How to Check if a Contractor Has Insurance

Contractors are hired by home and business owners frequently to complete construction or repair jobs. When choosing a contractor to hire, it may be tempting to pick the contractor with the lowest bid. Yet, there are many other things you should consider before hiring one of the professionals. One of the most important things to do, before signing a contract, is to verify that he has general liability and workers' compensation insurance coverages so that you will not be liable for any damage or injury that occurs while the contractor and his employees are working on your property.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Name and contact information for contractor's insurance company and agent

1. 1

   Ask your prospective contractor for the name of his insurance carrier and the agent's name and phone number.

2. 2

   Verify the insurance agent's name and number by looking it up in the phone book, or on the Internet.

3. 3

   Contact the agent or company and request a certificate of insurance for the contractor that proves he has liability insurance coverage as well as worker's compensation insurance.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you obtain a business card from the contractor, so that you can provide the correct information to the insurance company.
• Be aware that if an accident occurs on your property, through fault of the contractor, that causes extensive damages to someone else's person or property, you may be liable. Check with your insurance carrier to see if your current policy covers contractor accidents. If not, inquire how much extra it would cost to obtain such coverage.

References

• BBB.org: When Hiring a Contractor, Get a Certificate of Insurance
• New Mexico Home Builder's Association: Check Before Hiring a Contractor
• Desert Contractor's Association: Looking to Hire a Contractor?