How do you start a windshield repair business in 2027?

Windshield repair (chips, small cracks) and replacement (full glass) are related but distinct businesses. Repair is low-cost mobile entry; replacement requires inventory, ADAS calibration capability, and insurance-network approval to scale.

Startup costs. Repair-only mobile: low-to-mid four figures (resin injectors, UV curing lights, pit fillers, mirror tools, polishing wheels, training). Replacement adds a major cost layer: glass inventory access (Pilkington/PGW/Mygrant accounts), urethane gun + primer kits, suction cups, cold-knife/wire tools, plus ADAS calibration equipment - dynamic calibration tools start in low five figures, static targets and software push it higher. Most new entrants start repair-only and add replacement later, or partner with a glass distributor.

Permits/licenses/insurance. LLC + business license. Some states require a glass-installer registration or auto-glass-shop license. Garage liability, commercial auto, errors-and-omissions (badly installed windshields are a safety/airbag liability). Workers comp once hiring. Safelite-style insurance-network approval requires meeting national audit standards.

Customer acquisition. GBP, Yelp, Nextdoor for chip-repair walk-ins. Insurance-network approval (LYNX/Safelite Solutions, Gerber, Glaxis) is the volume driver but pays low rates. Fleet/dealer accounts. Body shop overflow.

Revenue model. Flat per-repair (often insurance-paid 100%, no deductible). Replacement = glass cost + labor + calibration fee. Cash retail vs insurance billing differ a lot.

Year-1 outlook. Mobile repair-only solo: modest livable. Replacement scale needs multiple techs.