“How to Verify a Roofing Contractor’s License and Insurance”

After a hailstorm damages your roof, finding a dependable roofing contractor can feel stressful. Between scheduling inspections, documenting the storm’s impact, and filing your insurance claim, the last thing you want is to hire someone unqualified or uninsured. Verifying a roofer’s license and insurance coverage is critical for protecting your home, wallet, and claim approval. In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential steps to confirm a roofing contractor’s license and insurance so you can confidently proceed with repairs after hail damage.

Steps to Confirm a Roofer’s License After Hail Damage

When large hailstones strike shingles, they can leave dents, cracks, or missing granules—signs of distress that may not always be visible from the ground. Before hiring anyone to inspect or repair this damage, it’s important to validate their credentials. Start by asking the contractor for their license number and business registration. Legitimate roofers should have no issue providing this information upfront, along with references to previous projects or customer feedback.

Next, check the license status with your state’s contractor licensing agency or local regulatory board. Many states have online portals where you can type in a business name or license number to verify if it’s active and in good standing. Be wary of contractors whose licenses are expired or suspended—this could mean prior violations or lack of required continuing education. Doing this due diligence not only ensures quality workmanship but also protects your right to compensation if problems arise later.

Finally, confirm that the license type matches the work being performed. Some contractors may have a general building license but not a specialized roofing certification. This detail becomes especially important when working on complex hail damage repairs involving underlayment replacement, flashing, or structural assessment. Licensed roofers are trained to identify the full scope of hail-related issues—information your insurance adjuster will rely on when evaluating your claim.

Ways to Check Roofing Insurance Before Claim Approval

While license verification protects against unqualified labor, confirming insurance safeguards you against financial risk. Start by requesting a certificate of insurance directly from the contractor’s insurance provider, not just the roofer. This ensures the document is authentic and up to date. You should see both general liability and workers’ compensation coverage clearly listed. These policies protect you from liability if a worker is injured on your property or if accidental damage occurs during repair.

After receiving the certificate, cross-check dates to make sure the coverage is active through your project’s completion timeline. It’s not uncommon for some contractors to present outdated paperwork. Contacting the insurance company listed on the document for verification takes only a few minutes and guarantees peace of mind. Also, if your homeowners insurance adjuster asks for proof of insurance, you’ll already have valid documents ready to submit, which helps keep your claim moving smoothly.

Lastly, ensure the coverage limits are appropriate for the size and risk level of your job. For example, large hail damage replacements may require higher liability coverage than minor shingle repairs. Insufficient insurance might lead to uncovered damages if something goes wrong. By verifying a roofer’s insurance beforehand, you’re not only protecting yourself but also aligning your claim documentation with what your insurer expects, reducing the chance of delays or denials during the approval process.

After hail damage, your priority is to restore your roof quickly and correctly. Taking time to confirm your contractor’s license and insurance may seem like an extra step, but it’s one that can save you from costly mistakes, legal complications, or denied claims. With verified credentials in hand, you can move forward confidently—knowing your investment is protected and your home will be rebuilt to last through future storms.