When you’re hiring a contractor for your next painting project, there’s a question you should always ask: Are they insured? It might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when you’re busy thinking about paint colors and schedules, but trust me, it’s one of the most important things to check. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a bill for damage or injuries that weren’t even your fault.

So, how do you make sure your contractor is insured without feeling like a detective? Here’s a simple breakdown of what to do.

Before You Paint: A Simple Guide to Checking Contractor Insurance

Just Ask for Proof – It’s No Big Deal!

You don’t have to feel awkward about asking if your contractor is insured. In fact, any professional contractor will expect it. All you need to do is politely ask for a copy of their insurance certificate. Something like, “Hey, I’d love to make sure everything’s covered—do you mind sending over a copy of your insurance?” Contractors who take their business seriously will hand it over without batting an eye. If they hesitate, that’s your first red flag!

Know the Basics: What Should They Be Insured For?

Now, when you get that certificate, what exactly are you looking for? Two main things: General Liability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation.

– General Liability Insurance: This is the big one. It covers any accidents or damage that might happen while they’re working on your property. If they accidentally knock over a ladder and smash through your window, this insurance takes care of it—saving you from a headache and an unexpected bill.

– Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This one comes into play if your contractor has employees working with them. If one of the workers gets injured on your property and the contractor doesn’t have workers’ comp, you could be on the hook. With workers’ comp in place, the contractor’s insurance takes care of their team, not you.

Go the Extra Mile: Verify It

Once you’ve got the insurance certificate in hand, don’t just tuck it away and forget about it. Give the insurance company a quick call and confirm that the coverage is still active. It’s a super quick step that can save you a lot of worry. A valid policy means you’re protected if anything goes wrong.

Double-Check the Dates

Insurance is great… as long as it’s current. One thing you want to double-check is the expiration date on the insurance certificate. You’d be surprised how often a contractor might hand over a certificate that’s already expired. Make sure their coverage lasts throughout your entire project so you’re not left exposed halfway through the job.

Get It in Writing

Once everything checks out, ask to have proof of insurance mentioned in your contract or agreement. It’s always a good idea to have everything down in writing. That way, there are no surprises later on.

Why Insurance Matters for You

At the end of the day, making sure your contractor is insured isn’t just a box to tick—it’s about protecting your home and your peace of mind. Accidents happen, even with the best contractors, so having proper insurance means you won’t be stuck paying for damages or injuries that aren’t your fault.

Final Thoughts

Verifying insurance might feel like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. If your contractor is professional and trustworthy, they’ll have no problem providing proof and making sure everything’s in order. So don’t be afraid to ask questions and double-check. It’s your home, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

At Super Painting Co., we take pride in doing things the right way, and that includes being fully insured. You can rest easy knowing that when you hire us, your home—and your wallet—are in good hands!

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