Before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit, verify two separate things: that the roofer holds an active license (where your state or locality requires one) and that they carry current general liability and workers' compensation insurance. A reputable contractor will provide this documentation without hesitation. Skipping this step can leave you financially responsible for accidents, property damage, or unfinished work.
Step 1: Ask for the License Number
Request the contractor's license number directly, along with the name of the licensing entity that issued it. Licensing requirements for roofing contractors vary widely: some states license roofers at the state level, others regulate through county or municipal authorities, and a few have no roofing-specific license requirement at all. If you are unsure what applies in your area, your state's consumer protection or professional licensing website is the place to start.
Step 2: Verify the License Independently
Do not simply take the contractor's word for it. Most state and local licensing boards maintain a public lookup tool where you can search by license number or business name to confirm the license is active, see its issue and expiration dates, and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints on file. A license that is expired, suspended, or does not match the business name on your estimate is a reason to ask more questions before moving forward.
Step 3: Request a Certificate of Insurance
Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance (COI), a standard document their insurance agent can issue that lists the policy types, coverage limits, and effective dates. Confirm the COI shows two separate coverages:
General Liability Insurance
General liability coverage protects you if the contractor's work damages your property, for example if a dropped tool cracks a window or debris damages your gutters. Without it, you could be left paying for repairs the contractor caused.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Workers' compensation covers medical costs and lost wages if a crew member is injured while working on your roof. Roofing is one of the more physically hazardous trades, which makes this coverage especially important. If a contractor is uninsured for this and a worker is hurt on your property, you may face pressure to cover costs that a properly insured contractor's policy would have handled.
Step 4: Confirm the Coverage Is Actually Active
A certificate of insurance only reflects coverage as of the date it was issued, and it can be outdated. Call the insurance carrier or agent listed on the COI, using a phone number you look up independently rather than one provided by the contractor, and ask them to confirm the policy is currently in force and that the coverage types and limits match what was represented to you.
Step 5: Ask About Bonding, if Applicable
Some states and municipalities also require roofing contractors to carry a surety bond in addition to licensing and insurance. A bond provides a separate pool of funds you may be able to claim against if the contractor fails to complete the work as agreed or violates licensing regulations. Check whether bonding is required in your area and ask the contractor for proof if so.
Why This Verification Matters
Skipping license and insurance verification shifts risk onto you. An unlicensed or uninsured contractor may offer a lower price, but that price does not account for the liability you take on if something goes wrong. Taking a few minutes to verify credentials before signing protects you from being financially responsible for accidents, incomplete work, or disputes that a licensed, insured contractor's coverage would otherwise handle.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal or insurance advice. Licensing requirements, insurance regulations, and bonding rules vary by state and locality. Always verify credentials directly with your state or local licensing board and consult a licensed insurance professional with questions specific to your situation. For more on evaluating contractors before you sign, see Red Flags When Hiring a Roofing Contractor and the Roofing Contractor Selection Checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a roofer's license and their insurance?
A license shows the contractor has met your state or local jurisdiction's requirements to legally perform roofing work, such as passing an exam or demonstrating experience. Insurance is separate coverage that protects you financially if something goes wrong, such as property damage or a worker injury. A contractor can hold one without the other, so both need to be verified independently.
Can I be held liable if an uninsured roofer's worker is injured on my property?
It depends on your state and your homeowners insurance policy, but it is a real risk. If a contractor does not carry workers' compensation insurance and one of their crew members is injured while working on your roof, the injured worker or their attorney may attempt to pursue a claim against your homeowners policy or against you directly. Confirming active workers' comp coverage before work begins is one of the simplest ways to avoid this exposure.
How do I verify a roofer's insurance is actually active, not just on paper?
A certificate of insurance (COI) can be outdated or altered, so do not rely on the document alone. Call the insurance carrier or agent listed on the COI directly, using contact information you find independently rather than a number the contractor gives you, and ask them to confirm the policy number, coverage types, and expiration date are current.
Should I ask to be listed as an additional insured on the roofer's policy?
For larger projects, some homeowners ask their roofer to add them as an additional insured on the contractor's general liability policy for the duration of the job. This does not replace the need to verify licensing and coverage, but it can extend certain protections to you directly. Ask your own insurance agent whether this makes sense for your project.