Roofing Contractor Insurance Verification: Essential Coverage Types New London County Homeowners Must Confirm Before Hiring

Don’t Risk Your Investment: Why Verifying Your Roofing Contractor’s Insurance Coverage Could Save You Thousands

When it comes to protecting your most valuable investment—your home—hiring the right roofing contractor is crucial. In New London County, Connecticut, homeowners face unique challenges when selecting qualified professionals, and one of the most critical factors often overlooked is proper insurance verification. 78% of roofing accidents result in significant liability claims that can exceed $100,000 in damages, making insurance verification not just important, but essential for your financial protection.

Understanding Connecticut’s Insurance Requirements for Roofing Contractors

Connecticut law requires specific insurance coverage for roofing contractors operating in the state. A home improvement contractor, which can be an individual or business, must obtain a minimum of $20,000 general liability insurance to be eligible for registration with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. However, many industry experts recommend much higher coverage limits to adequately protect homeowners from potential liabilities.

In Connecticut, all contractors are required to carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, with contractors must carry a minimum of $300,000 in general liability insurance according to some insurance providers’ recommendations for adequate protection.

Essential Insurance Coverage Types to Verify

Before hiring any roofing contractor in New London County, homeowners must confirm these four critical insurance coverages:

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is the foundation of contractor protection, covering property damage and bodily injuries that occur during roofing projects. This coverage protects you if a person who isn’t an employee is injured at a work site, the policy covers the costs associated with any bodily injuries. It also provides coverage for property damage in case falling debris or equipment damages a client’s property.

For adequate protection, the coverage amount should range between $1 million and $5 million, though Connecticut’s minimum requirement is significantly lower.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is essential for a roofing contractor since the safety of workers is vital to any construction-related business. This type of coverage is required by law in some jurisdictions. A workers’ compensation policy pays for the medical bills of workers who sustain injuries while on the job.

Without this coverage, a wounded worker or their family could hold you and your insurance company liable for all medical bills and costs associated with the injury. A roofing crew member unfortunately fell from a roof and broke his back. Neither the roofing company nor the subcontractor had any workers comp insurance. Personal injury lawyers came swarming, as they often do, and the homeowner and their insurance company wound up being liable for around $500,000 in medical costs.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Roofers use trucks, vans, and trailers to transport equipment and materials. If one of those vehicles damages your property or is involved in an accident during your project, commercial auto insurance covers it. This protection ensures you’re not held responsible for vehicle-related damages during the project.

Umbrella/Excess Liability Insurance

This is a layer of protection that kicks in if a claim exceeds the policy’s primary limits. For large homes, high-end materials, or complex jobs, it’s a smart— and often necessary —safeguard.

How to Properly Verify Insurance Coverage

Simply asking if a contractor is “licensed and insured” isn’t enough. Not all “licensed and insured” claims are equal. Learn what real roofing contractor insurance should cover, and how to protect yourself. Here’s what you need to do:

Request a Certificate of Insurance

Ask the contractor for a Certificate of Insurance, which is a document that summarizes their coverage. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that lists your property as the job location. Ideally, it should be provided directly by the insurance provider, not just as a PDF from the contractor.

This certificate should show: Current dates: The policy should be active during your project timeframe · Coverage amounts: For residential roofing in Northeast Ohio, look for at least $1 million for general liability and $500,000 for workers’ compensation · Insurance provider: The name and contact information of the insurance company.

Verify with the Insurance Company

You should not only get the information from a potential roofing contractor but also check with their insurance company itself to verify the business is currently insured. This extra step ensures the policy is active and valid during your project timeline.

Check for Subcontractor Coverage

You also need to find out whether the roofing contractor you hire will complete the work on their own or if they will hire a subcontractor for anything. If they hire a subcontractor, you need to make sure their insurance is valid as well.

Why Proper Insurance Verification Matters

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) consistently ranks roofing among the highest-risk construction activities, making proper insurance coverage absolutely essential. The consequences of hiring an uninsured contractor extend far beyond the immediate project. Homeowners can face personal liability for worker injuries, property damage claims, and significant financial losses that insurance would otherwise cover.

In Connecticut specifically, hiring an unlicensed contractor could affect your homeowner’s insurance coverage, potentially leaving you with even less protection if something goes wrong.

Working with Trusted Professionals

When searching for a reliable Roofing Contractor New London County, CT, it’s essential to work with companies that understand the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage. Established contractors recognize that proper insurance isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about protecting their clients and maintaining professional standards.

Rest assured, Sullivan Contracting brings peace of mind with every project, backed by full licensing and comprehensive insurance coverage. Safety is our priority. We adhere to strict safety protocols and professional standards, ensuring a risk-free and smooth experience for our clients.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of contractors who:

  • If a contractor hesitates to provide this document, consider it a red flag
  • Offer significantly lower prices than competitors (they may be cutting corners on insurance)
  • Cannot provide current certificates of insurance
  • Refuse to allow you to verify coverage with their insurance company
  • Pressure you to sign contracts immediately without allowing time for verification

The Bottom Line

Not checking on a company’s insurance coverage could have disastrous results. They may be cheaper, but the cost could be much higher in the long run. All it takes is one accident on your property for medical, legal and property damage costs to skyrocket.

Protecting your investment means taking the time to verify that your roofing contractor carries adequate insurance coverage. When you’re ready to hire a roofing contractor, make license and insurance verification part of your selection process. Reputable companies expect these checks and readily provide the necessary documentation.

Don’t let the excitement of starting your roofing project overshadow the critical importance of insurance verification. In New London County’s competitive contracting market, taking these extra steps to confirm proper coverage could save you from financial disaster and ensure your roofing project is completed safely and professionally.