Google is simplifying how trust is communicated on its Local Services Ads (LSAs). Effective October 20, 2025, all existing badges — Google Guaranteed, Google Screened, and License Verified by Google — will be discontinued. In their place, a singular, unified Google Verified badge will be rolled out to streamline verification and consumer trust.
This change is more than cosmetic for auto repair shops — it’s a shift in how credibility and visibility are presented to potential customers. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changing and Why It Matters
Historically, Google’s badges helped communicate a shop’s legitimacy, licensing, and customer protections. However, the landscape has evolved. Google now unifies these signals under one badge to reduce confusion and elevate clarity.
Key Takeaway: The Google Verified badge replaces all previous badges and eliminates the Money Back Guarantee associated with the Google Guaranteed badge.
What You Need to Do
For Existing LSA Advertisers:
Nothing. You will be automatically upgraded to the new Google Verified badge if you've already completed Google's verification process. Your ads will continue to run without interruption.
For New Advertisers:
To become eligible for LSAs and earn the badge, you must complete Google's standard screening and verification process.
Where the Badge Appears
The new Google Verified badge will be visible on your Local Services Ads profile and other surfaces where it adds value for consumers. This change enhances trust during the customer’s decision-making journey — aligning perfectly with our core strategy: building credibility across multiple touchpoints.
Reminder: This update does not impact your ad ranking. Performance still hinges on budget, reviews, responsiveness, and proximity — not the badge itself.
What About the Money Back Guarantee?
As of October 20, 2025, the Money Back Guarantee will no longer apply to new service bookings through LSAs. However, existing service claims remain eligible if:
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The job was booked before October 20, 2025
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The reimbursement request is submitted within 30 days of the completed service
Google Support Article: About Google Verified badge
Why It Aligns with Auto Repair Marketing
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At Business Actualization, we believe that trust and visibility are the twin engines of growth. Google’s new unified badge simplifies both. For shop owners, it means:
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Less confusion for customers
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Fewer hoops to jump through
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A cleaner, more consistent badge system
But the badge alone won’t drive revenue. That’s why we layer it into a full-funnel strategy — from optimized Google Ads campaigns to high-impact review generation, advanced websites, and ROI dashboards that prove what’s working.
Our Take: Strategic, Not Cosmetic
This isn’t about shiny labels. It’s about positioning your shop as the trusted authority in your market. We’re here to make sure you not only qualify for the badge — but use it as a launchpad for smarter, more effective marketing.
Let’s get your shop Google Verified — and truly customer-ready.
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