Don’t Get Caught in the Rain: Your Essential Guide to Verifying Roofing Contractor Insurance Before You Sign

When it comes to protecting your home, few decisions are as critical as choosing the right roofing contractor. While factors like cost and timeline often dominate homeowner discussions, verifying your contractor’s liability insurance coverage should be your first priority—not your last. In 2024, understanding how to properly verify insurance coverage has become more crucial than ever, as roofing remains one of the most dangerous construction jobs, with around 50 roofers fatally injured each year.

Why Insurance Verification Matters More Than You Think

The stakes of hiring an uninsured or underinsured roofing contractor extend far beyond subpar workmanship. If a roofing contractor lacks proper workers’ compensation insurance, you could be held responsible for medical bills, emergency room visits, and even funeral costs if a death occurs during an accident on your property. Additionally, if an accident happens and a roofer makes a mistake while working on your roof, their professional liability insurance coverage will protect you from having to pay for their mistake.

Consider this scenario: A roofer is patching a small area where shingles fell off during a storm, but while working near your chimney, accidentally hits the edge with a hammer, causing bricks to break. Without liability insurance, you might face bills not only for shingle replacement but also for calling a chimney contractor to replace the damaged bricks.

The Two Essential Insurance Types Every Contractor Must Have

Professional roofing contractors should carry two critical types of insurance coverage:

• General Liability Insurance: This coverage extends to property damage and injuries sustained by non-workers. Coverage amounts should range between $1 million and $5 million and should be current on the certificate.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This coverage steps in to cover medical expenses and provide financial support to employees unable to return to work due to job-related illnesses or injuries. Coverage should never be less than $500,000, but the best roofing contractors include $1,000,000 as coverage per incident.

Step-by-Step Verification Process

1. Request the Certificate of Insurance (COI)

The primary document every contractor should provide without being asked is a Certificate of Insurance. This certificate should show current dates (the policy should be active during your project timeframe), coverage amounts, and the insurance provider’s name and contact information. If a contractor hesitates to provide this document, consider it a red flag.

2. Verify Policy Dates and Coverage Amounts

Check that the policies are in force during the time the work will be done on your property by reviewing the effective date and termination date columns. Do not let your roofing contractor render services if the insurance has lapsed.

3. Contact the Insurance Company Directly

The most reliable way to verify insurance is to contact the insurance company directly. Call the number on the certificate and ask: “I’m considering hiring [Contractor Name] for a roofing project. Can you confirm their policy is current and in good standing?” Also ask whether the policy specifically covers roofing work.

4. Check for Subcontractor Coverage

Find out whether the roofing contractor will complete the work independently or hire subcontractors. If they use subcontractors, ensure their insurance is valid as well and obtain a lien waiver to protect yourself from being billed if the original contractor fails to pay subcontractors as agreed.

Red Flags to Watch For

Several warning signs should immediately raise concerns about a contractor’s insurance status:

• Refusal to provide license or insurance information, which could indicate they are not properly licensed or insured
• Expired or inactive licenses, meaning they may not be legally allowed to perform roofing work in your area
• Certificates that look altered or unprofessional
• Pressure to sign contracts before insurance verification

The Royal Treatment: How Established Companies Handle Insurance

When working with an established roofing company like Royal Roofing in Bell Gardens, California, insurance verification becomes more straightforward. Royal Roofing ensures each of their roofers is factory certified and backed by full workers’ compensation and $2 million liability insurance. The company maintains current licensing through the California Contractors State Licensing Board (License #432352, expiring 2/28/2026) and has been BBB accredited since 1986.

As a family-owned business operating for nearly 50 years, Royal Roofing focuses on building long-term relationships that span generations, with leadership bringing decades of hands-on experience and a strong foundation in quality roofing practices. This commitment to transparency and professional standards exemplifies what homeowners should expect when verifying contractor credentials.

Beyond Insurance: Additional Verification Steps

While insurance verification is paramount, comprehensive contractor vetting should also include:

• Checking official state licensing databases, as each state has its own agency that manages contractor licensing
• Reviewing references and online reviews to ensure the company has no legal claims against them and maintains good standing
• Looking for additional credentials such as manufacturer certifications from companies like GAF and Owens Corning, and membership in industry associations like the National Roofing Contractors Association

The Bottom Line: Your Protection is Worth the Extra Steps

No other step is so important as ensuring the roofing contractor has proper insurance when performing work on your home. Your failure to ensure coverage exists exposes you to the possibility of a lawsuit. Always ask to see proof of these policies before any work begins to ensure you’re protected.

In 2024’s competitive roofing market, legitimate contractors understand and expect insurance verification requests. Reputable companies readily provide the necessary documentation because they recognize that informed homeowners make better clients. Take the time to verify coverage properly—your home, your finances, and your peace of mind depend on it.

Remember: a few phone calls and document reviews today can save you from potentially devastating financial consequences tomorrow. Don’t let the urgency of roof repairs compromise your due diligence in contractor verification.