As a homeowner with a seasonal property, you may already be familiar with the various maintenance tasks that come along with owning a vacation home. From winterizing pipes to ensuring the roof is free of snow, there are plenty of tasks that should be addressed before the arrival of a new season. However, one important aspect of maintaining a seasonal home that is often overlooked is ensuring your contractor is properly insured.
Why is it important to check your contractor’s insurance?
Hiring a contractor to complete work on your seasonal home may seem like a straightforward process. You reach out to a company or individual, agree on a price and timeline, and the work gets done. However, what happens if something goes wrong during the process? For example, what if the contractor accidentally causes damage to your property, or someone gets hurt on the job? Without the proper insurance coverage, you as the homeowner could be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur.
What types of insurance should your contractor have?
There are a few different types of insurance coverage that your contractor should have before beginning work on your seasonal home.
How can you verify your contractor’s insurance?
Before hiring a contractor to work on your seasonal home, it’s important to ask for proof of insurance. This should include copies of their insurance policies, as well as proof that the policies are current and up to date. You can also ask for a certificate of insurance, which provides a summary of the contractor’s coverage and can be used to verify their insurance with their insurance provider.
It’s important to note that simply asking a contractor if they have insurance is not enough. You should always ask for proof of insurance and verify the coverage with the insurance provider to ensure that it is valid and up to date.
Ensuring that your contractor is properly insured is an important step in maintaining your seasonal home. By verifying their insurance coverage and making sure that they have the appropriate policies in place, you can protect yourself and your property from potential liability issues. While it may take a bit of extra time and effort to verify your contractor’s insurance, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your seasonal home is in good hands.