What Types of Licenses/Permits Do I Need to Open a Body Shop? - BodyShop Business

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What Types of Licenses/Permits Do I Need to Open a Body Shop?

I just opened a body shop and learned there is a certain type of license insurance companies require you to have in order to do business with them. What is it?

Hank Nunn
By Hank Nunn
Hank Nunn is a 35-year collision industry veteran. He is now retired.
Published:

I just opened an auto body shop, and we got our permit and business license with the county. I heard there is another type of license that insurance companies want you to have in order to get work from them. Can you tell me what this is? Also, if there are any other licenses that a shop should have in order for customers and insurance companies to consider us reliable?

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Asked by Mariel Delatorre, T.J.’s Bumper Repair Auto Body Shop, Cathedral City, Calif.

In California, you will need a resale permit and, most importantly, to be registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). The BAR can be found online on the Consumer Affairs Department website. You will also need a Hazmat/EPA permit. Depending on your location, you may also need an Air Quality Management District permit. Most counties have small business assistance offices to help with this. One last thing: the insurance company will require a federal tax ID number to issue any payments.

 

 

 

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