Last Updated: November 4, 2026
Quick Summary
To verify contractor insurance coverage, ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) before work begins, then confirm the policy directly with the agent or carrier. Check that the contractor’s name matches your contract, that general liability and workers’ compensation are listed with active dates, and that you are the certificate holder.
- Request a certificate of insurance (COI) from every contractor before any work begins.
- Confirm the contractor’s legal business name matches the name on your contract.
- Check that general liability and workers’ compensation coverage are listed with active policy dates.
- Look up the contractor’s license number with the state licensing board.
- Call the insurance agent to confirm the policy is active and coverage limits match the COI.
Table of Contents
- Requesting and Reading a Certificate of Insurance for Contractors Sample
- How to Check if a Contractor Is Licensed and Insured
- Questions to Ask a Contractor About Their Insurance Policy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing how to verify contractor insurance coverage protects you if something goes wrong on your property. Every homeowner should check a contractor’s coverage before work starts.
Requesting and Reading a Certificate of Insurance for Contractors Sample
Ask every contractor for a certificate of insurance (COI) before any work begins. Once you have verified coverage and are ready to hire, you can request a quote from Jannuzzio Group. A COI is a document that shows the contractor’s current coverage and the policy dates.
When you review it, check these items:
- The contractor’s legal business name matches the name on your contract
- General liability coverage is listed with active policy dates
- Workers’ compensation coverage is listed
- The certificate holder is you or your property address
A COI is only a summary. To see what licensed and insured roofing service looks like from a contractor, review their roofing services. Confirm the details directly with the insurance agent or carrier.
How to Check if a Contractor Is Licensed and Insured
Coverage and licensing are separate checks. Confirm both. If you are comparing fencing companies, learn how to choose a reliable local fence contractor.
- Ask for the contractor’s license number and look it up with the state licensing board.
- Ask for the insurance agent’s name and phone number.
- Call the agent to confirm the policy is active and the coverage limits match the COI.
Questions to Ask a Contractor About Their Insurance Policy
Ask these questions before you sign:
- Who is the insurance carrier, and what is the policy number?
- When does the policy start and end?
- Are subcontractors covered, and do they carry their own insurance?
- Will you list me as an additional insured?
Clear answers are a good sign. If you are also considering a gate, explore custom automated and security gate installation and its licensing and insurance details. Vague answers are a reason to pause and verify further.
Use these questions to check a contractor’s coverage before you sign, and compare the answers against what you have been shown.
| Question | What a clear answer includes | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Who is the insurance carrier? | Carrier name and policy number | Lets you confirm the policy directly |
| When does the policy start and end? | Active policy dates | Shows coverage is current |
| Are subcontractors covered? | Whether they carry their own insurance | Gaps can leave you exposed |
| Will you list me as an additional insured? | Yes or no, stated plainly | Extends the contractor’s coverage to you |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify a contractor’s insurance coverage?
Ask the contractor for a current certificate of insurance, then confirm it directly with the insurance agent or carrier named on the document. Check that the policy number, effective dates, and coverage types match what the contractor described. Calling the agent is the most reliable check because a certificate can be altered or outdated. If the contractor will not provide a certificate or refuses to let you contact the insurer, treat that as a warning sign and consider hiring someone else.
What questions should I ask a contractor about their insurance policy?
Ask for the legal business name on the policy, the carrier name, the policy number, and the expiration date. Find out whether general liability and workers’ compensation are both active and what the coverage limits are. Ask whether your home would be listed as the certificate holder or additional insured for your project. Also ask whether subcontractors working on your property carry their own insurance, since gaps there can become your problem.
How do I check if a contractor is licensed and insured?
Start by asking for the contractor’s license number and insurance details in writing. Look up the license with your state or county licensing board, which typically lists the license status and any complaints. Then verify the insurance by contacting the carrier listed on the certificate. Matching names, license status, and active coverage dates across all three sources gives you a reliable picture before any work begins.
