day, my car sat there again, for another 2 days without being worked on. Ultimately, what should have taken about a week and a half, ended up being 3 weeks from start to finish for the repairs because of the lack of communication in the beginning. My insurance (Aspire) was horrendous, and dealing with them made everything twice as difficult. But had I not called them and lit a fire under their ass to communicate with my shop of choice, I definitely think this process would have taken even longer. On Friday of the 3rd week, my car was finally ready. Here's the kicker. The shop didn't initially want to release my vehicle without confirmation of payment from my insurance. My insurance had agreed to pay a certain amount from the original estimate, but as we know with repairs and it being the holidays, unexpected things come up. Fernando did communicate he was trying to find reasonably priced parts. But given my insurance was so shitty and lacked a reasonable response time, the parts were no longer available, so Fernando had to adjust and order different parts that were a little more in pricing. With that being said, the remaining balance was a few hundred dollars. The reason they wanted to not release my vehicle was because they had another customer previously, with the same insurance that I had, and they had not received payment for repair work that was done. While I am understanding, that was completely separate to my situation. My insurance had already paid for 95% of the repairs. With it being a Friday afternoon, they wouldn't have heard from my insurance until the following Monday regarding the remaining balance. I was not about to go another 2 days without my vehicle because of an issue that had nothing to do with me. If there was a reoccurring issue with a specific insurance, then they should opt to not work with certain insurances going forward. Fernando was able to speak with his manager and get my car released to me that day, and I was grateful. I understand that things come up and don't always go as planned. I also understand they are busy and I am not the only customer. But its not that hard to send a quick text, leave me a voicemail or send a quick email regarding the situation. The work done on my vehicle was A+. Given this was my second experience with them, they do take longer to do repairs compared to previous experiences at other shops, so keep that in mind. read more

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I can't say enough good things about this auto body shop! From start to finish, the experience was absolutely top-notch. The customer service was amazing -- everyone I interacted with was friendly, professional, and genuinely cared about making sure I was happy with the results. Their attention to detail is incredible -- my car looks better than it did before the accident! They went above and beyond to make sure every little thing was perfect, and it really shows in the quality of their work. What stood out most was their great communication throughout the whole process. I was updated every step of the way, and they took the time to explain everything clearly so there were no surprises. If you're looking for a body shop that truly values its customers and delivers flawless work, this is the place to go. Highly recommend! read more

Back in December there was something wrong with my passenger door. Honda refered me here. The owner or manager(I forget his name) and another gentleman took care of it super quick, and didn't charge me anything! 2 of the nicest guys! I will definitely be coming here if I ever need any work done on my car and recommending them to everyone. read more

The staff is excellent, Tim was the best there. He helped guide me through a challenging time with my car.

Let's face it... if you end up at an auto body shop, you are probably not having a great day. The folks at Balboa Auto Body were quick to greet me and help me find a solution. I am not about fancy when it comes to cars - much more keeping the car well enough to get from point A to point B while staying safe and having a clean appearance. I didn't need a $1k bill for a high end solution. I needed the car to get safe and not have the damage get worse and certainly not have any pieces fall off. They listened and helped me find a solution that met my goals, kept the car safe and had my car looking good as new. They are worth checking out or at a minimum, getting an estimate from. I am so grateful! read more

I returned from a backpacking trip in the Sierras to find my car damaged by a hit-and-run driver in the parking lot. The fender was dented and the bumper significantly damaged. I took it to Balboa Auto Body on a referral from the insurance company, and I'm glad I did. The receptionist made the paperwork easy, and the damage appraiser gave me a reasonable estimate of both cost and time needed for the repair. They kept me informed by phone during the work and finished it a day earlier than expected. As you can see in the images, the repair was flawless and the matching of the paint is perfect, as far as I can tell. They also washed the entire car and vacuumed the interior. Good as new! I only wish the driver who hit the car had had this much integrity and left me his insurance information. read more

Balboa Auto Body - Before repair: dented fender, dislodged bumper, slightly damaged faith in the integrity of other drivers - Body Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

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Thank you to the ladies at Balboa Auto they are super! Especially Kelly! Body work was great very pleased

