Looking for a licensed roofer?
Before hiring a roofing contractor, make sure their required paperwork is filed with the California State Licensing Board. It can potentially save you from a faulty roof installation or better yet, lawsuits. In California, a roofing contractor must have a license, contractor’s bond, and a worker’s compensation policy. For convenience, the CSLB has an easy online lookup tool located at their website, http://www.cslb.ca.gov.
How does Worker’s Compensation insurance apply to a roof job?
Worker’s compensation insurance protects homeowners against the liability of injuries on their property. The following excerpt demonstrates what can happen if no insurance is present:
In the case of Mendoza v. Brodeur (2006), a private homeowner hired an unlicensed contractor to replace the roof of his home. When the roofer became injured during the job, he sued the homeowner, seeking compensation for his injuries. The homeowner claimed the no-fault workers’ compensation coverage from his homeowner’s insurance applied, and that he was not responsible for the costs of the roofer’s injuries. The California Court of Appeals disagreed. (http://www.silvar.org/index.cfm/article_11.htm)
What is General Liability Insurance?
General liability protects the owner’s property against accidental water intrusion, falling debris or other damage caused by the contractor’s work during the job. Because this is not required by the CSLB, many roofing contractors do not carry it. It is up to the property owner to confirm coverage. JC Roofing provides Additionally Insured certificates to those who need them.
