Insurance And Licensing
Before anyone works on a roof around a skylight, we ask for proof of insurance and a license—or we understand why neither applies. As a property manager, we care because our roof is our liability. If a contractor damages the roof, ceiling, or insulation during the job, we need to know who pays and how. This page explains what to ask for, what these documents mean, and how to verify them before work starts.
Insurance and licensing are how you know someone is accountable if the work damages something else on your property.
Skylight work touches the roof structure, flashing, electrical in some cases, and the ceiling interior. Any of these can become problems if the work isn't done carefully. Knowing who's insured against those outcomes protects you from footing the bill for damage that happens during a repair or replacement.
Insurance: what to look for and how to verify it
Request a certificate of insurance sent directly by the insurance carrier, not a photocopy the contractor provides. The document should show general liability coverage that specifically includes roof work and damage to your property. Look for coverage limits—most contractors carry $1 million or $2 million in general liability, though limits vary. The certificate should list your address as an "additional insured," which means you're protected if something goes wrong. Ask when the policy expires and request written confirmation that coverage continues through the project completion date.
Licensing: what it covers and what it doesn't
Licensing requirements vary by state and sometimes by county. Some skylight and roof work doesn't require a license, while other work does. Ask the contractor whether their work requires a license in your area. If they say yes, ask for their license number and verify it through your state's contractor licensing board or registry—every state has one, and most allow online verification. A current license means they've met specific training or apprenticeship requirements and agree to work by code. A license alone doesn't guarantee quality, but it's a baseline standard and a way to lodge a complaint if work goes wrong.
Some contractors work under a company license, and some carry personal licenses. Either is fine, but verify whichever one they cite. Ask if there are any complaints or violations on file—that information is usually public. A few complaints over decades of work is common; many recent ones is worth asking about.
The timing that matters
- Before
- when to ask for insurance and license—before the contractor starts work
- 2
- key documents to request: insurance certificate and license verification
- Your state
- licensing requirements vary—check locally what's legally required