Many homeowners ask, “How do I check if a roofing company is licensed and insured?” This question often comes up after a storm, when local roof repairs or replacements are needed quickly. It can also arise during a home sale or inspection.
Verifying a roofing contractor’s license and insurance is not complicated, but it does require knowing what to look for in a roofer. Without this information, a homeowner takes on unnecessary risk. Licensing and insurance are basic protections for both the homeowner and the contractor, which you should confirm when looking for the best roofing company in Houston.
Why It Matters To Verify A Roofer’s License And Insurance
Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured roofer can lead to direct financial and legal consequences. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers’ compensation insurance, you may be held responsible. This can result in medical bills, legal fees, or liability claims.
If the contractor causes damage to your home and does not carry liability insurance, there may be no financial recovery. You might have to pay for those repairs out-of-pocket, even if the damage was caused by negligence.
Unlicensed contractors are not required to meet state or local standards. This can result in work that fails to meet code, performs poorly, or requires costly repairs later.
In some cases, using an unlicensed or uninsured contractor may void a homeowner’s insurance coverage or roofing warranty. This can impact future roofing insurance claims or repairs tied to the roof’s condition.
Licensing and insurance offer these protections:
- Financial safety: Liability insurance covers property damage caused during the job
- Medical coverage: Workers’ compensation pays for injuries if a worker gets hurt on your property
- Quality assurance: License requirements confirm the contractor meets local standards for training and workmanship
Where To Find Contractor License Information
In Texas, contractor licensing happens at both the state and local levels. The state doesn’t require a general roofing license, but some cities and counties do. To verify a roofing contractor’s license, you’ll need to contact the right agency based on where your project is located.
State-level agencies include the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which handles specialty trades like electrical and HVAC. Roofing contractors aren’t licensed by TDLR, but some cities have local licensing programs. City permit offices and local building departments often manage contractor registration and permit requirements.
Here’s where to check contractor licenses in major Texas areas:
| Location | Licensing Authority | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | Houston Permitting Center | houstonpermittingcenter.org |
| Round Rock | City Building Inspections | roundrocktexas.gov |
| Austin | Development Services | austintexas.gov |
| San Antonio | Development Services | sanantonio.gov |
Colorado has a different system. A “license check Colorado” can be done through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), which offers an online tool for verifying licenses across multiple trades.
Steps To Confirm License Is Current And Valid
1. Ask For The Contractor’s License Number
When meeting with a roofing contractor, ask for their license number and which agency issued it. This number might appear on business cards, written proposals, or the job contract. If it’s not printed, the contractor can provide it verbally or by email.
The license number should match the contractor’s business name and be issued by the local city or county where your home is located. A valid license number includes a prefix or code that matches the format used by the licensing authority.
2. Use Official State Or Local Databases
Since Texas doesn’t have a statewide roofing license system, license verification depends on your city or county. For example, Houston residents can search the Houston Permitting Center website to confirm if a contractor is registered.
To search in Houston:
- Visit houstonpermittingcenter.org
- Navigate to the “Contractor Registration” page
- Enter the contractor’s business name or license number
- Review the results for license status and expiration date
The search results will show if the license is “Current” or “Active.” If the license is expired or missing, results may show “Inactive” or “No record found.”
In other cities like Round Rock or Austin, similar search tools exist on their official websites.
3. Contact The Licensing Authority If Needed
If the website doesn’t show clear results, or if license details are missing, contact the licensing agency directly.
This might be necessary if:
- The contractor’s name doesn’t appear in search results
- The license is listed as expired or suspended
- The online tool isn’t working properly
When calling the licensing office, you can ask:
- “Can you confirm if [Contractor Name] holds a current license in [City]?”
- “When does license number [License Number] expire?”
- “Has this license had any complaints or violations?”
How To Check Liability And Workers’ Compensation Coverage
1. Request Certificates Of Insurance
A certificate of insurance is a one-page document from an insurance company. It confirms that a contractor has active insurance coverage. This document is typically provided as a PDF or printed form.
The certificate includes:
- Policy numbers: Each type of coverage has its own number
- Coverage limits: For general liability, $1,000,000 per occurrence is common
- Effective dates: The start and end dates of coverage
- Named insured: The business listed on the policy (should match the contractor’s name)
If the document has outdated dates or missing information, the coverage may not be valid.
2. Verify With The Insurance Provider
To confirm the certificate is real, contact the insurance company directly using the phone number on the certificate or look up the company’s official number online.
