What should a roofing contractor's certificate of insurance show?
Short answer. A certificate of insurance is a one-page summary, usually on a standard ACORD form, showing the roofer's general liability and workers' compensation policies, their limits and their dates. Ask for it to come directly from the roofer's insurance agent, check that the named insured matches the company on your contract, and call the agent to confirm the policies are active.
What to look for
- Named insured. The exact legal business name on your contract.
- General liability. Pays for damage the crew causes to your home or a neighbor's property. Note the each occurrence and aggregate limits.
- Workers' compensation. Pays for crew injuries. In Georgia, employers with three or more employees generally must carry it. If the roofer uses subcontracted crews, ask how those workers are covered.
- Policy dates. Coverage must be in force on your install dates.
- What the form cannot show. Some cheap liability policies exclude roofing work or limit work height. Ask the agent directly.
Why it matters to you
If an uninsured worker is hurt on your roof, the injury can turn into a claim against you and your homeowners liability coverage. If a crew drops a bundle through a skylight, or rain pours into a half torn-off roof, you want the roofer's insurer paying, not your own policy with your deductible and a claim on your record.
How to verify
- Ask the roofer to have the agent send the certificate to you, with you listed as certificate holder.
- Look up the agency's phone number yourself rather than using the one printed on the form, and confirm both policies are active.
- Keep a copy with your contract and claim file.
A certificate is one check among several. The rest, including permits, a local address and written warranties, are covered in storm chaser roofing scams in Georgia.