Don’t Risk Your Home: The Critical Insurance Requirements Every Maricopa County Homeowner Must Check Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
When your roof needs repair or replacement in Arizona’s harsh desert climate, choosing the wrong contractor can turn into a financial nightmare that haunts you for years. Beyond checking reviews and getting quotes, there are specific insurance requirements that every roofing contractor should have to protect you, the homeowner, from liability and property damage. Understanding these requirements isn’t just smart—it’s essential for protecting your most valuable investment.
Arizona’s Roofing License and Insurance Landscape
In Arizona, contractors must be licensed and possess a bond among other requirements. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) oversees this licensing system, but with the exception of workman’s compensation insurance, the ROC does not require an entity to possess insurance to be licensed. This means homeowners must take extra steps to verify proper insurance coverage beyond just checking for a valid license.
For roofing work specifically, contractors need either an R-42 Roofing license for residential work or C-42 for commercial projects, with CR-42 covering both residential and commercial scopes. Any project worth more than $1,000 or requiring a local building permit requires a licensed contractor.
Essential Insurance Coverage You Must Verify
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
A roofing contractor should have valid, and verifiable workman’s compensation insurance because if a worker falls from your roof or has any other type of accident while on your property, the injured worker or their family could try to hold you responsible for the injury. If the roofing contractor has valid worker’s compensation insurance, the homeowner is protected by that coverage. Without it, you can be held responsible for doctor’s bills, emergency room visits and even funeral costs.
In Arizona, workers’ comp insurance helps cover lost wages and medical bills if an employee gets hurt on the job, and by law, all employers must provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance is a fundamental safeguard that covers instances where roofers may inadvertently damage property or cause injury to non-workers, extending to property damage and injuries sustained by non-workers. If an accident happens and a roofer makes a mistake while putting on a new roof or making a repair, their professional liability insurance coverage will protect you from having to pay for their mistake.
For example, if a roofer accidentally starts a fire or spills materials on your property, general liability insurance covers property damage. Coverage minimums may vary, but higher coverage such as $1 million or more is ideal for broader peace of mind.
How to Verify Insurance Coverage
Don’t just take a contractor’s word for their insurance status. 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. Ask to see proof of insurance and also ask any subcontractors who might be working on the property for evidence of insurance as well.
Any company that is not willing to provide you with a copy of the policy, or says they will provide you a copy after you sign a contract, probably doesn’t have it. We recommend you call and verify if the insurance policy is valid and active because there have been instances where contractors forge these documents.
Red Flags and Warning Signs
Be cautious of contractors who:
- Refuse to provide insurance certificates upfront
- Say they’ll show you insurance after you sign a contract
- Offer door-to-door solicitations with suspiciously low costs
- Cannot provide current license numbers that verify in the ROC database
- Hesitate when asked about subcontractor insurance coverage
Subcontractor Considerations
You need to find out whether the roofing contractor you hire will complete the work on their own or if they will hire a subcontractor. If they hire a subcontractor, you need to make sure their insurance is valid as well and be sure to get a lien waiver to ensure you are safe from being billed if the original roofing contractor fails to pay them as agreed.
Working with Licensed and Insured Professionals
When searching for a qualified roofing company Maricopa County residents can trust, look for contractors who proactively provide insurance documentation and maintain current ROC licensing. Companies like Roofing All Stars LLC, which serves Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert and surrounding areas as a full-service residential roofing contractor, understand the importance of proper licensing and insurance coverage.
Professional roofing teams should hold Arizona ROC licenses and use advanced technology like thermal imaging to identify hidden moisture damage, demonstrating their commitment to both legal compliance and quality workmanship.
Taking Action: Your Insurance Verification Checklist
Before signing any roofing contract in Maricopa County, ensure you:
- Verify the contractor’s ROC license status through the official database
- Request current certificates of insurance for both workers’ compensation and general liability
- Call the insurance companies directly to confirm active coverage
- Check that coverage amounts are adequate for your project size
- Verify subcontractor insurance if applicable
- Obtain lien waivers for all parties involved
A simple oversight in hiring can lead to financial loss, shoddy work, voided warranties, or even legal headaches. By taking the time to verify proper insurance coverage, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re ensuring peace of mind throughout your roofing project and for years to come.
Remember, choosing a contractor with the right insurance coverage not only protects your property but also ensures the well-being of workers. Make an informed decision by prioritizing companies that understand the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage. Your roof is too important to leave to chance.