Updated July 18, 2021
You may have heard contractors claim to be licensed, bonded, and/or insured, but what do these labels mean, and how are they different from one another?
If you plan on hiring a contractor, make sure you understand the distinction between a contractor's license, bond, and insurance, and how each of them protects homeowners.
Each of these credentials is designed to protect the homeowner and helps to ensure that you are working with a dependable, reputable professional capable of doing the work properly.
With the proper bond and insurance, you can rest easy knowing that, should something go wrong with the project, you won't be left financially responsible.
These three credentials are not created equal, and understanding the difference is extremely important when it comes to choosing the right contractor for you and your project.
Learn more about hiring the right contractor for your project:
- 7 Keys to Successfully Hiring a Demolition Contractor
- Avoid These 5 Red Flags When Hiring a Contractor
- 13 Must-Ask Questions to Side-Step Contractor Scams
- Planning a Successful Demolition or Renovation Project
Contractor's License
Another key factor when it comes to hiring a qualified, professional contractor is to be sure you hire a contractor who is licensed to perform work in that state.
Each state comes with its own licensing requirements, so make sure you understand your state and local licensing laws.
A license acts as a basic indication that your contractor may be qualified to do the work.
Licensing laws are designed to protect property owners from negligent or dishonest contractors.
Depending on your state's licensing laws, it could be relatively simple to acquire a contractor's license.
This is why the contractor should also be bonded and insured.
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Contractor's Bond
A contractor can purchase a bond from a surety company and is essentially their way of guaranteeing they will provide honest, professional, and ethical services to their customers.
Should something go wrong during a project, the customer can file against the bond for financial restitution.
Examples of projects gone wrong include:
- The contractor doesn't finish the project.
- The contractor doesn't pay for the proper permits.
- The contractor fails to meet another financial obligation (i.e. paying subcontractors).
The requirements for obtaining a bond vary from state-to-state, as well as from one municipality to the next, so make sure you do your research before hiring a contractor.
To confirm that a contractor is bonded, ask for his/her bond number and certification.
In the event that something goes wrong or you're not satisfied with the project's outcome, you can reach out to the surety company directly.
Contractor's Insurance
There are two common types of insurance for contractors: liability insurance and workers' compensation.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance ensures three main things:
- Contractors meet state and industry requirements for performing that work.
- Contractors can afford to pay for damages—as well as lawyers' fees—should they be sued for their work.
- Contractor's customers will not be held responsible should the contractor end up being sued.
In the event that a contractor causes damage to your property, their liability insurance has you covered. If the work is simply poorly done and needs to be fixed, a bond will cover that.
Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation is designed to cover the cost of medical expenses related to on-the-job injuries, including lost wages, medical services, and legal fees.
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