The service at Balboa Auto Body are excellent and quality of the work are superb. I want to say a special thanks to Kelly Vaughan. She was the best and always follow up with me, explain things to me, and made the process very pleasant as my car was being fix. I would highly recommend this place to bring your car and ask for Kelly. Nhan read more

Came in for some side damage. My car was ready way before the date estimated to be finished. Def high level of work & dedication done to be completed!! read more

Balboa Auto Body - Damage - Body Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

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We have used Balboa Auto Body four different times over the years after our cars were hit. We have always been extremely happy with their customer service and repair turn around. They wrote accurate estimates of the work needed and worked well with our insurance company. We returned recently because a small area of the side bumper popped out of place after 2 years. With the lifetime warranty on the repairs they took the car in and we had it back the next evenings. They also washed our car which a nice gesture! We are always comfortable referring our friends to this shop. It's a very busy shop-which is a good sign-but well worth the wait. read more

My car needed to have a new back bumper and this shop was awesome!!! They gave me detailed information and kept me informed of when my car would be ready. From start to finish a Justin was just wonderful! Professional and my car looks perfect!! Great service and they also gave me quotes on other things with my car... If you need repairs take your car here... insurance companies will give you a choice, go see Justin! read more

Balboa Auto Body - Before - Body Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

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I took my car in on 6/4. Rick made an appraisal and told me they were booked up next week, but would try to get me in, if not I can bring the car in the following week. 2 Weeks later no call, no update, nothing. I leave a message on a Wednesday. Then get a phone call from Tracy late Friday afternoon. TWO DAYS LATER! WHY? She states Rick does not work at the body shop any more. Thanks Tracy, why did you not reach out to me earlier in the week or the week before to communicate this information? Then, do you think Tracy is going to try to make this right? Nope, stating earliest I could bring the car in is in two weeks. Who ever owns Balboa Auto Body, should fire Tracy. Awful communication, and plain and simple she should of made things right. Unreal why are you not calling me to communicate Rick does not work at the body shop any more so besides a period of 2 weeks to bring the car in, now its 4-5 weeks. read more

I recently brought my new vehicle there to be fixed after being damaged. From the first moment I contacted them I have received amazing customer service. Kelly who was my estimator maintained consistent communicate with me throughout the entire process. Based on my experience I would recommend them if needing your vehicle fixed. read more

While it pains me to leave a negative review I am simply left with no other option. Where to begin? Well let's start from the beginning. I take my vehicle for a simple repair of the bumper corner. This is a simple repair and everything seems to go well enough. Upon picking my vehicle up first thing I notice is the check engine light is on and the car is running rough. I ask about it and they say they have no idea what I am talking about. I respond, when I dropped my vehicle off it had no check engine light. There response, well there is nothing we could have done to cause that and it must be a coincidence. My response, there is no way this is a "coincidence" Next I notice that the rear parking sensors do not work. Again I get a response from employe CORI that there is nothing they could have done to cause my parking sensors not to work. My response "What are you talking about you, repaired the bumper and installed the parking sensors, now it does not work." Ok lets speed through this part as I then take my car back to them maybe four or five times for them to fix the parking sensors, finally on time number maybe 6 I cant even remember at this point because it has become so many they replace the parking sensors, still does not work. I return to the shop where employee CORI yells at me in front of my child and continues to act aggressively telling me it works, I'm wrong and treats me as if I'm either hard of hearing or low IQ. Then they send me to a calibration company whom calibrates the sensor and it works. Let me remind you this maybe 6-7 times I took my vehicle back to Balboa auto body to repair the sensor they repeatedly told me it was "plug and play" meaning that you just plug it in and it works. When I contact them about the calibration of the sensor they state "Wow, this is the first time this has ever happened to us" So on to that check engine light. I'm told on about 10 occasions from CORI that it's an ENGINE light and has "nothing" to do with the "bumper repair" because it is a BUMPER told to me slowly every time as if I am hard of hearing or low on the intelligence quotient scale. Funny thing is after taking the vehicle to the company that calibrated the parking sensor they diagnose the check engine light as coming from the activated charcoal canister which is located where? I will let you take a wild guess, behind the rear bumper cover. Upon removing the wheel liner I discover that in order to replace the bumper corner you have to remove the Canister to access the bolt that holds on the bumper. However Balboa auto body tells me, they never removed the canister and have no idea how any work they performed could have to do with a check engine light. Funny, it is actually impossible to replace the bumper corner without removing the canister as you can't access the bolt that holds the bumper corner on without removing the canister. I have been back to Balboa auto body no short of 10 times and the last time they tell me I am on my own and there is nothing they are willing to do. Let me insert the fact that has been omitted, this is a 100k dollar Mercedes. Now, I am left with taking my vehicle to the dealership for repair. I will be sending Balboa auto body the bill and if not paid I will be taking them to small claims court as no matter what the repair bill is, it's the principle now that they damaged my vehicle, the employe CORI was rude to me speaking aggressively in front of my child and acting like I was a problem and continually passing off responsibility. This has sucked weeks out of my life for what should have been an easy repair causing constant aggravation. read more

