Hiring a roofing contractor is a major decision, and it’s not just about materials, color choices, or how fast the crew can finish. One of the most important questions homeowners can ask is: “Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?”
At All Seasons Roofing, we view this as a smart, responsible question—because proper coverage helps protect you, your home, and the people working on your roof.This article explains what these policies generally cover, why they matter, what red flags to watch for, and how to verify coverage the right way. Hemet Roofing experts recommend treating insurance verification as a non-negotiable step before signing a roofing contract.
Why Roofing Insurance Questions Matter (More Than Most Homeowners Realize)
Roofing is inherently high-risk work. Crews handle heavy materials, work at heights, use power tools, and move ladders and equipment across your property. Even with strong safety practices, accidents can happen.Without proper coverage, homeowners can be exposed to:
- Property damage costs (broken tiles, damaged gutters, cracked skylights, landscaping impacts)
- Medical expenses and lost wages claims if a worker is injured and not covered by workers’ comp
- Legal disputes that become stressful, expensive, and time-consuming
Hemet Roofing experts recommend choosing a contractor who doesn’t get defensive about insurance questions. A professional roofer expects to provide documentation and explain it clearly.
Liability Insurance: What It Is and What It Typically Covers
General liability insurance is designed to cover certain types of third-party property damage and bodily injury claims related to the contractor’s operations. In plain terms, it’s the policy that may respond if the contractor’s work causes damage to your home or someone else is injured because of the contractor’s actions.Examples that may fall under liability coverage (depending on policy terms):
- Accidental damage to siding, windows, or gutters during tear-off or installation
- Damage caused by improper handling of materials on-site
- Certain incidents involving visitors or third parties affected by the jobsite
Hemet Roofing experts recommend understanding one key point: liability insurance is not the same as a workmanship warranty. Insurance is about covered accidents and incidents; warranties relate to defects in installation or materials over time.
Workers’ Compensation: Why It Protects Homeowners Too
Workers’ compensation insurance (workers’ comp) generally covers medical expenses and wage replacement if a worker is injured on the job. It also often limits lawsuits by providing a structured system for injury claims.This matters to homeowners because if a contractor doesn’t carry workers’ comp—and a worker is injured—there can be scenarios where:
- The worker seeks compensation from the homeowner’s insurance
- The homeowner becomes pulled into a dispute about responsibility
- The situation becomes a legal headache even if the homeowner did nothing wrong
Hemet Roofing experts recommend never assuming that “the crew is insured” just because the company says so. Verification is essential.
Common Misunderstandings Homeowners Have About Roofing Insurance
Insurance terms can be confusing, and contractors sometimes take advantage of that confusion. Hemet Roofing experts recommend watching out for these common misconceptions:
- “My homeowner’s insurance will cover it.”
Sometimes it might, sometimes it won’t—and even if it does, you may face deductibles and premium increases. Your roofer should carry their own proper coverage. - “They said they’re insured, so I’m good.”
Verbal promises are not proof. Policies can lapse, exclude roofing, or list different business entities. - “Independent contractors don’t need workers’ comp.”
Labor classification rules can get complicated, and you don’t want to be caught in the middle. The safest path is to hire a company that maintains proper coverage and can document it. - “A business license means they’re insured.”
A license is not the same as insurance. They are separate requirements.
How to Verify Coverage the Right Way (The Step-by-Step)
To keep this simple and practical, Hemet Roofing experts recommend following these steps before your project begins:
- Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A COI typically summarizes policy types, limits, and effective dates. Ask for both general liability and workers’ compensation certificates. - Confirm the business name matches your contract
The insured name on the COI should align with the legal entity you’re hiring. Mismatched names can be a red flag. - Check effective dates and policy status
Make sure the policy is active for the duration of your project. - Call the insurance agent listed on the COI
Ask the agent to confirm the policy is current and applicable. Hemet Roofing experts recommend not relying solely on a PDF. - Ask about limits appropriate for roofing
Limits vary. The “right” amount depends on job size and risk profile. A contractor should be able to explain why their limits make sense for residential roofing. - Ask who is actually performing the work
If subcontractors are involved, ask whether they carry their own workers’ comp and liability coverage. Some contractors carry coverage that extends appropriately; others don’t.
Red Flags: Signs a Roofer May Not Be Properly Covered
Hemet Roofing experts recommend being cautious if you hear statements like:
- “We’re insured but don’t worry about paperwork.”
- “We have insurance, but it’s too hard to get you the certificate.”
- “Our guys are all 1099, so workers’ comp doesn’t apply.”
- “We can start today if you pay cash and skip the contract.”
Other warning signs:
- COI shows a policy that expired recently
- The policy lists a different trade (not roofing)
- The contractor refuses to let you verify with the agent
- The COI is heavily edited or looks unofficial
A legitimate company will treat verification as routine.
What All Seasons Roofing Believes Homeowners Should Expect
At All Seasons Roofing, professionalism includes transparency. Hemet Roofing experts recommend working with a contractor who can provide clear documentation and who takes safety and risk management seriously.Homeowners should be able to expect:
- A written contract that matches the insured entity
- Proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation upon request
- Clear explanation of jobsite safety practices
- Responsible handling of subcontractors (if used)
- A process for addressing damage claims if something unexpected occurs
Insurance doesn’t replace craftsmanship—but it is part of being a responsible roofing contractor.
Quick FAQ: Insurance Questions Homeowners Ask
Hemet Roofing experts recommend keeping these quick questions handy:
- “Can you email me your COI for liability and workers’ comp?”
- “Is the policy active for the entire project timeline?”
- “Are all workers on my roof covered by workers’ comp?”
- “If you use subcontractors, can you provide their COIs too?”
- “Who do I contact if I need to file a claim?”
These questions aren’t “difficult”—they’re smart.
Conclusion: Insurance Verification Is Part of Hiring the Right Roofer
So, do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation? That question protects your finances, your home, and everyone on the jobsite. Hemet Roofing experts recommend making insurance verification a standard part of your hiring process—right alongside checking reviews, comparing bids, and confirming warranty terms.When you choose All Seasons Roofing, you’re choosing a company that understands the value of doing things the right way: clear communication, responsible coverage, and a professional roofing experience from start to finish.
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