Mobile windshield replacement
Drive to homes and workplaces to replace car windshields and side windows from your van.
- C$15k-45k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A van-based service that replaces damaged windshields and vehicle windows at the customer's home, workplace or a fleet yard, including the sealing and clean-up.
Your first three steps
- Take an auto glass installer training course, or work for a local glass shop for a while to learn the trade
- Price a used van, tools, suction cups and adhesive stock, and set up a glass supplier account
- Ask local garages, used car dealers and small fleets if they need a reliable mobile installer
Who pays
Motorists paying themselves, insurers covering glass claims, and small fleets such as delivery and trades businesses.
How it makes money
A price per fitting covering glass, adhesive and labour. Insurer jobs are paid per claim, and private jobs are paid by the customer on the day.
Skills that help
- Careful, precise hands-on work
- Comfortable lifting and handling large glass
- Friendly customer service and scheduling
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability and garage or vehicle-work insurance, check what your insurer requires
- Cold weather: adhesive cure times and safe drive-away times, so plan winter jobs and consider a heated space
- Newer cars with driver-assistance cameras may need calibration after a windshield change, check whether you can offer it or partner with someone who can
- Insurance claims differ by province, and some provinces use public insurers, so check how glass claims and approved installer lists work where you live
- Check whether your municipality requires a business licence for vehicle-based work
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: mobile windshield replacement
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile windshield replacement business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $45,000, depending on your van, tools, glass stock and any extras such as a heated space for winter work. Check what insurance your insurer requires too.
How much can a mobile windshield installer earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on how many jobs you complete, your pricing and your mix of private, insurance and fleet customers. Estimates point to at least about 25 hours a week.
What rules and risks should I check for mobile auto glass work?
Check commercial general liability and garage or vehicle-work insurance, and whether your municipality requires a business licence. Also check cold-weather adhesive cure times, driver-assistance camera calibration, and how insurance glass claims and approved installer lists work in your province.
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