How Can I Be Sure My Roofer is Licensed & Insured in South Carolina?

When you’re investing in a new roof or a major repair, you want to know the work is being handled by a professional who can stand behind their promises.

That’s where roofing licensure and insurance come in.

Both roofing licensure and insurance are more than just boxes to check off. A roofer who is licensed and insured is able to protect you from liability, financial risk, and unfinished projects. Not only are licensure and insurance signs of a serious roofing company, but they are vital in protecting you and your home in the event of an unfortunate accident. 

As roofers in the Myrtle Beach area, we are surprised to see some of the roofing companies here in Myrtle Beach tout that they’re licensed and insured, but upon further investigation, we’ve found that not all are. 

So, how do you find out your roofer is licensed and insured? Let’s talk about it.

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How to Find a Licensed and Insured Roofer in Myrtle Beach

There are a few quick ways you can verify a roofing company’s license and insurance. We consider the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR) to be the most reliable for up-to-date information about licensing for contractors in the Myrtle Beach area. But it’s always wise to cross-check your findings with:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): If the company is or was accredited, you can see history, complaints, and whether they’ve met standards for ethical business practices.
• Google My Business: Look for the roofer’s official Google Business Profile. A strong presence, complete with reviews, verified contact information, and photos, can be a good indicator of legitimacy. 
• Contact their insurer directly: To find out if a roofer is insured, ask for a copy of their insurance certificate. Then, call their insurance to verify that the certificate is legitimate.

There are roofers who hope you never look deeper into their license and insurance. Some may even provide faulty evidence of licensure and insurance. This is why the safest step is to check yourself using a third-party source.

You may be wondering, what do I gain by doing all of this extra work?

Benefits of Choosing a Licensed and Insured Roofing Company

Some homeowners look into this because they’re concerned about an accident happening on their property, while others are looking for the peace of mind that they are hiring the right guy for the job. Whatever your reason, there are immense benefits to hiring a licensed and insured roofing company. 

These benefits include:

• Coverage in the event of an accident: With general liability insurance and workers’ compensation, you’re protected if a worker is injured or if your property is damaged during a roofing project,
• Recourse if anything goes wrong: Licensed contractors are accountable to the state's licensing board. If a roofing company fails to complete work properly, you are able to file a complaint. This could result in their contractor’s license being suspended or revoked completely. Insured contractors also provide you with recourse through their insurance company, meaning you won’t have to pay out of pocket for any damage they may have caused to your property.
• Peace of mind: A roof is an expensive endeavor. Knowing your roofer is licensed and insured gives you the peace of mind that they have met the standards to be legally recognized as a professional.

While no company wants to damage your property or have one of their workers hurt, licensure and insurance prevents those things from falling on your plate if they do happen. 

What are the Drawbacks of Hiring an Unlicensed or Uninsured Roofer?

While an unlicensed and uninsured roofer can still perform quality work, there are a few drawbacks to hiring one. Afterall, roofing is known as the second most dangerous job for workers in the United States.

Some of these drawbacks include:

• Unlicensed roofers: If they fail to finish the job or provide poor workmanship, your options may be limited. If you report them to the LLR, they may get a fine, but it doesn’t usually end in compensation for you.
• Uninsured roofers: If a worker gets hurt on your property, they can file a claim against your homeowner’s insurance, potentially causing your premium to rise. On the other hand, if your property is damaged, you may be stuck paying for repairs out of pocket. 

At the end of the day, your best bet is to hire a licensed and insured roofing contractor. This way, if there are any mishaps, you are protected as a homeowner. 

FAQs About Contractor Licensing and Insurance

Do roofing contractors need to be licensed in North Carolina?
Yes. A state general contractor license is required for any project costing $40,000 or more. Jobs under that amount don’t require state licensing, though local municipalities may impose additional requirements.

Do roofing contractors need to be licensed in South Carolina?
Yes. Roofing work costing $10,000 or more requires a General Contractor license with a Roofing subclass. For residential projects under $10,000, a Residential Specialty Contractor registration (roofing) is required.

Do subcontractors need separate insurance / are they covered under the main contractor’s policy?
Subcontractors usually need their own general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. General contractor policies don’t automatically extend to subs unless they’re specifically listed as additional insureds, and even then, coverage is limited.

Hiring a Licensed and Insured Roofing Contractor

Roofing is #2 in the top 10 with the most workplace accidents in the US according to OSHA. Meaning that accidents can certainly happen. To avoid being at fault for any accidents that could happen on your property, the safest bet is to hire a licensed and insured roofing contractor for your roofing project.

You’ll want to:

1. Check the LLR for the roofing contractor you want to hire
2. Ask them for their insurance information
3. Contact their insurance carrier
4. Check customer reviews to ensure they have a history of quality work

By following these steps, you can do your due diligence and sign your contract knowing you are protected. And if you have any additional questions about roofing license and insurance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help you on your journey to a new, strong roof.