Starting a Bodyshop in 2026 is a smart move. As new cars get more and more expensive every year, people will want to fix the damaged ones they already have.
Autobody and collision repair shops are also always in demand, making them a solid long term business to build almost anywhere in the USA! When starting a Bodyshop, three main tasks lay ahead, choosing the right services to offer, getting the right tools, and handling the paperwork properly. This brief guide can help you understand some of the potholes that lay ahead, and help to keep your suspension and sanity intact as you navigate this process.
Firstly, there are many different kinds of body, repair, and auto shops that solve different problems for different people in different ways.
Auto Paint shops focus on the look, finish, and wrap of a car and can be easier to set up or even do on the go; but offer less than a standard bodyshop. Full on mechanics are also an option, if you have the skills, certifications or drive, focusing on maintenance and the engine of the car itself may be the best fit. The most common, stable, and well rounded however are the standard, all in one auto collision repair shop. This type of shop has the tools to handle paint, fix bodywork, repair safety systems, and get a car from the tow truck back onto the road. For the rest of this discussion we will be looking most closely at this type of collision repair shop, but it is worth thinking about where your skillset and the problems you see around point you to.
Next, ensuring you have the right tools for the job is critical, in both the front and back of the shop.
For the bodyshop floor itself, tools for frame/structural damage repair, welding/metalwork, painting and refinishing are essential. Performing specific, detailed research on the system specifics to accomplish each needed repair task from the collision back to the road for the cars you service is essential, and depends largely on the location, size, and scope of the bodyshop you are hoping to create. For the back office, tools are just as important. Ensuring you keep detailed logs of payment transactions, customer information, your on hand inventory, and employee tasks are critical to the long term success of any bodyshop. Luckily the modern Juulio™ software has all of these tools and many more in a single, consolidated, bodyshop ready package. From 8 ways to collect payment including directly from phone to phone, instant CCC estimate to invoice tools, and AI assistance for customers and staff, Juulio™ is an essential tool for any modern bodyshop. Other assisting tools such as Quickbooks are easy to fit within the Juulio™ framework and can ensure your bodyshop is ready to hit the ground running.
Lastly, paperwork and certifications can turn dreams into nightmares if not handled properly.
Some of the most critical pieces of documentation needed to get started are, a Business Entity Registration (such as an LLC), an Employer Identification Number, State Sales Tax permit, and Payroll Tax Accounts (if employees are expected). Depending on your specific state and city, items like an Auto Repair Facility License and Zoning Approval may be required. In all, the paperwork and certifications needed to start a bodyshop are largely determined by the state and city you live in, so be sure to check authoritative government sources for your specific area. Excellent starting points are the U.S Small Business Administration’s website and your operating states Dept. of Business Regulation.
