Don’t Let Uninsured Masonry Contractors Put Your Property at Risk – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

When it comes to hiring a masonry contractor for your home improvement project, verifying their insurance coverage is one of the most crucial steps you can take to protect yourself from potential financial disaster. Hiring an uninsured contractor transfers risk to you. Hiring an insured contractor transfers risk to their carrier—where it belongs.

As a masonry contractor, you are indeed required to have liability insurance. This requirement is often enforced by state or local jurisdictions, and it can also be a condition set by your clients or contractors. Unfortunately, not all contractors carry adequate coverage, leaving homeowners vulnerable to significant financial exposure.

The Critical Insurance Coverage Masonry Contractors Must Have

Professional masonry contractors should carry several types of essential insurance coverage to protect both themselves and their clients:

• General Liability Insurance: Liability insurance protects your property and your family or friends in case the contractor or subcontractors cause damage or injury during their jobs. General liability insurance coverage protects masons from claims of third-party bodily injury and third-party property damage.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Workers’ compensation is another essential policy. This policy ensures that workers who are injured on the job have access to compensation for lost wages and medical services. If your contractor doesn’t have coverage for this, you could be on the hook for the expenses, especially if your homeowner’s policy isn’t substantial enough for these types of situations.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: Commercial auto insurance is an essential mason insurance coverage, as most personal auto insurance policies don’t cover vehicles being used for a business purpose.

Step-by-Step Guide to Verifying Contractor Insurance

Here’s exactly how to verify that your potential masonry contractor has adequate insurance coverage:

1. Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) issued by the agent—verify legal business name, policy numbers, limits, and effective/expiration dates. Require the COI to be issued directly by the agent, not the contractor. This ensures the document’s authenticity and prevents potential fraud.

2. Verify Coverage Details

When reviewing the certificate, pay close attention to:

• Policy effective and expiration dates
• Coverage limits and deductibles
• The contractor’s legal business name matches their license
• Policy numbers for each type of coverage

3. Contact the Insurance Company Directly

Always ask for proof of insurance, such as a certificate, and then call the provider to check that the policy is up to date and will cover your project. You can call the insurance company once you’ve seen the certificate to verify that the insurance is current and to learn about policy limits.

Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away

Be wary of contractors who:

• Cannot provide a current certificate of insurance
• Hesitate to give you their insurance company’s contact information
• If a contractor’s price is 35% below competitors, the savings might come from skipping insurance coverage.
• Provide certificates that look altered or incomplete

What Happens When You Hire an Uninsured Contractor

The financial consequences of hiring an uninsured masonry contractor can be devastating. Say you hire XYZ Painting to paint the exterior of your home. The company sends two painters to take care of the job, and one of them falls off a ladder. If the contractor was not insured, you might be held financially responsible for the injury since it occurred on your property. If the company has insurance, the company will have the primary financial responsibility for the injury.

If a worker is injured working on your property and the contractor doesn’t have insurance, you could be financially liable to pay for injuries and rehabilitation. Your homeowner’s insurance may or may not cover those costs.

Working with Reputable Local Masonry Professionals

When searching for masonry contractors near me, it’s essential to work with established companies that prioritize proper insurance coverage and professional standards. We’ve been providing homeowners in Suffolk and Nassau Counties on Long Island, NY, with the highest-quality paving and masonry services since 2003.

Companies like Ageless Masonry understand the importance of maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage. Great service always begins and ends with experienced and friendly professionals, which is why you can count on an owner to be present for every aspect of your job. We aim to not only meet your needs, but also to exceed your expectations! Fully licensed and insured.

Additional Protection Measures

Being an additional insured can provide important safeguards if problems arise. If someone gets injured and sues both you and the contractor, their policy may pay first—including legal fees—before your own insurance enters the picture. This coverage structure can help with potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Consider also requesting that the contractor provide:

• Waiver of subrogation endorsements
• Primary and non-contributory language
• 30-day cancellation notice requirements

The Bottom Line: Your Financial Protection Depends on Verification

Insurance verification can be as relevant as reviewing a contractor’s references or work portfolio. Without it, you might face repair costs or legal fees that insurance coverage could potentially address. Taking the time to properly verify insurance coverage isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for protecting your property, your family, and your financial future.

You might be surprised to learn that quality contractors take pride in their insurance coverage. They’ve invested in coverage to demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices. When you ask about insurance, you’re giving them a chance to show their professionalism.

Remember, legitimate masonry contractors will readily provide insurance documentation and welcome your verification efforts. If a contractor becomes defensive or evasive about insurance questions, consider it a major red flag and continue your search for a properly insured professional who will protect both your project and your peace of mind.