What insurance should a storm damage repair contractor carry?
Short answer. At minimum, general liability insurance to pay for damage the crew causes to your property, and workers' compensation for anyone working on your roof. Ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from the contractor's insurance agent, check the dates and limits, and call the agent to confirm the policy is active.
The coverages that protect you
- General liability: pays if the crew damages your home, landscaping or a neighbor's car, or causes a leak during the job.
- Workers' compensation: pays for injuries to the contractor's workers. Georgia generally requires it for businesses with three or more employees. Without it, an injured worker may look to the homeowner.
- Commercial auto: covers the trucks and trailers parked in your driveway.
How to verify
- Ask for a certificate of insurance listing you as the certificate holder.
- Have it sent by the contractor's insurance agent rather than handed over as a photocopy.
- Check the policy dates, limits and named insured.
- Call the agent listed and confirm the policy is active.
Subcontractors
Many storm repair crews are subcontractors. Ask whether they are covered under the contractor's workers' compensation or carry their own.
Other storm season checks
- A local address and a track record that predates the storm.
- A local business license and any permits the job requires.
- A written contract with the scope, warranty and insurance contingency.
- No offer to pay or waive your deductible, which is illegal in Georgia.
- No promise to negotiate your claim; in Georgia only a licensed public adjuster or an attorney can.
See storm chaser red flags and public adjusters versus roofers.