How to Verify a Contractor’s License & Insurance (Don’t Get Scammed)
Red Flags & Real Protection: How to Verify Your Contractor’s License and Insurance
When you’re looking for a roofing or home improvement contractor, the first thing you usually see is a license number printed at the bottom of an ad. Most homeowners see those digits and think, "Okay, they’re legitimate."
But here’s the reality: A license number is only as good as the work it actually covers.
Lately, we’ve seen a rise in "advertisement traps" where contractors list license numbers that have nothing to do with home improvement in New York City. We’ve seen major roofing ads using Pennsylvania landscaping licenses or out-of-state business registrations that offer zero protection to a Queens homeowner.
If a contractor is using a misleading license, what else are they cutting corners on? Here is your step-by-step guide to verifying a contractor before they touch your home.
1. The NYC DCWP License Check
In New York City, any contractor performing home improvement work—including roofing, siding, and windows—must be licensed by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).
Don't just take their word for it. You can verify any license in seconds:
Visit the DCWP Portal: Use the NYC Business Search tool.
Search by Name or Number: Enter the business name or the license number shown in the ad.
Check the Category: Ensure the license is for "Home Improvement Contractor." If it says "Landscaper" or is from a different state entirely (like Pennsylvania), they are not legally authorized to do home improvement work in NYC.
2. Verify Insurance (It’s Not Just a Piece of Paper)
A contractor might be licensed but uninsured, which puts you at risk if an accident happens on your property. You need to see proof of two specific types of insurance:
General Liability Insurance
This covers damage to your home. If a roofer accidentally causes a leak or breaks a window, this policy pays for the repairs.
How to check: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Call the broker listed on the certificate to ensure the policy is active and has at least $1,000,000 in coverage.
Workers’ Compensation
This is the big one. If a worker is injured on your roof and the contractor doesn't have Workers' Comp, the worker could technically sue you as the property owner.
How to check: You can verify coverage through the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Employer Search. Enter the business name to see if they have an active policy in New York State.
3. Spotting the "License Shell Game"
Some contractors try to look "local" while operating under out-of-state licenses to avoid NYC's rigorous bonding and insurance requirements. Watch out for these red flags:
Out-of-State Credentials: If you live in Bayside and the contractor's license is from Pennsylvania or New Jersey, it likely won't satisfy NYC building department requirements for permits.
Wrong Industry: A "Landscaping" license does not cover roofing or structural siding. These are specialized trades that require specific vetting.
The "Wall of Shame": The NYC DCWP maintains a list of unlicensed contractors who have a history of complaints. A quick search can save you years of legal headaches.
The Bottom Line
Verifying a contractor takes five minutes, but a bad hire can cost you thousands. If a contractor gets defensive when you ask for proof of NYC-specific licensing or insurance, that is your signal to walk away.
Protect your home and your peace of mind by hiring someone who plays by the rules.