You can say:
“I’m calling to verify insurance for [Contractor Name] with policy number [Policy Number]. Can you confirm this policy is active and covers liability and workers’ compensation?”
Questions to ask:
- “Is this policy currently active?”
- “When does it expire?”
- “Does it include workers’ compensation?”
- “Is [Contractor Name] the insured party on this policy?”
Red flags include:
- The insurer can’t find the policy
- The policy has expired
- The business name doesn’t match the contractor’s name
Red Flags To Avoid When Hiring A Roofer
1. No Clear Proof Of Licensing Or Insurance
Some contractors might say they’re “in the process” of renewing a license or that insurance is “not required” for their work. These explanations aren’t valid. Professional contractors carry current documentation and can show it when asked.
If a contractor avoids your request or changes the subject, they might not be properly licensed or insured, a major concern for avoiding roofing scams.
2. Requesting Upfront Cash Payments Only
Asking for full payment in cash before work begins isn’t standard practice. Cash-only requests create situations where payments can’t be tracked or refunded, which is one of the signs you’re being scammed.
A typical payment structure includes:
- A small deposit to start
- Progress payments as work is completed
- Final payment after the job passes inspection
Contractors who avoid written agreements or offer discounts for full cash payments upfront might be avoiding accountability.
3. Vague Contracts Without Details
A proper roofing contract should include:
- The contractor’s legal business name and contact information
- Detailed scope of work (materials, labor, timeline)
- Payment terms and schedule
- Warranties for materials and workmanship
- Permit responsibilities
- Cleanup plans
- Signatures from both parties
Contracts that lack these elements or use vague language leave homeowners unprotected if problems occur, often leading to signs of bad roofing repairs.
Understanding Local Requirements For License Check Colorado And Beyond
Roofing contractor requirements vary by state. In Texas, there’s no statewide roofing license, so cities and counties decide whether to require registration. In Colorado, some cities require licenses, and there’s a centralized verification system.
The phrase “license check Colorado” refers to using the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) system to confirm contractor credentials. This system lets users search licenses by name or number.
Here’s how Texas and Colorado compare:
- Texas licensing: No statewide requirement; varies by city
- Colorado licensing: No statewide requirement; some cities require licenses
- Texas verification: Contact local permit office or city website
- Colorado verification: Use DORA’s online license lookup tool
Both states share these features:
- Local control over licensing
- Verification through official government channels
- Public access to license status information
How Reviews And Certifications Help
Verifying a contractor’s license and insurance confirms basic legal standards. Reviews and certifications provide extra information about reliability and skill level.
Industry certifications from manufacturers show that a contractor has met specific installation standards:
- Owens Corning Platinum Preferred: Given to contractors based on workmanship, financial stability, and customer satisfaction
- GAF Master Elite: Requires contractors to be licensed, insured, and have a proven reputation
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) assigns ratings that reflect how a company interacts with customers. An A+ rating means the business meets high standards for transparency and responsiveness.
Online reviews on platforms like Google show patterns in customer experiences. A large number of consistent reviews over several years can indicate reliability.
You can verify certifications by visiting manufacturer websites. Both Owens Corning and GAF offer contractor locator tools where you can search by zip code to confirm if a contractor holds the certification they claim.
Protect Your Home With A Trusted Partner
Hiring a roofing contractor with current licensing, valid insurance, and verified certifications limits your exposure to financial and legal risk. These requirements establish the contractor’s compliance with local regulations and confirm coverage for property damage and worker injuries.
Amstill Roofing holds all necessary licensing and insurance required in the areas it serves. The company maintains certifications including Owens Corning Platinum Preferred and GAF Master Elite, which are issued based on workmanship and training standards.
Since 1974, Amstill Roofing has operated as a family-run Texas roofing company with a documented process and detailed contracts.
For a free roof inspection, visit amstillroofing.com/contact.
FAQs About Verifying A Roofing Contractor
How often should roofing contractors renew their licenses and insurance?
Most contractors renew licenses annually or every two years, depending on local requirements. Insurance policies, including general liability and workers’ compensation, typically require renewal every 12 months to maintain continuous coverage.
Why does my homeowners insurance company require a licensed roofer?
Homeowners insurance companies require licensed roofers because licensing verifies the contractor meets local qualifications and follows building codes. This reduces the risk of future claims related to improper installation or safety violations, and helps you use your home insurance if damages occur.
What insurance coverage limits should I look for in a roofing contractor?
Look for general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and workers’ compensation that meets your state’s minimum requirements. These amounts typically cover property damage, injuries, and legal costs related to jobsite incidents.
