how-to
How to Verify Roofing Contractor Insurance
Table of Contents
- Why Verifying Roofing Contractor Insurance Matters
- Understanding the Roofing Contractor Certificate of Insurance
- How to Verify Contractor Insurance With the Insurance Company
- Roofing Contractor Insurance Checklist
- Key Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Hiring
- Verifying Subcontractor Insurance and Licensing
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 11, 2026
Why Verifying Roofing Contractor Insurance Matters
Hiring a roofing contractor without taking time to verify roofing contractor insurance exposes you to significant financial risk. An accident, worker's injury, or property damage could leave you liable for thousands of dollars if the contractor lacks proper coverage.
Verifying roofing contractor insurance protects your home and finances. A licensed contractor with active insurance demonstrates professionalism and accountability, and this verification takes just minutes.
Request proof of insurance before signing any contract, it's about being smart with your property and finances.
Understanding the Roofing Contractor Certificate of Insurance
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is an official summary document issued by an insurance agent that proves a contractor has active coverage. It lists policies, coverage limits, and active dates, but it's not the actual policy itself.
What Information Should Appear on a COI
A valid COI should display these key details:
- Contractor's business name, matches exactly what you agreed to hire
- Policy numbers, specific identifiers for each insurance policy
- Coverage types, typically general liability and workers' compensation
- Coverage dates, start and expiration dates for each policy
- Coverage limits, dollar amounts the insurance will pay (e.g., $1,000,000 general liability)
- Insurance company name, the actual insurer providing coverage
- Agent or broker contact information, who issued the certificate
- Your name as additional insured, some policies list you as protected
- Roofing work explicitly listed, not excluded or restricted
Missing any of these details is a red flag. A legitimate contractor provides a complete, current COI without hesitation.
Roofing-Specific Coverage Concerns
Roofing work carries unique risks that general contractors' policies may not cover. Before accepting a COI, verify that roofing operations are not excluded from the policy.
Some policies exclude or limit coverage for work at heights, steep-pitch roofing, certain materials (metal, slate, tile), subcontractor work, or specific safety protocols.
When calling the insurance company, explicitly ask: "Does this policy cover roofing work at my home's pitch and height, and are there any exclusions for the specific materials or methods you'll use?" If the agent mentions exclusions, ask the contractor to clarify in writing which parts are covered. A contractor working under an exclusion is a major liability risk.
Red Flags to Watch For
Watch for these red flags: expired dates, vague coverage limits, missing workers' compensation, missing or generic agent contact info, handwritten or altered dates, misspelled company names, no policy numbers, roofing work excluded or restricted, unverifiable phone numbers, or mismatched business names.
If something looks off, trust your instinct. Request a new certificate or ask the contractor to have their agent reissue it with clarification on roofing coverage.
How to Verify Contractor Insurance With the Insurance Company
Verifying roofing contractor insurance directly with the insurance provider confirms the certificate is legitimate, coverage is active, and roofing work is not excluded.
Step 1: Request the Certificate of Insurance
Request a current Certificate of Insurance in writing (email is fine). A professional contractor will provide it immediately. If they hesitate, push back, legitimate contractors expect this request.
Request: the COI, written confirmation that you'll be listed as additional insured on the general liability policy, and a written statement confirming roofing work at your home's specific pitch and height is covered (not excluded). Additional insured status protects you if something goes wrong; the roofing confirmation prevents disputes later.
Step 2: Contact the Insurance Provider Directly Using a Verification Script
To verify roofing contractor insurance, call the insurance company or agent listed on the certificate, not contact info the contractor provides. Have ready: contractor's business name, policy number, your address, and project scope (e.g., "full roof replacement, 7:12 pitch, asphalt shingles").
Use this verification script to ensure you ask the right questions:
"Hello, I'm calling to verify a Certificate of Insurance for [Contractor Name]. The policy number is [policy number]. I'm a homeowner and [Contractor Name] has been hired to perform roofing work at [your address]. I'd like to confirm a few details:
- Is this policy currently active and in force?
- What is the expiration date of this policy?
- Does this policy cover roofing work, and are there any exclusions for roofing at heights or pitches like mine?
- What are the general liability coverage limits, and are they adequate for roofing work?
- What are the workers' compensation coverage limits?
- Is [your name] listed as an additional insured on the general liability policy?
- If [Contractor Name] uses subcontractors, are they covered under this policy, or do they need their own insurance?
Document the agent's name, date, time, phone number, and what they confirmed. Ask for email confirmation. This protects you if a dispute arises later.
Step 3: Confirm Coverage Dates, Limits, and Roofing Applicability
Check that the expiration date is at least 30 days after your project's estimated end date. Coverage limits vary, but general liability should be substantial and workers' compensation clearly stated. Most importantly, confirm that roofing work is not excluded from the policy. If roofing is excluded, the contractor is not adequately insured for your project.
Step 4: What to Do If Verification Fails
If the insurance company cannot verify the certificate, the policy has expired, roofing is excluded, or the agent cannot confirm coverage details, do not proceed with hiring.
Your options:
- Request an updated certificate. Ask the contractor to contact their agent and provide a new COI with current dates and roofing coverage confirmed in writing.
- Ask the contractor to add roofing coverage. If roofing is excluded, the contractor may be able to purchase a rider or endorsement to cover roofing work. Request written proof before work begins.
