How to Verify Contractor Licensing and Insurance

Trust is the foundation of any home improvement project, but in the world of high-stakes repairs like roofing, you cannot rely on a handshake alone. Verifying a contractor's credentials is the single most effective way to prevent financial ruin and ensure that your home remains covered by manufacturer warranties. A professional will welcome these checks; a contractor who dodges them is a liability you simply cannot afford to host on your property. Done well, this verification process takes less than an hour and provides absolute peace of mind before a single shingle is moved. You are looking for proof that the business is registered to operate in your jurisdiction and carries enough general liability and workers' compensation coverage to protect you from lawsuits. Never skip this step—the cost of a mistake here is far higher than the price of the project itself.

  1. Get Documents in Writing. Ask the contractor for their state contractor license number and a copy of their Certificate of Insurance. If they cannot provide these immediately, treat it as a significant red flag.
  2. Check State Registry Now. Visit your state's Department of Labor or Board of Contractors website and use their search tool to plug in the license number. Confirm that the status is 'active' and that the company name matches exactly.
  3. Confirm Coverage Details. Check the Certificate of Insurance for the expiration date and policy limits. Confirm the policy covers residential roofing specifically, as some commercial policies exclude residential work.
  4. Verify Worker Protection. Verify that the contractor carries workers' compensation insurance for all employees. If they do not, you may be held liable if a worker is injured on your property.
  5. Verify With Carrier Direct. Find the phone number of the insurance provider listed on the certificate and call them. Ask the agent to confirm that the policy is currently active and that the contractor is in good standing.
  6. Check Permit History. Call your local building department and ask if the contractor has a history of pulling permits in your area. Frequent, successful permit history is a sign of a reliable professional.