For most auto body shop profiles the best primary category is Auto body shop — use it when: collision repair and paint. Automotive categories are split finely (repair, body work, glass, tyres, detailing). Pick the one that matches most of your jobs and keep the rest as services.
Open the free tool for an auto body shop → tick what you really offer and get a copy-ready setup sheet
Primary category
- Auto body shop — Collision repair and paint
Secondary (additional) categories
Add one only if the condition is genuinely true at this location. Fewer, accurate categories beat a full list of nine.
- Auto glass shop — only if: windshield / auto glass who else uses it
- Car detailing service — only if: car detailing who else uses it
- Towing service — only if: towing who else uses it
Categories to avoid
These are often added to auto body shop profiles but usually describe a different or broader business:
- Auto repair shop (unless you do mechanical)
- Car wash
Address or service area?
Usually a storefront: show the full address exactly as it appears on your signage, and keep it identical on Google, Apple Business Connect, Bing Places and your website. Service-area vs storefront rules.
Starter services to add
Categories say what you are; services say what you do. Good first entries:
- Collision repair
- Scratch & dent repair
- Insurance claim repairs
Check before you change anything
Search “auto body shop” on Google Maps in your own area, open the top few profiles and note their primary category (shown under the business name). Use what's common as a sanity check, not a template — your categories must describe your business. Ready to switch? How to change your category safely.
Profile problems?
Suspended, stuck in verification, or not showing on Maps? See the free fix guides: suspended profile · verification failed · not on Maps · name rules.