Roof repair and replacement are expensive. You want the job done right–and to know you’re covered in case something goes wrong. Accidents can happen–even when you hire a highly experienced and qualified team. Roofing is dangerous work. You want to ensure that your contractor protects their workers and shields clients from potential liability. According to the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, roofing fatalities were up 15 percent in 2019. It’s considered one of the most dangerous trades. With excellent training, we can lower the risk for roofing professionals, but it’s crucial to have coverage in case of an accident.
What Kinds of Insurance Should My Roofer Have?
The two essential types of insurance for roofing contractors are liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Liability insurance covers any damage to your property or injury to you as a client, as well as any legal costs related to on-the-job accidents. Workers’ compensation covers medical bills from an injury sustained on the job and lost wages if needed. This means that if a roofer is injured while working on your property, his company is responsible for medical costs–not the client. Of course, your roofer should also have an up-to-date state contractor’s license. The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational regulation allows you to verify your contractor’s license status and check their disciplinary status online.
What Does It Mean When A Company Is Bonded?
Contractor bonds are a business insurance policy that makes sure you get your money back if your contractor fails to complete a job. Unexpected issues can arise, even with trusted contractors. So it’s crucial to confirm that your roofing company is bonded as well as insured. If your contractor goes bankrupt or has another issue that prevents them from completing the job, bonding provides financial protection for the client and legal protection for the contractor.
Why Is Roofing Insurance So Important?
If you have a small roofing job, hiring an uninsured handyman-type company may be tempting. Some contractors will do work without insurance, often using word-of-mouth referrals and offering hard-to-beat prices. They may be cheaper, but the cost could be much higher in the long run. All it takes is one accident on your property for medical, legal and property damage costs to skyrocket. An inexperienced contractor can do significant damage to your roof and other parts of your home. Remember: a fully insured roofer protects you as the client, too. If there’s an accident and you hire an uninsured roofer, you could be liable for medical bills and other damages. Roof work also presents injury risks for homeowners and their families, so it’s best to protect everyone involved through full professional insurance coverage.
Another significant benefit to hiring a fully insured roofer is the trust issue. Legitimate roofing contractors care about protecting employees and clients. If the company can’t offer proof of insurance, it’s a huge red flag for consumers. If your contractor skips insurance, they’re more likely to cut corners in other areas. Lack of insurance can be a warning sign of poor workmanship, financial instability and lack of reliability.
How Can I Confirm that My Roofer is Insured?
A legitimate roofing contractor is more than happy to show you their paperwork, including insurance policies in the company name and contractor bond documentation. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof.
DryHome: A Trusted Name In Roofing For More Than 30 Years
DryHome Roofing & Siding is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We’re happy to provide proof of all licenses and insurance. We believe in being very transparent; you’ll also find reviews from our customers on our website and in other review resources, so you can see what our customers think of our work. We’re incredibly proud of our three decades of service in the Loudoun and Northern Virginia communities. We care about our employees and our clients and are committed to putting safety and reliability first. We understand that a new roof is a significant investment, and it’s an honor to have earned the trust and recommendations of homeowners around the region.
