Darby’s Paint & Auto Body

I was in a minor fender bender a few weeks ago and while Darby’s was not on my list of recommended vendors from the insurance company I was referred to Bernie, Albert, and the team by a friend that spoke very highly of them. The accident I was in was about as mild as you can get and only required a new bumper cover and the accompanying paint job for it.
I dropped off my car on a Monday and was back in my fully repaired vehicle by Wednesday or Thursday of the same week… That turnaround time blew me away as I was expecting it to take at least a week. The paint job looks great… Bumper color matched beautifully to the rest of the car and they even washed it so I could really see what a great job they had done.
Customer service was spot on and they kept me up to date with what was happening every step of the process. Albert even stayed about 30 – 45 minutes later than when they closed so I could pick up my vehicle after work… That kind of customer service is not easy to find.

I got in a fender bender on the freeway, on my way to work one morning, which totally sucked. Thank God the only thing that needed to be fixed was the glass for my right tail light and my bumper. So I started the claim with All-​State and I know I wanted to go to a shop near my neighborhood, which was Darby’s. The last time I was in an accident, they took care of my repair needs. So I knew I could trust the team at Darby’s. What I didn’t realize was they person who helped me before, which was Pedro. Was not longer with the company. Instead it was Albert. He was very nice on the phone and I had some scheduling issues so I went to the shop on a Sat — Yes! they are open on Saturdays.
So, he inspected my car and took pictures. He provided me with an estimate of what the costs would be, which was not too bad, but it didn’t matter because I was going through the insurance. I called him on Monday to approve the work and I took my car in on Wednesday morning. He didn’t want to over promise anything as far as timeline of when the card was going to be done, but he hoped it would be done by Sat, which I was fine with. Then Thursday afternoon comes along and I got a call from Albert and he told me that my car would be ready Fri morning! I was excited because my poor fiancé had to drive me to work the past 2 days (my work in the middle of Mira Mesa) and his work has been pretty busy the past weeks. So I got my car back and it looked like new! They even washed my car! Haha. Also their work is lifetime guarantee, so if the paint ever chips off, they will repair it for free.
I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone who needs any auto body needs!

These guys completely destroy any negative cliché or stereotype that comes with auto body repair mechanics. I brought in my wife’s vehicle after it had a pretty serious dent on the driver’s side and they easily made it look new again but I had some other things done while I was already there and that’s where Albert Rivera and his team really shined. There were a few things they did but I will mention they dismantled and fixed a latch for our hatchback instead of charging me for a new part (or parts) and labor on top. They are completely and absolutely dedicated to customer service and results at Darby’s. I should also mention there are logistics and decisions after an accident that need to be made behind the scenes regarding the repair job where you should have a person you can trust on your behalf making those decisions while keeping you updated. Albert and the guys at Darby’s got your back!

Right away darby auto body made me feel comfortable leaving my car with them. Armando knew what he was talking about and listen to my concerns when I picked up my car the owner was the one that handled my car and myself and he is also great with customer service my car looked absolutely amazing there’s one issue with the seatbelt that we’re unsure that it happened during the accident and if it was going to be covered under my insurance but just to make good peace with me the owner did offer that I come back to him and he’s going to go ahead and handle it for me at no cost talk about great service this is the place to go!

Darby’s is THE best! They are fair, professional, informative, and helpful. I do not trust most car places but I definitely trust Darby’s. And the work they do is beautiful as well. I highly recommend this place!

Darby’s did a flawless job on both my BMW and Mercedes truck. I would recomend to my family and friends.

Excellent service and completed on time. The repair work was perfect. Armando was extremely helpful and went beyond my expectations. The shop is clean and the employee know what they are doing. Highly recommend this for your car repairs.

By far the best auto body shop I’ve been to. The customer service was excellent, with a huge shout out to Armando. I would recommend this place to anyone.

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Just as I expected being involved in a hit and run was not very pleasurable, but being involved in a hit and run and your insurance not wanting to pay for the damages are even worse. To the point that I was actually going to pay for the damages out of pocket. Than I met Armando at Darby’s Paint and Auto body, he assured me that because of his many years in the field that he would take care of all insurance claims and that I would and should only be responsible for my deductible. Sure enough in the exact time that Darby’s allocated for my repairs not only was my car perfectly repaired, detailed and looked better than ever but the only out of pocket expense was that of my deductible !!!
All promises were met and Bernie and Armando are genuinely great caring respectful gentlemen !!! I highly recommend Darby’s auto body and def know that they have gained my trust and respect in bringing both my vehicles back to them if and when needed !!!
Great job guys :)

