Lightbank, OCA Put $1M In Auto Repair Marketplace BodyShopBids

BodyShopBids, a site that allows consumers to solicit custom auto repair estimates by uploading a photo, has raised $1 million in led by OCA Ventures with New World Ventures and Lightbank participating in the round.

Basically, BodyShopBids is a marketplace for auto repairs. The platform connects consumers who need auto body repairs with body shops through a bidding system. Consumers upload a photo of their damaged vehicles and will receive around 4 custom quotes from nearby body shops within 24 hours. A personal BodyShopBids concierge also educates consumers on the repair process and work needed. From there, the consumer can choose an estimate and book an appointment with the body shop.

To help those who have suffered accidents or damages on the go, BodyShopBids offers iPhone and Android apps, which allow consumers to upload pics and receive bids via the mobile app. Each body shop is vetted so that consumers aren’t being ripped off for repairs.

BodyShopBids launched in June 2011 in Chicago, and in the last six months has partnered with 275 Chicago-area body shops and processed more than $2.5 million in damage estimates. The new funding will be used to expand to Los Angeles and other cities in early 2012.