In Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation requires that all roofing contractors are licensed before they can practice. To obtain a license, roofing contractors must meet certain requirements which include experience/education, contractors’ examination, financial responsibility, good moral character/criminal background, and insurance requirements.
When it comes to insurance, applicants must furnish the regulator with an affidavit attesting that they have workers’ compensation insurance, property damage insurance, and public liability insurance. So, why should you only work with an insured roofer?
- Indemnity in case of injury or death at your property
Roofing involves working at heights, making is one of the most dangerous jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data, there are 29.9 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers in the roofing industry. If someone was to be injured, or worse, at your property and they are not covered by general liability insurance, the injured party or the family of the departed may hold you responsible for the resulting medical expenses, funeral expenses, and other damages. Worker’s compensation and liability insurance cover you if the roofer’s employee injures him/herself or causes injury on the job site to a non-employee. Workers' compensation insurance compensates employees who are unable to return to work after an injury, covering some of their lost wages and meeting training requirements as they prepare to return to their duties. The insurance pays for medical expenses regardless of who is at fault.
- Coverage in case of property damage
What would happen if you contract a roofing contractor to do minor repairs, but the roof caves in due to the extra weight, damaging the roof, ceiling, and maybe some of your property? This is where property damage insurance comes in. The insurance covers the expenses incurred due to property damage on your premises incurred as a direct result of the roofer’s activity. Insurance also covers you in case of damage to an unfinished roof resulting from wind and other weather conditions, fires resulting from the use of hot tar, and injuries resulting from roofing materials, equipment, and tools that are in the open. You will also be indemnified in case of vandalism and theft of materials and the contractor’s tools at your property. New roofs come with extended warranties. However, one requirement to enjoy the warranty is that the roof must have been installed by a licensed and insured roofer.
- Coverage in case of poor workmanship
Your contractor should have professional liability insurance. If the job is not according to standard or there is a need to make repairs immediately after the job, liability insurance allows the contractor to come back to the site and make the necessary corrections. Without this insurance, you would have to go back to your pocket. At www.my-roofer.com, we are licensed, insured, and bonded. We have years of experience offering comprehensive roofing maintenance and installation services to residential and commercial clients in Florida. Call us today on 561-848-7663 or fill our online form for a free roof estimate.
