We do not verify licenses or insurance for the businesses listed on this site, so do this yourself before work starts.
Check the License
- Find the licensing board for the state and trade. Rules differ, and some trades are licensed by the city or county.
- Match the exact business name and license number.
- Check the status, expiry date and any disciplinary actions.
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Read the Certificate of Insurance
- General liability, with limits your insurer or lease requires
- Workers compensation, or a written reason for exemption
- Commercial auto, if they drive on site
- Policy dates that cover the whole job
- Your company as certificate holder, and additional insured where required
Red Flags
- A certificate from the contractor, not their agent
- A different business name on the license and the quote
- Pressure to pay in cash, or a large deposit up front
Set a yearly reminder to collect fresh certificates from every contractor.