Had the worst experience in my years! Hated his place! Manager , Armando. Was a cheep hot head! They finished the work . Spare tire rim , and jack was missing! He said he wold get me a replacement! . At a junkyard, didn't ! Tossed me $20 and said buy your own tire rim and jack ! And he told me not to come back. Months later, the paint started peeling off ! The owner herd about it! And repainted it ASAP! The old manager is gone now! And the new employees are great ! Very helpful! Nice! Was very happy with the outcome! Told if it happens again thy will fix asap! I'm very impressed with the new Employee's! And to Kelly! For making it a better experience! Using my stars from Zip to a solid 4 1/2 ! Can't hold bad feelings , for new blood because of old! read more

Julian Vasquez did a great job on my lady's car! I brought it into the shop because I needed to get a bumper lip installed and I was recommended Julian since he specializes in carmods and he did a fine job! Thanks a bunch! Customer service was great too so I had a good experience all around. I'll definitely be back! read more

Excellent customer service! Had my car repaired here through insurance. Got my repair done in a timely manner and they even replaced my battery free of charge. Kelly was super helpful and I'll bring my car here for any issues. read more

Do not believe them when they tell you when they will be able to begin work on your car, when it will be finished, when they have received parts, etc. They are good at playing the blame game, nothing else. read more

I will never go anywhere else in SD for my car! Armando is the absolute best. he has great prices, and does whatever he can to accommodate your needs and do the best work possible. I can't speak highly enough of him and Balboa Auto Body! read more

I just had work done by these folks - done on budget, ahead of estimated time, and top notch quality. Armando and all his staff were great. I know where I'll go again if I need more work done in the future. read more

After my Audi was in a fender-bender, I selected Balboa Auto Body for my car's repair because, among those on my insurance company's "recommended list," it was closest to my home. Because of their professionalism and wonderful staff availability, the entire 3-week repair process was actually pleasant. My car was picked up at my home by their contract towing company the morning after I 1st contacted them. Within 2 days after receiving the car, they had completed their assessment, provided me a detailed list of the parts, body work (including the cost of each) and the estimated time (2 weeks) needed to complete the job. That it took a week longer than estimated was because one of the main replacement parts, which arrived damaged, had to be rejected -- a delay beyond the shop's control. I was most impressed, in this age of endless phone trees, that every time I called Balboa the phone was answered by a real person who, if they could not answer my inquiry, was quickly able to locate the Assistant Manager (Tim). In addition to being unfailingly pleasant, he always knew in detail the current status of my repair and took as much time as needed to explain things to me. When I picked up the car, it looked (and has since driven) like new. If (God forbid!) I need another car repair, I will certainly use Balboa again. read more

I had a wonderful experience with Balboa Auto Boday - and my car's bumper was restored perfectly in a few days time. Will definitely go back if I ever need any further work! Highly recommend them - and Kelly especially! read more

I cannot rave enough about my experience! I had a scratch run the length of my car and got it fixed - minor but it required a lot of work due to the size of it, they took my car on a Tuesday and had it done by Friday - and were sooooo nice! They even detailed and cleaned up my car for me - they just went above and beyond- the absolute best customer service. Thanks so much Balboa crew especially Justin who kept in touch and made the whole process seem like a breeze ! Oh yea, my car looks like a million bucks too! read more

