Home › Learn From The Pros › Why Should You Work With an Insured Roofing Contractor? Why Should You Work With an Insured Roofing Contractor? July 20, 2022 Whether you need to have your roof repaired or replaced, it is important that you choose the right contractor for the job. Choosing the wrong one, after all, can lead to a path filled with headaches and problems. To find the right roofer that’s a good match for your needs, you need to do research. Look up roofing contractors in your local area, get in touch with a few of them, and ask a few important questions. Apart from learning about a prospect’s years of experience and level of roofing expertise, it also helps to find out whether the pros are insured in the first place. Here are the reasons for hiring an insured roofer, as well as the types of insurance that a reputable contractor is expected to carry as they provide roofing work to local customers like you. Reasons to Work With an Insured Roofer No matter the scope, roofing isn’t a straightforward job. While nobody ever expects anything to go wrong in this kind of job, it still pays to be prepared. When you work with an insured roofer, you work with professionals who: Follow safety standards. Roofers face numerous risks when they do their job. The fact that they are working above the ground means they have to exercise caution at all times to prevent accidental injuries. But they are professionals for a reason, which is why you can expect them to follow safety precautions to ensure a safer work environment. Can be trusted. Licensed and insured roofing contractors stand behind the quality of their work. They make the effort to make sure you’re satisfied with your newly installed or repaired roof. Trustworthy contractors also care for each of their employees. Protect you from liabilities. Mishaps can still happen while contractors perform roofing work, but as long as they carry valid insurance, you can rest assured you won’t be held liable in the event of an accident. In fact, they carry two types of insurance that all roofing contractors should have: workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. Types of Roofer Insurance Here’s what you need to know about each type of insurance that a roof repair or replacement contractor should have: Workers’ Compensation Insurance Workers’ compensation insurance protects the roofing crew in case of a work-related illness or injury. Without it, the ailing roofing crew will have to shoulder the expenses for hospitalization and treatments. As long as the contractor you’re working with has workers’ comp, you can rest easy knowing that those medical costs will be taken care of. If one of the members of the roofing team fell off the ladder or harness, or suffered an injury while using a certain tool or equipment, the insurance company will pay off the ensuing medical bills. In case they can’t go back to work to continue your roof repair or replacement project, the workers’ comp insurance will also take care of it, covering that individual’s lost wages. The contractor may choose to purchase additional coverage on top of the workers’ comp, which covers an array of expenses including monthly expenses for mortgage or rent, car payments and utility bills. General Liability Insurance Untoward accidents while doing roofing work may result in property damage. Maybe the roofer made a mistake while putting on a new roof or performing repairs. They may also have handled power tools and other electrical equipment carelessly, creating a fire hazard. With their general liability insurance coverage, you are protected from having to pay for their errors. A typical general liability insurance policy also has coverage for bodily injury. While it is true that roof replacement can get messy, you can expect your roofing contractor to keep everything as clean as possible. However, in case you, a family member or neighbor gets injured on your property after tripping over something, the insurance will pay for your medical bills. Here’s a pro-tip: when meeting with your roofer to get your estimate, make sure to ask for a copy of the insurance certificate, making sure that they are valid and up to date. For general liability, check if the coverage amount ranges from $1 million to up to $5 million. Other Questions to Ask a Prospective Roofer Aside from asking whether a prospective roofing contractor has insurance, you shouldn’t forget these other questions. This will help you better know them and determine if they’re a good fit for your needs: Are you licensed? License is extremely important for roof replacement and repair contractors. While it can’t guarantee you of great service, it still provides legitimacy that you’re working with trained and experienced professionals. This is especially important for areas where licenses and permits are needed before they operate. What’s your business address? It is also worth knowing where your prospective contractor’s office is located, which is ideally within close proximity to where you live. There is an added appeal to working with such a roofer because they have already worked on other homes in the area. This means that they fully understand the building codes in your area and the actual roofing needs of homeowners. Working with a local roofer also helps you avoid out-of-town roofers who are only in your area for a short while. These contractors visit storm-ravaged areas and provide cheap services, only to turn in shoddy workmanship. What manufacturer certifications do you have? Most roofing manufacturers require contractors to achieve a certain level of skill and expertise to ensure the products are installed properly. A manufacturer-certified roofer has that capability, receiving ongoing training from the top manufacturers themselves. If your roofing contractors cannot present manufacturer certifications, time to look elsewhere. Hiring them won’t give you the assurance that they will install your roof smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, you may risk voiding the warranty of your new roof. If after a few years it suffered damage and you wanted it fixed under its existing warranty, the manufacturer will consider the coverage void since the contractor who installed it isn’t certified by them. Count on Neumann Construction for Your Roofing Needs At Neumann Construction, we employ highly skilled crews that provide the highest quality of workmanship. Since we’re a GAF Certified roofing contractor, we are able to install high-quality roofing products backed by exceptional warranties. We are also fully licensed and insured, so you can rest easy knowing that the team who’ll be handling your roofing project is trustworthy and prioritizes safety. Call us now at (218) 270-0009, or fill out our contact form for a free estimate. We serve clients in and around Brainerd, MN.