Independent collision repair shop

Insurance companies (through claims and approved repairer arrangements), private owners paying out of pocket, and some fleets.

Per job, based on an estimate of labour hours, parts and paint materials, with a margin on parts and materials.

• Collision repair and refinishing trade skills
• Estimating and managing insurer paperwork
• Running a small team and a workshop

• Check whether your province requires trade certification, such as Red Seal auto body and collision technician, for the people doing the repairs
• Spray booths, paint storage and waste disposal are covered by fire code and environmental rules, check with your municipality and province
• Some provinces have public auto insurers with their own repair programs, check how they work in your area
• Commercial general liability, garage and property insurance, and WCB or WSIB cover once you hire
• Large upfront equipment costs and slow insurer payments can strain cash flow
• Check zoning and business licence rules for your unit

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $50,000 to $250,000, depending on your rented unit, spray booth, frame and welding equipment, and team size. Large upfront equipment costs are a major factor, so get quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $55,000, depending on how much insurer and private work you win and how quickly insurers pay. Slow insurer payments can strain cash flow, so plan for that.

Check whether your province requires trade certification, such as Red Seal auto body and collision technician, for the people doing repairs. Also check fire code and environmental rules for spray booths and waste, plus zoning and business licence rules for your unit.