Tips on Using a Contractor Without Insurance

Using a contractor that does not have insurance is a huge gamble. While you may very well be able to find a company that you trust, perhaps someone who has worked for your friends or family in the past, using a contactor that has no insurance could easily become a nightmare. If they are injured on your property, or if they cause damage to your property that normal insurance might have covered, you can be liable for the damage. However, if you are determined to use a contractor, despite the fact that they don't have coverage, then you should follow a few steps to remain as safe as possible.

Choose only a contractor that has a stellar reputation and that has been in business for several years at the very least. Recommendations from people who have used the contractor are very important. Make sure the recommendation is from someone you trust. Find a licensed contractor at a site such as Contractors License.

Call former clients and customers to see what they have to say about the contractor and their professionalism. Don't rely only on customer testimonials on their website, as the contractor is only going to show the positive feedback they receive. It is easy to enter the contractor's name into an online search engine and scan through the results to find out more information about them.

Understand that because the contractors have no insurance, there is a chance that you are going to be liable for anything that happens during the course of the work on your property. Be very careful if you decide to take this route and understand that the consequences can be quite costly.

Write a contract with the company that states that you assume no responsibility for injuries while on your property and have the contract notarized. If you wish, you can have a lawyer draw up the contract for you. This can protect you, but it is not an ironclad protection. The best bet is always to hire a contractor that has insurance.

Don't hire a contractor about which you have a bad feeling about them or their work. You can always find another contractor, one that has insurance, so that you don't have to worry. Ask the contractor to provide you with a proof of liability insurance at the time you sign the contract.