February 20, 2025
February 20, 2025
Roofing is a big investment- and not one to take lightly. The last thing you need is to end up with a contractor who cuts corners, disappears with your money, or leaves you responsible for unexpected damages or injuries.
Not all roofing contractors are honest about their insurance. Some might claim they have coverage when they don’t. Others carry the bare minimum, which may not be enough to cover a major accident. That’s why it’s up to you to verify their insurance before signing a contract or handing over a deposit.
In this post, the experts at our roofing company in Reno will go over why hiring a licensed roofing contractor is a must, how to verify if a contractor is bonded and insured, and where to find registered roofing professionals in your area.
As of 2023, the U.S. had 96,474 roofing contractor businesses. While most are properly licensed, some shady, unregistered companies offer cheap services to unsuspecting homeowners—only to take their money and run.
To protect yourself and your home, it’s important to hire a licensed roofing contractor. Here’s why:
Every state has building codes that roofers must follow. Registered roofing contractors have gone through the proper training, passed exams, and met all the legal requirements to do the job right. They also know how to pull the right permits to make sure your project doesn’t hit any roadblocks.
Roofing is dangerous work. If a worker gets injured on your property or a contractor damages your home, you don’t want to be the one paying for it. A licensed roofer carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance, meaning if something goes wrong, their insurance covers it - not you.
A licensed contractor adheres to industry best practices. Trained, competent Carson City roofers know what materials work best, how to install them properly, and what it takes to make a roof last. Many also offer warranties on their work, so if there’s an issue later, they’ll take care of it.
So, how do you know if a roofer is licensed to work in your area?
Start by searching for “licensed roofing contractors near me” online. Almost every city has official websites where you can look up registered contractors. You can also check industry directories like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) for trusted professionals.
Most states have a contractor licensing board where you can verify a roofer’s credentials. Look for a government website with a contractor search tool.
Note that some cities and counties have their own databases. Be sure to check local government websites, too.
A professional roofer should have no problem providing their license number. Once you have it, look it up online to confirm it’s active and valid. If a residential roofing contractor refuses to give you their license number or makes excuses, consider it a warning sign and find someone else.
Even if a roofer is licensed, that doesn’t mean they’re fully covered. You also need to check if they’re bonded and insured.
Bonded: A bonded roofer has set aside money with a bonding company to cover losses if they fail to complete the job, don’t meet contract terms, or leave you with subpar work. This protects homeowners from being stuck with an unfinished or poorly done roof.
Insured: Insurance covers accidents, property damage, and injuries that may happen during the project. There are two main types:
Follow these steps to verify your roofer’s insurance:
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is an official document that proves a roofer has active insurance coverage. It should include:
A reputable roofing contractor should provide this without hesitation. If they don’t, you should walk away immediately.
Some roofing contractors provide outdated or fake insurance documents. To be sure, call the insurance company listed on the COI and verify whether the policy is valid and if the roofer’s name matches the policyholder’s name.
For extra protection, you can request that the roofer add you as an “additional insured” on their policy. This way, their insurance will cover you directly if there’s property damage or an injury during the job.
A trusted Sparks Nevada roofing company can be the difference between a stress-free project and a costly nightmare. With so many contractors out there, it’s important to know what sets a reputable roofer apart from the rest.
A roofing company’s reputation speaks volumes. Check Google Reviews, Yelp, and other third-party review sites for real, unbiased customer feedback.
See if they have:
A trusted roofing company won’t hide anything. They’ll provide written estimates, contracts, and proof of licensing and insurance upfront. Move on if the roofer dodges questions about their credentials, gives vague pricing, or pressures you into signing a contract on the spot.
Licensed roofing companies will stand behind their work by offering warranties on both workmanship and materials. A workmanship warranty covers installation issues, while a materials warranty is backed by the manufacturer. A company that doesn’t offer a guarantee may not be confident in its work.
Too many homeowners end up with costly headaches because they choose an unlicensed roofing contractor just to save a few bucks. Don’t make the same mistake. While a licensed contractor may charge more, you’re paying for experience, proper training, and proven credentials—things that protect you and your home in the long run.
At Mountain Vista Roof Systems, we provide expert craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and reliable warranties to give you peace of mind. Whether you need repairs, a full replacement, or an inspection, our team is here to help.
Contact us today.