These guys were great to work with. There was an ongoing issue for several months with the supply chain, but that was no fault of their own. That being said, they went above and beyond to make sure I was kept up to date on the progress of my vehicle and did their best to get the parts as quick as possible. After I picked up the vehicle I had an issue with my battery since it had sat so long since the accident. They didn't blink an eye, went out of their way to get a battery for me immediately, and fixed the whole thing in 20 minutes. Very happy to work with these guys and will definitely be bringing other vehicles to them if need be. read more

Gerald Velasco was professional, efficient, friendly and communicative in providing his service, and had the well-done repair completed before the estimated time. read more

This place is incredible man omg!!! Amazing service. Shoutout to Armando he is the GOOOOOAT for helping me and my car is perfect now. I love this spot read more

I had to bring my car back three times before all was repaired. The bumper they replaced was torqued, they forgot to install light bulbs, they initially didn't replace a headlight, and the decal was put on crookedly. read more

Check they out you can't get better work done. The before and after is night and day. Came in for a quote, got both dents removed from my car and they did it fast as hell! 5 stars read more

I had the best experience at this auto body and let me tell you I have been to PLENTY. Almost always leave not happy or something goes wrong. This place took care of my truck so well. They were friendly, quick to respond and get me in. I got updates on my truck while it was being repaired. Not only were they so quick and efficient, but they got the job done in half the amount of time it was supposed to take. They told me the 26th and it was done on the 20th right when I got back into town so I didn't even have to get a rental. Got my truck back good as new and they left it nice and clean. Would give 10/10 and recommend to everyone. I've gotten my truck worked on down the street at advanced automotive and I warn you do not go there go to BALBOA AUTO BODY they are wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy better. Simply the best! Thank you ! read more

Balboa Auto Body does excellent paint & body work. Their staff is very professional & the customer service is 5 star. I would definitely recommend them. Especial Greg Barrera he went above & beyond to make sure I was extremely satisfied with the work. Coco read more

I was told to come to this place by my insurance company (Mercury) after a guy rear ended me and basically forced me to crash into the car in front of me. Balboa Auto Body quoted me (really my insurance company since they were paying for it) at about $1,200 after taking a brief look. After taking off the bumper, they realized there was a lot more damage and it would be about $3,600 to fix. They made the call to Mercury and took care of the details and basically just called to tell me it would take a couple more days longer than expected. Aside from that minor hitch, everything went as planned and I had no trouble. I was very satisfied with the repairs, and the staff was very friendly. I don't know much about car repairs or the details involved but based on this experience, I'd probably come here again. read more

Thank You to Jody and the Balboa Auto Body Team!!! Picked up my car today and I was absolutely over joyed at such a GREAT job that was done on my car. I truly appreciate the time Jody took to make sure the work on my car was done to perfection. So if your are looking to get Auto Body work done on your car, Balboa Auto Body is definitely the place to go! Thank you so much again Jody and Team! read more

Steve and his team over at Balboa Auto Body did an amazing job repairing my front bumper, side panel, and headlight. Even though they were slammed and working in the rain, they repaired my car very quickly and the quality of the work is outstanding. I was referred here by Mercury Insurance, but I will definitely bring my car back here if I have to even though I don't have Mercury anymore. Don't let the tiny parking space and office throw you, this place does a great job and I appreciated their honesty and practicality. They even cleaned the inside of my car which was a mess, the little things go a long way! Thanks guys! read more