- Request proof of a different policy. Some contractors carry multiple policies. Ask if they have another policy that covers roofing work.
- Choose a different contractor. If the contractor cannot provide verified, active insurance that covers roofing work, hiring them puts your home and finances at risk.
Do not accept verbal assurances or promises to "get it sorted out" once work begins. Insurance verification must be complete and documented before the first worker arrives.
Request a Free Roofing Estimate →
Step 5: Verify Subcontractor Insurance Separately
If the contractor uses subcontractors, verify each one's insurance independently. Do not assume the main contractor's policy covers subcontractor work or injuries.
Ask your primary contractor for:
- The subcontractor's legal business name
- The subcontractor's Certificate of Insurance
- The subcontractor's state license number (if required in your state)
Call the subcontractor's insurance company using the same verification script above. Confirm that their policy covers roofing work and that they are insured for the specific tasks they'll perform (e.g., removal, installation, cleanup).
If a subcontractor cannot provide proof of insurance, ask your contractor in writing whether the subcontractor is covered under the main contractor's policy. If not, do not allow the subcontractor to work on your home.
Roofing Contractor Insurance Checklist
Use this checklist before you hire any roofing contractor. Go through each item and mark it off as you complete it.
| Task | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Request COI from contractor | ☐ | In writing (email) |
| Review COI for all required information | ☐ | All fields completed |
| Check expiration dates are current | ☐ | Extends past project end date |
| Verify your name as additional insured | ☐ | On general liability policy |
| Call insurance company to verify coverage | ☐ | Use number from COI |
| Confirm general liability is active | ☐ | Get agent name and date |
| Confirm workers' compensation is active | ☐ | Required if contractor has employees |
| Ask about coverage limits | ☐ | Document the amounts |
| Request updated COI if needed | ☐ | Before work begins |
| Check contractor's license status | ☐ | Verify with state licensing board |
Don't skip any of these steps. Each one protects you in a different way.
Key Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Hiring
Beyond insurance verification, ask these questions to get a complete picture of the contractor's professionalism and preparedness.
About Insurance and Licensing:
- Can you provide proof that you're licensed in this state?
- Will you provide a current Certificate of Insurance before work begins?
- Are you insured for the specific type of roofing work my home needs?
- What happens if an accident occurs during the project?
About the Project:
- How long will the project take?
- What is included in your cleanup process?
- Will you remove all nails and debris from my driveway and landscaping?
- What warranty or guarantee do you offer on your work?
About Subcontractors:
- Will you use subcontractors on this project?
- If yes, will they have their own insurance?
- Can you provide proof of their coverage before they start work?
A contractor who answers these questions clearly and provides documentation is one you can trust. If they get defensive or vague, that's a warning sign.
Verifying Subcontractor Insurance and Licensing
Many roofing contractors hire subcontractors to handle specific parts of the job. If your contractor plans to use subcontractors, verify their insurance too.
Ask your primary contractor for:
- The subcontractor's name and business
- Proof of their insurance (COI)
- Proof of their state license
Follow the same verification steps you used for the main contractor. Call the subcontractor's insurance company. Confirm their coverage is active and adequate.
This matters because you could be liable if a subcontractor causes damage or injury. The subcontractor's insurance should cover their work, not your contractor's policy.
If a subcontractor cannot provide proof of insurance, ask your contractor to add them to their own policy as an insured party. This ensures coverage exists no matter who performs the work.
Some roofing projects involve multiple subcontractors, electricians, carpenters, or other specialists. Verify each one. It takes time upfront but prevents expensive problems later.
Protecting your home starts before the first nail goes in. Verifying roofing contractor insurance is the foundation of a safe, professional project. At Roofing Done Right, we handle this verification ourselves so our customers don't have to worry. We maintain current coverage, provide transparent documentation, and treat every project with the respect and care it deserves. When you're ready to move forward with confidence, get a free roof evaluation and see how we approach roofing with integrity and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a roofing contractor is actually insured?
Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before any work begins. A legitimate roofing contractor will provide one without hesitation. The COI should show the contractor's name as the named insured, list general liability and workers' compensation coverage, and include current policy dates. Verify the certificate directly with the insurance provider by calling the phone number listed on the document, never use contact information the contractor provides separately.
What should I look for on a roofing contractor certificate of insurance?
Check that the certificate shows the contractor's business name, current policy dates (not expired), coverage limits for general liability and workers' compensation, the insurance company name and contact information, and the certificate holder information. Ensure your address appears as an additional insured if required by your homeowners insurance. Verify that the policy number and agent details match what you'd expect for an active policy.
Can I verify a contractor's insurance directly with the insurance company?
Yes. Call the insurance company listed on the Certificate of Insurance using the phone number from the document itself. Ask to confirm the policy is active, verify the coverage limits, and check the policy expiration date. This direct contact method protects you from altered or falsified certificates. Most insurance companies will verify basic policy information over the phone without requiring personal details.
Should I verify subcontractors' insurance too?
Yes. If your roofing contractor uses subcontractors, request proof of insurance from them as well. Ask your primary contractor for a list of all subcontractors and their insurance details before work begins. This protects you from liability gaps and ensures everyone working on your roof is properly covered. Verify subcontractor policies the same way you verify the primary contractor's coverage.