I AGAIN did NOT have a good experience with Darby’s Paint and Auto, Inc.
It’s a LONG story but here it goes.
I have a 2014 Nissan and had an intersection accident 9 months in with my new car. Allstate said Darby’s was in my area. That was NOT a good experience. Unfortunately, my car was involved in another incident on ⁷⁄₂₉ and parts were falling off from the under carriage. Other than the dealer for oil changes; Darby’s is the only shop that has worked on my car. I didn’t want to take my car somewhere else for this small incident and something happens and shop claims «they didn’t do that here». I took my car back to Darby’s, reluctantly!!!
Pedro called on Thursday 8÷13÷2015 and said my car would be ready between 5:30 & 6:00PM. I called at 5:00PM to say I’m on my way. Pedro proceeds to tell me that they didn’t wash the car and that detail had gone for the day. OK, Friday is not a good day for me I had commitments so I ask can I come Saturday morning. Pedro reminds me that Enterprise closes at noon and Darby’s close at 1.
Saturday morning, 8÷15÷2015, 10:30AM I’m at Enterprise checking in the rent a car the insurance covered. Enterprise is a little busy. Enterprise took two other people and me to drop off at different locations. I was last. I got to Darby’s at 11:30AM.
Pedro tells me they need to wash my car and could I wait 10 minutes? Over an hour later, paper work signed, discounted $ 200 off my deductible since I was a returning customer (whatever) and I’m finally ready to go. I get out to my car that is running, air on full blast, and in the alley besides the building. I proceed to inspect the repairs and white water spots all over the car and the original tire dirt spots for the accident still on my driver’s door!!!
Now by this time they should have washed the car twice. Pedro goes and gets a cloth and starts wiping each spot. Pedro says let me get some spray to remove the water spots better. From what I can see the spots are coming off, great! It’s HOT, I’ve been there over an hour and I’m hungry and ready to GO!!! I inform him it’s OK and I can get my car detailed. He opens the door for me I say thank you and Pedro goes back in to help the next customer waiting.
I get into my car, fasten my seat belt look up to adjust the mirror and what do I see, a BIG CRACK going down my windshield.
I go back and get Pedro and he tells me that the crack was already there. There was O crack in my windshield before I dropped my car off at Darby’s. He brings out his original inspection sheet and he has a little blue line on the windshield picture where he claims he noted the crack but he never mention crack to me nor did he include the crack windshield in the claim to All State. He tells me Enterprise is closed and did I want to take my car home. We ALL know that driving with a crack windshield is against the law. Pedro tells me it’s not that bad and I should be OK. WTH Needless to say my car did not leave Darby’s that day.
It’s Saturday ⁸⁄₁₅ after noon and I’m without transportation. I catch the 3 bus, 2 hour trek from work to get home on Monday & Tuesday. Pedro calls me ⁸⁄₁₈ Tuesday with did I still have the rental car. Pedro states that in their zealous to buff out the car something happened. Bernie picks me up, saying very little and NOTHING about my car and takes me to get another rental on him. Now a week later Pedro’s calls on Friday ⁸⁄₂₁ and said my car should be ready Saturday ⁸⁄₂₂ and AGAIN reminds me that Enterprise closes and noon and they close at 1. Saturday 8/​22, he calls me at 11:00AM to tell me the car is not ready yet he still needs to personally wash and buff it out and did I want to take the rental back and sit around the shop 1&½ hours to wait… NO thank you. We agree that after work Monday 8/​24, I will take the rental back and be in before 4:00PM.
Monday 4:00PM I get there and Bernie brings out my car. Finally my door is fixed. My car looks rather good from the outside. I get into my car, check to see if my in-​mirror rearview monitor was still working since they had to replace the windshield and yes it was. OK nightmare over, time to go on with life. I get home park in my disabled spot, attempted to put my plaque up and the whole plastic piece that holds the wiring for the monitor comes flying off and now wires are exposed. WHAT, are you kidding me right now?
I contact Darby’s and their response and I quote «I am sorry to hear that, in this case we did not replace the windshield we had a glass company bill Allstate for the work. Please call Allstate and have that glass company go to your work or home to correct the problem.»
In other words WE can’t be so bothered with you anymore!!!
Darby’s had my car from 7÷30−8÷24÷2015 to originally secure the undercarriage, replace the front fender and fix the driver’s door Then replace the windshield and then redo the driver’s door. WOW. What a disaster!
I do NOT recommend Darby’s Paint and Auto, Inc.

Got my car back today and I’m pleasantly satisfied at the job they did. I was afraid because my car was older and not in good shape to begin with. I’d really like to thank Pedro for all his help, and the free touch up when I came to pick up my car on unrelated scratches. Customer service is good enough for me because I understand businesses get busy and can forget to call you back (its called being human for previous reviewers who had issues before, everyone makes mistakes). Also I checked my car before I left and everything was running great.
If I could find some extra money, then I would have them fix the unrelated scratches and dents from other incidents. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ they did a great job and I’m glad to have my car back.

Really professional shop I was very satisfied with the costumer service and the finish product was amazing. Couldn’t ask for a better shop my car looks brand new now

I brought my Audi A4 here and my Mustang Convertible here. Both times I received excellent service. I have been sending others to this shop and they too have had great experiences. I highly recommend!