This is one of those times that I wish yelp let you leave no star. I was robbed and have to find a body shop in San Diego, and I'm not from the area (really missing my old body shop). My claim is going thru Statefarm and it was one of the ones on the recommended list, so I read every review and decided to give it a try, despite the claim that they stole a coin purse and other complaints like this. I went in and the receptionist was somewhat unattentive and short, and on the phone they had tried to dissuade me from coming in because I would get there at 4 and they close at 5(???). I get you want to go home, but it's taking me quite a bit myself to get to them. So whatever, I go to get the process started. Steve begins to look at my car and says they can take it, but the stereo system that was stolen is taken care of by other guys and that *I* would have to contact them and either do it separately or coordinate them coming to their shop. This is completely separate from every experience I ever have...I give you my claim and my keys, you call me when the job is done and all is fixed. That's the point of the insurance. I guess not in this body shop. Moving on... My driver door handle has been giving me difficulty too so I took the panel off and was in the process of ordering the part when my car was broken into and robbed. So I asked for a *separate* estimate for that to see if they could do it, as that would make my life easier. I have been having to go into my car thru the passenger door, and while that's not ideal, there's no center console and it's a small SUV so it's not difficult. Steve does the estimate, which is 66% more than other estimates. So I tell him not to worry about it, but to continue with everything else regarding the claim. At this time Steve becomes insistent that I have to pay for the door part, to which I say no, I can get it done elsewhere for less. He says, "you have to pay for it because I'm not going to make my guys crawl through a car to work on something." My mechanic and the tow truck guy have not had any complaints or even hinted to the inconvenience. Yes, it's not ideal, but to become irate and pressure me three times to overpay for something that has nothing to do with the right side window and stereo repair (a stereo repair that you already said you're not doing) is entirely unprofessional. And unless you haven't done a squat in 30 years, it's not difficult. SMALL SUV. There is no center console. It's practically a hallway. I fully felt like I was being taken advantage of and pressured in a situation where I was already vulnerable since I was just robbed and I'm a female alone. It's not ok. So I left with my car and I'm bringing it somewhere else, and I notified Statefarm and they are concerned that they are recommending a company that would be so unprofessional and abrasive. Long review to basically state, don't come here. Car trouble is stressful enough, you don't need to be aggressively spoken to and taken advantage of to complete your experience. read more

I've used balboa auto body twice for two different incidents through my insurance, State Farm. Both times, balboa auto body has provided excellent, quick and efficient service. I was happy with the work for both instances and trust that they will always do a good job. All of their work is guaranteed and if there are any issues, I know I can reach back out to them for them to take a look. Will definitely use them again if I need a shop. It's also helpful that there are two car rental shops right down the street that you can walk to if you need it. read more

Was referred to Balboa auto by Mercury, and had rear end damage, for the 2nd time. I dropped off my car to Steve Monday @9am, and received my car Wed 4:00p. As far as I am concerned, this is the fastest body shop i"ve ever dealt with. Geez Steve, you guys are QUICK read more

Once upon a time, I would have considered this place, but customer service has gone to s*** now. I was actually a repeat customer. I wouldn't waste my time for service or repairs here. Don't waste your time or vibe. read more

I advise you not to go to this place about this place works Very bad. they estimated it was only 20 days but they kept extending it to forty-five days making me pay a lot of rent for the car they kept blaming it on the extra damage but if they estimated it, they should know where the damage is. they told me to come Monday and then Tuesday and then Wednesday and Thursday and then told me to come Friday morning and then they said Friday afternoon to finish. I need a car to go but they keep dragging the time. Do not recommend this place for car repair. Bad service. The manager said they gonna waive for me some of the deductible after I come to pick up the car. The owner said no. read more

Every time you talk to the Manager ( owner ) you guys need to record all the time. He keep changing his mind about the day you pick up the car. When I told him you did say it but he said he is not saying that. Be careful when you repair your car here. DO NOT LET THEM REPARE YOUR CAR. RIDICULOUS PLACE. DO NOT BELIEVE ON THE OWNER SAY read more

I don't leave many reviews, and can't comment on their repair work, which is the problem... it never happened. The guy who gave me my estimate at the shop was actually great... thorough, quick, and friendly. State Farm said the shop would be calling to schedule the repair, and when I didn't get a call a few days after the estimate was approved, I both emailed and called them. Five times, over the course of 10 days. Never got a call (or email) back. Not one. I left messages with a uninterested front desk lady of few abrupt words, and doubt my message ever made it to the desk of anybody who could actually help. They don't have voicemail, according to her, but they might want to consider adding that high-tech element to their communication arsenal. read more