Is your Contractor Licensed and Insured?

Spring is here!  Birds are singing, trees are budding, and everything is getting green.  Spring is also the time of year when homeowners decide to add, renovate, or repair their homes. 

When considering home improvement projects, take the time to know if your contractor is licensed.  If you hire an unlicensed contractor, you are missing out on $15,000 worth of protection. 

Most contractors are compliant with Connecticut licensing requirements but you can easily verify by logging onto www.ct.gov/DCP  or call the Dept of Consumer Protection at 1.800.842.2649.

To make sure your contractor is insured you will want to take the following steps.  First, ask for a certificate of insurance from the contractor.  Let your contractor know that you want your name and address listed on the certificate along with the scope of the work being performed.  

An example of this can be as simple as:  Job description: Repairing/Replacing Deck.  The reason you want your name and address on the certificate is to insure that you will be notified if the contractor’s insurance cancels for any reason. 

The job description is important as well.  This notifies the insurance carrier that the contractor is being rated correctly, which means that he is covered for the type of work being done.  The final step is very important.  Call the insurance agent who issued the certificate to verify that coverage is in force. 

Once you have verified coverage you can enjoy a little peace of mind. The liability protects you from any property damage or bodily injury caused by the contractor while performing work for you. 

Just a note, if the contractor has any “helpers” (employees or sub contractors) on the job, state of Connecticut requires the contractor to carry workers compensation insurance. 

Justin M. Cook

President, Curtin Insurance Agency, Inc

Bouvier Insurance - Curtin 

80 Norwich New London Tpke

Uncasville, CT 06382

Local: 860-848-2201 x319

Fax: 1-860-561-8778

jcook@binsurance.com