Who pays if there is a roofing accident at my house?
Short answer. If a roofer's worker is hurt at your house, the contractor's workers' compensation insurance should pay, and if the crew damages your home or a neighbor's property, the contractor's general liability insurance should pay. Problems start when the contractor is uninsured: an injured worker or a damaged neighbor may then look to your homeowners liability coverage. Verify both policies before work starts.
The two policies that matter
- Workers' compensation. Georgia requires it for businesses that regularly employ three or more workers. It pays medical bills and lost wages for injured employees and generally limits their right to sue.
- General liability. Pays for damage the contractor causes to your property or someone else's, such as a bundle dropped through a skylight, a ladder through a window, or nails in a neighbor's tires.
Where homeowners get exposed
- A small contractor with fewer than three employees may not carry workers' comp, and subcontracted crews may not be covered by the main contractor's policy.
- An injured worker without coverage may try to make a claim against the homeowner.
- Your own policy may respond to some of this, but it puts a claim on your record and may not cover a work injury at all.
Protect yourself before the job
- Ask for certificates of insurance for workers' comp and general liability, sent directly by the contractor's insurance agent.
- Check that the policy dates cover your job and the named insured matches the company on your contract.
- Ask whether the crew is employed by the contractor or subcontracted, and whether subcontractors carry their own coverage.
- Make sure the contract makes the contractor responsible for jobsite damage and cleanup.
If damage happens, photograph it right away and notify the contractor in writing. For more on vetting contractors after a storm, see storm chaser scams.