Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed & Uninsured Roofing Contractor

Finding a reliable roofing contractor you can trust can be pretty challenging these days, especially when you need a roofing repair or replacement done quickly. 

After severe weather hits an area, some roofing contractors travel to affected neighborhoods, offering fast, unexpectedly low estimates. While some are legitimate, it's always best to do a little research before hiring a contractor. Working with an uninsured or unlicensed contractor can put you at serious risk.

In this blog, we're covering some of the risks of hiring an uninsured or unlicensed roofing contractor so you can protect yourself from potentially costly and dangerous situations. 

Hiring an uninsured or unlicensed contractor is a major liability 

Being a roofing contractor is a risky job. Unfortunately, accidents can happen at any time. Having an uninsured roofing contractor may place the liability on you if they are injured on the job or cause property damage. You may be responsible for covering medical bills, legal costs, and property repairs. 

Illinois has specific licensing and insurance requirements for roofing contractors, including coverage for property damage, personal injury, and bodily harm. Double-checking a contractor’s license and insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing they’re properly covered if something happens.

Unlicensed or uninsured roofing contractors can void your warranties 

If your roofing contractor doesn't have valid insurance or a license, it may limit your coverage or void it altogether. Poor workmanship is also more common with unlicensed contractors, leading to more expensive roofing problems later that may not be covered under your warranty. Finding the right company may take a little time, but it will be worth it in the long run. 

Working with someone unlicensed and uninsured may affect your homeowners' insurance 

Taking the risk of hiring the wrong person may impact your homeowners' insurance. While every company and policy is different, many insurance providers may require work to be done by professionals who are licensed and insured. These contractors can properly document the work and complete the project correctly. 

Working with the wrong roofing contractor may affect your coverage, lead to denied claims, or cause issues with future claims. Researching the roofing company you want to hire can protect you and your home. 

Tips for hiring the right roofing contractor 

To keep yourself and your home protected, here are a few tips to help you find a reliable and trustworthy roofing contractor:

• Ask for proof of license and insurance before any work begins

• Request references from past clients or look through reviews

• Double-check the contract before signing it

• Take time to think about your decision, and don't rush into anything

• Ask questions about past projects, timelines, materials, warranties, and more 

When searching for someone to work with, look for honest, reliable, insured, and licensed contractors who work in your area. It may be worth asking friends and family for recommendations or reaching out to online groups. Word of mouth is a great way to learn more about a company's reputation. 

Before jumping into your next roofing project, slow down and think your decision through. 

Be worry-free with Ken-Z Roofing! 

As a homeowner, it may be overwhelming to find the right roofing contractor for the job. At Ken-Z Roofing, we're here to offer peace of mind through the entire roofing process. With over 30 years of experience serving homeowners in Northern Illinois, we can help you with your next repair or replacement.

Before any work begins, we provide a free 12-Point Inspection that gives a comprehensive overview of your roof's condition and offers solutions for any issues we identify. Then, our team gets to work to complete your project on time and done right the first time. Call us today at 815-395-8244 to schedule your 12-Point Inspection.