Mobile auto electrical repair
Diagnose and fix batteries, wiring and electrical faults at the customer's home or workplace.
- $4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
3,525 US businesses with employees in this field, -6.1% in a year
NAICS 811118 “Other automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A van-based service that finds and repairs electrical problems in cars and light trucks: dead batteries, alternators, starters, faulty wiring, lights, fuses and warning-light issues.
Your first three steps
- Build or confirm your skills with ASE electrical certification or shop experience, and buy a quality multimeter and scan tool
- Fit out a van or truck with core tools, a battery tester and common parts, then price jobs against local shops
- Register your business, get insurance, and post on Google Business Profile and local community groups
Who pays
Car owners who can't or don't want to tow a vehicle to a shop, plus small businesses with work vans and local fleets.
How it makes money
A diagnostic or call-out fee plus labor and parts markup on each job, with a flat price for common jobs like battery or alternator replacement.
Skills that help
- Reading wiring diagrams
- Using a multimeter and scan tool
- Fault-finding and patience
- Clear communication with customers
Watch out for
- General liability and garagekeepers or commercial auto insurance, check what covers customer vehicles and your own van
- Check whether your state or city requires a repair facility registration or license for mobile auto repair
- Working on hybrid and electric vehicles carries high-voltage risks and needs specific training
- Check local rules on parking and working on vehicles at customers' homes or apartment complexes
- Safe disposal of old batteries, check your state's recycling rules
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: mobile auto electrical repair
Researched with live web search for United States: 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 auto electrical business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your van, diagnostic tools, parts stock and insurance. Check what insurance covers customer vehicles and your own van, as commercial cover can affect your budget.
How much can a mobile auto electrician earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you complete, your pricing and your service area. Plan on at least about 15 hours a week to start.
What rules should I check before starting?
Check whether your state or city requires a repair facility registration or license for mobile auto repair, and local rules on parking and working at customers' homes or apartment complexes. Hybrid and electric vehicles carry high-voltage risks and need training. Check your state's battery recycling rules.
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