Franciscus Roofing

Hiring a roofing company often starts with a simple search, but knowing whether that company is properly licensed and insured is not always obvious. Many homeowners ask, “How do I check if a roofing company is licensed and insured?”—especially when facing repairs after a storm or preparing for a major renovation.

Licensing and insurance are two separate qualifications. A license shows that a contractor meets state or local requirements to perform roofing work. Insurance provides protection in case something goes wrong during the job.

Both are important to verify before signing any contract. Here’s why and how to check these credentials.

Why Verifying a Roofing Contractor’s License and Insurance Matters

Working with an unlicensed or uninsured contractor can place a homeowner at legal and financial risk. If someone gets hurt on your property or if the work damages your home, you might be responsible for the costs.

A verified license confirms that the contractor has met state or municipal requirements. These requirements often include passing exams, submitting applications, and maintaining knowledge of local regulations.

Insurance coverage protects both the contractor and the homeowner. There are two main types of insurance to look for:

• General liability insurance: Covers damage to your property during the project
• Workers’ compensation: Covers injuries to workers while they’re on your property

Some states require roofing contractors to hold specific licenses or registrations. In those states, hiring an unlicensed contractor could affect your homeowner’s insurance coverage.

How To Use State Contractor License Check Resources

Licensing requirements for roofing contractors vary depending on the state. Some states, including Ohio, require roofing professionals to register with a state licensing board. The most accurate information comes from official state websites.

1. Identify Your State’s Licensing Board

Each state has its own agency that manages contractor licensing. In Ohio, roofing contractors are licensed through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Here are some common state licensing authorities:

• Ohio: Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Michigan: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
• Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Attorney General – Home Improvement Contractor Registration

You can find these websites by searching for your state name along with “contractor license check” or “state contractor license check.”

![Image placeholder: Screenshot of a state contractor license search page]

2. Gather the Contractor’s Information

Before checking a license, collect this basic information:

• The full legal business name
• The owner’s name
• The license number (if the contractor has provided it)
• The business address

Licensed contractors typically provide this information on their business cards, estimates, or websites.

3. Search the Official Database

Once you have the contractor’s information, visit your state’s licensing website and enter it into the search form. When reviewing the results, pay attention to:

• License status: Is it active, expired, or suspended?
• Classification: Does it specifically cover roofing work?
• Complaints: Are there any disciplinary actions on record?

If you can’t find the contractor in the database, call the licensing board directly. Some smaller contractors might be licensed under an individual name rather than a business name.

Steps To Confirm Valid Insurance Coverage

Verifying insurance is equally important as checking a license. Here’s how to make sure a roofing company has proper coverage.

1. Request the Certificate of Insurance

Ask the contractor for a Certificate of Insurance, which is a document that summarizes their coverage. 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

A legitimate certificate will include the contractor’s business name and policy numbers. If a contractor hesitates to provide this document, consider it a red flag.

2. Verify General Liability and Workers’ Comp

Make sure the certificate clearly lists both types of insurance:

General liability insurance protects against:

• Damage to your home during the project
• Injuries to people who aren’t employees of the contractor
• Property damage caused by faulty work

Workers’ compensation covers:

• Medical expenses if a worker is injured on your property
• Lost wages for injured workers
• Legal protection for you if a worker is hurt and sues

3. Contact the Insurance Provider

The most reliable way to verify insurance is to contact the insurance company directly. Call the number on the certificate and ask:

“I’m considering hiring [Contractor Name] for a roofing project. Can you confirm their policy #[Policy Number] is current and in good standing?”

Also ask whether the policy specifically covers roofing work, as some contractors might have insurance that doesn’t cover all their services.

This extra step takes just a few minutes but can prevent major problems if the contractor has let their insurance lapse or provided outdated information.

Additional Tips To Ensure Contractor Credibility

Beyond license and insurance checks, these methods can help verify a roofing contractor’s reputation.

1. Look for Professional Certifications

Quality contractors often hold additional credentials that demonstrate their expertise:

• Manufacturer certifications: Companies like GAF and Owens Corning certify contractors who have been trained to install their products correctly
• Industry associations: Membership in groups like the National Roofing Contractors Association shows a commitment to professional standards
• Better Business Bureau: Check if they’re accredited and what their rating is

Many of these organizations require contractors to maintain valid licenses and insurance as a condition of membership or certification.

2. Check References and Reviews

A contractor’s past work can tell you a lot about what to expect. Here’s how to research their track record:

• Ask for contact information for recent customers
• Look up reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau
• Pay attention to how they’ve handled any complaints
• Ask specific questions about the contractor’s communication, timeliness, and quality of work

Look for patterns in the feedback. One negative review might be an outlier, but multiple complaints about the same issue suggest a recurring problem.

Protect Your Property With a Trusted Roofing Partner

Verifying a roofing contractor’s license and insurance protects you from potential financial and legal problems. The process isn’t complicated, but it requires attention to detail.

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.

Franciscus Roofing maintains all required licenses and insurance coverage for roofing work in Northeast Ohio. We provide certificates of insurance and license information to all customers before beginning work.

For a free roof inspection from a fully licensed and insured contractor, visit our quick quote page.

FAQs About Checking a Roofing Company’s License and Insurance

What if I cannot find the contractor in the state database?

If a contractor doesn’t appear in the official state license database, this is a warning sign that they may not be properly licensed for roofing work. Contact your state’s licensing board to confirm whether they might be listed under a different name, or consider choosing a contractor who does appear in the database with an active license.

Does a general contractor license mean they can do roofing work?

A general contractor license doesn’t automatically include permission to perform roofing work. Many states classify roofing as a specialized trade requiring specific licensing or certification, so check the license classification in the state database to confirm whether roofing is included in their scope of work.

How often do roofing companies need to renew their licenses and insurance?

Most states require contractor licenses to be renewed every 1-2 years, while insurance policies typically need annual renewal. When verifying a contractor’s credentials, check that both license and insurance will remain valid throughout your entire project timeline.

What information should be included on a valid certificate of insurance?

A valid certificate of insurance should include the contractor’s business name, policy numbers, coverage types and amounts, effective dates, insurance provider contact information, and your name listed as a certificate holder if the document was prepared specifically for your project.