OEM Certified Auto
Body Shop In Santee, CA
A certified collision repair shop in Santee, CA, ensures your vehicle receives expert care with the proper equipment and trained technicians.
Ceritifed Collision Repair By
Vehicle Manufacturers
I-CAR Gold Class

Philip Thearle’s Autowerks
ADDRESS
8809 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee, CA 92071, United States
HOURS
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Certified Auto Repair
We have committed substantial resources to deliver best-in-class service by embracing and successfully completing ongoing collision center and technician certification programs
Why Choose Philip Thearle's for your Vehicle's Collision Repair
Our team stands by all of our repairs, knowing that they have been returned to their manufacturer's standard. See below for our shop's core values to make sure you get back on the road safely.
OEM-Certified Excellence
We use only factory-approved parts and manufacturer-specified repair procedures, so your vehicle is restored exactly as it is.
Original Equipment Parts
All of our repairs prioritize the use of factory-original parts and procedures.
40+ Years of Experience
Since 1983, we've built a reputation for precision and trust, completing nearly 50,000 repairs for drivers across San Diego County.
Insurance Management
We work directly with your insurance and negotiate with all other insurers on your behalf, so you don't have to.
Lifetime Repair Warranty
We stand firmly behind the excellence of our workmanship. In keeping with our unwavering commitment to quality.
Consistant Updates
Throughout your vehicle's repair, our team will keep you updated every step of the way.
Services Overview
Whether it's a minor fender bender or a major collision, our team delivers flawless results using OEM parts and proven repair methods
Our Repair Warranty

In keeping with our commitment to excellence, we offer the following warranty(s):
We guarantee all of our body
Unibody/structural
Conventional frame
Mechanical and refinish
For as long as you, our original customer, own your vehicle. In order to present a claim, you must provide current registration and a copy of the original paperwork, if at all possible.
Read Our Full WarrantyWhat Our Clients Say
Real stories from real customers who trusted us with their vehicles.
Based on 250+ genuine customer reviews
Insurance & Claims
As a trusted, OEM-certified shop for auto collision repair in Santee, we have been given the seal of approval by major manufacturers and insurance companies.

Repair Process
A transparent, step-by-step approach to get you back on the road.
Body
Certified technicians restore your vehicle
Paint
Factory-matched paint application
QA
Thorough inspection before delivery
Pickup
Drive away with confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our repair process.
What do I need to know in the event of an accident?
In the event of an injury, call 911 immediately. If possible, obtain the responsible party’s driver’s license information and proof of insurance at the scene, as this can significantly speed up the claims process.
Now, on to your car. Be careful — just because a car can move under its own power does not necessarily make it “drivable.” Front-end damage, cooling system issues, broken glass, damaged lights, or wheel/tire contact can all make driving unsafe. If there is any doubt, it is always better to have the vehicle towed. You’ll find our recommended towing solutions under ‘Resources.’ Law enforcement often uses a contracted tow company to remove vehicles from the scene, but if you instruct the driver to take it to 8809 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, it may save you or your insurance company the cost of a second tow.
Once the accident scene is under control, call your insurance company. Whether you are a returning customer or a new referral, simply tell them, “Philip Thearle’s Autowerks is going to repair my car.” They all know us! All we need is the claim number, and we will take care of the rest.
Now, on to your car. Be careful — just because a car can move under its own power does not necessarily make it “drivable.” Front-end damage, cooling system issues, broken glass, damaged lights, or wheel/tire contact can all make driving unsafe. If there is any doubt, it is always better to have the vehicle towed. You’ll find our recommended towing solutions under ‘Resources.’ Law enforcement often uses a contracted tow company to remove vehicles from the scene, but if you instruct the driver to take it to 8809 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, it may save you or your insurance company the cost of a second tow.
Once the accident scene is under control, call your insurance company. Whether you are a returning customer or a new referral, simply tell them, “Philip Thearle’s Autowerks is going to repair my car.” They all know us! All we need is the claim number, and we will take care of the rest.
I see all those expensive imported automobiles… Do you fix my kind of car?
In our early years in the 1980s, we specialized exclusively in Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche. As we grew, we expanded to include Volvo, Saab, Audi, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Jaguar, and eventually the big three from Japan — Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti. Over time, we received enough feedback from our high-end clients complaining that we were turning away their “normal” cars and trucks that we developed specialized teams to accommodate all vehicles. The good news for our customers is that we maintain only one standard of quality — excellence.
Do you get along with my insurance company?
We generally do. We’ve enjoyed long-term relationships with the majority of major insurers, and every one of them will cover the cost of restoring your car to true “pre-accident” condition — without unnecessary hassle. For the others, we negotiate firmly on your behalf to ensure you receive exactly what you deserve.
Who should write the original estimate?
We prefer to take responsibility for the original estimate; however, some insurers may require you to visit their drive-in claims center or even another repair shop with an on-site representative to create this document. This is never a problem — simply obtain their estimate, schedule your repairs with us, and bring both your car and their estimate when you arrive. If they’ve issued a check, bring it as well, and they will adjust the payee and amount as necessary. It’s a straightforward process.
Please don’t be concerned if their estimate differs from your perception of the damage. Share your concerns with our customer service team when you bring in your vehicle. The final methodology and costs will be determined after disassembly. Note: if the insurer involved is not on our list of top performers and you value having a knowledgeable advocate during this process, we are uniquely qualified. This expertise has been a key factor in our growth and a major contributor to customer satisfaction.
Please don’t be concerned if their estimate differs from your perception of the damage. Share your concerns with our customer service team when you bring in your vehicle. The final methodology and costs will be determined after disassembly. Note: if the insurer involved is not on our list of top performers and you value having a knowledgeable advocate during this process, we are uniquely qualified. This expertise has been a key factor in our growth and a major contributor to customer satisfaction.
What about a rental car?
To make things easier for you, we proudly partner with Enterprise, which offers pickup on-site at our shop location. Once your vehicle is repaired, you can return your rental back to our facility to save you an additional trip. Painless!
What are O.E.M. Parts?
O.E.M. (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are supplied directly by the manufacturer to the car maker, who then assembles these components into the finished vehicle. Using O.E.M. parts ensures a precise fit, proper functionality, and consistency with factory standards.
What are ‘aftermarket’ parts, and how do they differ from originals?
Aftermarket parts are typically manufactured independently, often offshore, without any connection to the original manufacturer. In the industry, they are sometimes called “replicas,” “knock-offs,” or other less flattering terms. Historically, concerns have existed regarding fit, finish, and corrosion protection. Some insurers now specify their use in client policies, leaving consumers with two options: accept them as-is or pay the difference to upgrade to O.E.M. parts. As always, reading the fine print is critical, because in our experience, the original is still the best choice.
Can any dent be fixed with Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)?
It depends on the method. Small Paintless Dent Repairs (PDR) can often be completed in just a few hours or a single day.
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