Is it risky to hire a cheap roofer with cheap insurance coverage?
Short answer. It can be. Very low bids often come from contractors carrying minimal insurance, policies with exclusions for roofing work, or no workers' compensation, which can leave the homeowner exposed if the crew damages the house or someone is hurt. Verify coverage before comparing prices.
Where cheap coverage falls short
- Low limits: a minimal liability limit may not cover a house fire from a torch, a ceiling collapse or damage to a neighbor's car.
- Exclusions: some low cost general liability policies exclude roofing, work above a certain height, or work done by subcontractors, which can be exactly the work on your house.
- No workers' compensation: crews paid as day labor may have no coverage for falls.
- Lapsed policies: a certificate that was valid last spring may not be valid today.
What it means for you
If an uninsured or underinsured crew damages your home, you may end up filing on your own homeowners policy, paying your deductible and adding a claim to your record. If a worker is injured, the dispute can reach the property owner. And a contractor running on razor thin coverage is often the same one that cannot afford to come back for warranty work.
How to check quickly
- Ask for certificates of liability and workers' compensation sent directly from the insurance agent.
- Confirm the named business matches the contract and the dates cover your job.
- Ask whether subcontractors will work on your roof and how they are covered.
Price on insurance jobs
On a claim, the price is largely set by the insurer's estimate, so a cheap bid saves you little and may signal a deductible scheme. Read deductible rules in Georgia and storm chaser scams.