Pedro was super awesome handing my repairs. My car looks excellent. After dealing with Allstate this guy made up for it all. He always took the time to explain anything he did. The turn around time was quick as well. My car was nice and clean upon arrival and my repairs ate warrantied by him and the insurance company. Take your car here you will be happy you did.

My car was sent here after it was recovered after it was stolen. It had lots of damage. I was told my vehicle would be ready by a specific date, but since it didn’t pass an alignment test I had an option to either a) leave it 3 more days for them to fix the issue or b) they give me $ to fix the issue myself. I let them keep the car & fix it. When they returned the vehicle, it was literally like a NEW car. 2 days later I returned because my lights were NOT working at night and I got pulled over by the SDPD. The office was nice and didn’t even give me a ticket (thanks SDPD!). OK, back to the review. I went back to the shop and all I wanted them to do was to tell me what the issue was. Pedro & the owner were so cool they replaced the fuzes that burned off & the burned light bulbs for FREE! I was so happy. They asked me to return 2 days later so they can throw in a FREE car detail. This place rocks! Thanks a lot once again & I will refer you to all those asking for an auto body shop.

I was referred to Darby’s by my insurance and I cannot be more pleased. I needed a considerable amount of parts replaced and some repair work as well — Pedro did a great job of explaining the entire process. He was also kind, courteous and quick! He was available at the times we agreed to meet and would call when he said he would with updates. I got my car back good as new! And also quicker than the time he initially quoted me. While I hope no one has to go here due to an accident I can say that I am absolutely thankful for their work.

My car got in a hit and run and it was totaled. I have Allstate insurance so they had it towed here to Darby’s Auto Shop. I mainly dealt with Pedro and he was always communicating with me as to the progress of my car. Unfortunately, the damage was too great for my insurance company to repair so they ended up paying me off for the market value of my 2010 Corolla LE. I was able to schedule a time with Pedro to let me grab all my stuff out of my poor car before they sold it for parts. He’s always been up front with me about what Allstate was planning to do with my car. He also picks up the phone an hour after they close since he’s still there filing paper work. I recommend this place if you need to choose from a list that your insurance gave you!

I was referred by a friend to Darby’s after getting into a small fender bender.
From my initial conversation with the owner Bernie, he had me at ease and confident in their service. Pedro was quick and thorough at appraising the damage and getting me a quote. When I took my car in, they were very accommodating. They offered to have a rental car delivered to me. I wasn’t in need of a rental so Bernie personally gave me a ride to where I needed to go. The work they did is flawless. Looking closely at my fender, I am unable to tell it was in an accident. I highly recommend this business if you’re ever in need of auto body work.

Friendly, no-​pressure, communicative and professional customer service with an incredible value!
I’m grateful that a friend recommended this place. I called up Darby’s at the beginning of Thanksgiving week and talked to Jose’ about replacing the drivers rearview mirror that I had totally mangled on my Camry. In just minutes he took my VIN number and then let me know that I had options — get a manufacturer or an after-​market mirror (after market being cheaper). The other two body shops I had previously called didn’t give me that option, which tells me that Darby’s is more honest.
I was quoted a price that was 26% cheaper than the body shop I normally go to in the Miramar area that is considered cheap. When I asked how much more labor would be, I was told the (lower already!) price included labor. Really appreciate that!
They were very easy to work with. Jose’ told me I could bring in my car to do a paint match, so I did the next morning. When Jose’ examined my car he noticed some extra scratches from my collision around the mirror area and said he would have them touched up for free. I then pointed out scratches on the other side of my car’s side panel, unrelated to this latest incident, and asked if it was possible to also touch those up. He said they would do those complimentary as well! I asked how much it would cost to do a real, full paint job of the side panel and he quoted me a price that was 17% cheaper than the other body shop’s quote from 2012.
I brought my car in the next morning for them to do the work. They said I could come back later for it but then asked if I was planning to wait in the office. I said yes. So they said, «we’ll have it done in 30 minutes.» I then pulled out my laptop and tried to do some work using their wi-​fi password which they freely shared, but then around 20 minutes later they said my car was ready!
The mirror looks great and seamlessly painted to my car’s color, and they did indeed do the paint touch ups they had mentioned! They look like touchups not a full paint job of course but are definitely better than anything I could have done on my own and were at no extra cost to me!
When I paid the bill they gave me a breakdown of the costs including the parts and labor.
I’ll definitely recommend this body shop!

It seems most posts here are the «I had a fender bender, insurance covered a great repair!» I wanted some custom work done to my Suby STI. Jose was my main man who repaired a ding on my rear bumper, a crack on the front, ordered some broken clips, installed and painted a front lip spoiler, shaved my badges and some rear trim, and whipped up some customer paint to touch up curb rash on some powder coated rims.
This guy understood the look I wanted and my car is looking nasty! Top notch work in the exact time he quoted. Lifetime warranty in their paint as well. Its not a cheapo maaco paint joint and you will pay for what you get. If you are willing to spend the reasonable price for work you will be pleased.