How do you find a licensed and insured roof repair company?
Short answer. Ask the company for its license information and a certificate of insurance, then verify both yourself: look up any state contractor license through the Georgia Secretary of State, confirm the local business license, and call the insurance agent on the certificate to confirm the policy is active. A legitimate roofer expects these questions.
Licensing in Georgia
Georgia licenses residential and general contractors through a state board under the Secretary of State, and cities and counties issue business licenses and building permits. Ask which licenses the company holds and in whose name, then check them on the Secretary of State's online license lookup and with the local business license office. If your job needs a permit, it should be pulled by the company doing the work, which ties the job to a real, accountable business.
Insurance to verify
- General liability for damage to your home and property during the work
- Workers' compensation for the crew; Georgia generally requires it for businesses with three or more employees
- Who is actually doing the work. If a subcontracted crew will be on your roof, ask whether it is covered under the company's policies
Ask for a certificate of insurance listing you as certificate holder, then call the agent listed to confirm it is current. Certificates can be outdated or altered.
Other signs of a legitimate company
- A local physical address and a track record you can check in reviews
- A written estimate and a written workmanship warranty
- No demand for full payment up front
- No offer to cover your deductible, which is illegal in Georgia; see deductible rules
- No pressure to sign over your insurance claim
For more warning signs, read storm chaser scams in Georgia.