How to validate a Service Pro's license and insurance information

Contacting your state Attorneys general office to verify active status of license is a great starting point, and always check your local government for licensing requirements to determine whether your project requires a licensed professional.

We strongly urge home owners to log on to your states attorney general website and look under contractors licensing. You can enter the license number of said contractor to validate current operating status of license and insurance coverage criteria are being met, we have created a list which has each and every state licensing requirements and links you can click on to validate a service provider’s credentials. Notice: This list is not 100% accurate and information can be outdated or incorrect, we simply offer it as a guide to help facilitate the process. We are always working to stay abreast of each state laws and strive to keep this list as accurate as possible. See more suggestion below to prepare for hiring a service pro.

Be sure to confirm that the service pro’s insurance coverage is current and embodies your project.

The best way this is done is by contacting the insurance provider directly and have them place your name and address where work is to be performed, which they can mail, fax or email to you directly for authenticity and ensures you will be covered if it is necessary.

If your state attorney general office does not watch over their contractors:

There are online verification databases you can search or hotlines you can call to verify any licenses are valid and current. Search for the professional’s license, and if provided by the specific licensing agency, check whether the professional has been disciplined in the past.

Bear in mind that few licenses cover employees or subcontractors of the professional you are hiring.

Thus, be sure to verify the licenses of any individuals who will be working on your project with the requirements in your state, county, or locality.

Remember to check for worker’s compensation coverage:

This must cover any or all employees who will be performing work on your property. The state does often not enforce this to meet licensing requirements and can potentially lead to claims against the home owners should an injury arise.

Get everything in writing:

Once you’ve hired a licensed professional, be sure to discuss all details of the project including materials, deadlines, hours of work each day. Click the link below and learn more on what to look for in a contract and to view a few standard payment arrangement recommendations.

Homeowners hiring a contractor need to know the licensing requirements for their state.

Homeowners who hire an unlicensed contractor can face fines, local code enforcement/inspectors can force you to remove your project without compensation, a dangerous situation at your home from faulty workmanship.

Contractors who work unlicensed can result in fines and or even jail time, also unlicensed contractors may not have any legal recourse if their client refuses to pay.

In general, licenses are needed for these following trades:

Every state has different guidelines and rules contractors and specialty tradesman must adhere to, below is a general suggestive guide with phone numbers and links that consumers can use as a means of recourse to follow up with a potential contractor’s credentials and authenticity before they sign a contract to begin work. At Ubidit.com we strongly urge consumers to always check with their local municipalities, city and or county authorities to explore any additional licenses and or permits that may be required before work commences.

The Differences Between Licensing, Certification, Registering, Credentials

Some states require licensing while others require registration, other states simply require registering only…

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How to Verify a Contractor's License in All 50 States