Quality Roofing Service: Why Your Roofer Must Be Licensed and Insured

You may need to hire a roofer in Palo Alto or Sunnyvale to repair storm damage to your home, to re-roof the home after years of wear and tear, or to complete another similar type of project. Whether you are getting referrals from friends or simply contacting the first few companies you find on the Internet to assist with your roofing project, it is important to read consumer reviews and to check each company’s ratings with the Better Business Bureau. In addition to these due diligence steps, also verify that the companies you are considering are fully licensed and insured before you make a final decision about which one to hire.

What It Takes to Be Licensed

Roofing licensing requirements vary state by state, but generally, the roofing company will need to have specific training requirements met by its staff members. They may also need to be established or have a certain amount of experience. Some licenses require continuing education or training periodically. Essentially, a license means that you are receiving superior service with a focus on workmanship and quality materials.

Why Insurance Matters

If a company is experienced and skilled, the need for insurance may seem negligible;however, this should not be the case. When workers get injured while working on your home, the company’s own insurance will compensate the worker for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Therefore, if the company is not insured, the worker can file a claim against your homeowners insurance policy. This can result in you needing to pay the deductible and in you having to possibly deal with rising homeowners insurance. Keep in mind if your policy does not cover the entire liability claim, you may have to pay that expense out of pocket.

Roofers in Palo Alto or Sunnyvale, CA who are fully licensed and insured are often quick to announce it on their website. If you do not see the information on the website, you can call the company to inquire directly. You also can take the next step of calling the proper companies or departments to verify that the license is active and in good standing and that the insurance policy is in full effect. These additional steps will help to safeguard you against potential damage to your home and potential liability.

Sources:
What It Means to be Bonded, Licensed & Insured, Bargaineering.com