In this article from Watkins Construction & Roofing, we will be discussing the risks of employing a roofing company without insurance coverage.
Your roof is one of your home’s most expensive components, and you want to avoid any uninsured roofing companies working on it. An Alabama roofer will likely have to perform regular maintenance and repairs at some point, whether it’s hail or rain, or falling trees.
Whenever these problems arise, you will need to hire a roofing company that is both insured and capable of performing quality work. It can be challenging to find the right roofer for the job, especially in times of crisis. It’s understandable that you’ll be concerned about the price first. Consequently, uninsured roofers appear much more attractive because they often charge less and can begin to work faster. In a case like this, you may think it’s a simple choice if the differences are thousands of dollars less and they provide their service a few days earlier than their competitors. Unfortunately, hiring an uninsured roofer has serious dangers.
How do you know whether your roofer is insured, and what kind of insurance should they hold?
Take a look at the risks associated with using an uninsured roofer and some common scams roofers use to trick you:
What is a Certificate of Insurance?
Any person, who does work on your home, including your roofer, should have an active insurance policy.
In addition to general liability insurance, Watkins Construction & Roofing also has automobile liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and an umbrella policy. This is costly coverage, and the reason is that roofers are among the toughest and most expensive insurance groups. This is due to roofing being a high-risk profession.
Why is Roofing Expensive to Insure?
Coverage for Your Property
When we install a new roof, we carry thousands of pounds of material up on your roof as well as thousands of pounds of material down. Despite the best efforts of your workers, there is still the possibility that they can accidentally damage the roof or another aspect of your property. There are always going to be accidents, and it’s good to be prepared for them. A roofer without insurance will pass on the costs, regardless of whether the damage is minor (broken shingles or siding) or serious (a busted chimney or a ruined HVAC unit). You’ll be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. The insurance coverage of residential roof contractors reduces this cost for you, your family, and your home.
There is a high risk involved with roof repairs, so any roofer must have the right insurance to cover the worst-case scenario.
Safety and Injuries
On roofs, you can get seriously injured if you walk around all day. The work of handling heavy materials, carrying uneven surfaces, and managing environmental factors (such as the weather) requires a high level of vigilance. It is still possible for accidents to occur, and even the smallest roofing error can lead to an accident. In the event of a roofing accident resulting in an injury, if your roofer is uninsured, you may be liable for the medical costs.
The roofing profession is right up there with Alaskan crab fishermen when it comes to risks, so legitimate roofing companies will make sure their employees receive the proper insurance.
Different Types of Roofers
The Uninsured Roofer
If an individual or company does not have the proper insurance, do not allow them to work on your home. It is likely that a roofer is able to offer a low price because they do not have to pay for insurance coverage if their prices are substantially lower than other roofers in your area.
The Falsely Insured Roofer
Another shady roofing company that you should avoid is one that holds insurance and makes one or two payments for a certificate but does not maintain an active insurance policy.
Insured Roofer
It is obvious that you should choose a roofer who has an up-to-date certificate coupled with insurance policies that are purchased at high limits to cover any worst-case scenarios that might arise.
Ready to Hire an Alabama Roofer? We’re Licensed and Insured!
Watkins Construction & Roofing can provide you with the help you need. Getting in touch with us can be done by calling us at 251-299-8151. We service areas in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Fairhope, Robertsdale, and Orange Beach, AL. Our complimentary inspection process is quick and easy. For more tips on keeping your Alabama roof in good shape, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
