How to Verify a Contractor's License and Insurance
If a worker is hurt on your property or your home is damaged, an uninsured contractor can leave the bill on your doorstep. Five minutes of checking prevents that.
Two of the most important things to check before hiring a contractor are also two of the most overlooked: their license and their insurance. These protect you if the work is done improperly or if someone is hurt on your property. Verifying them takes only a few minutes.
Understand why it matters
A license shows the contractor has met the requirements to do the work in your area. Insurance means that if something goes wrong — damage to your home, or an injury on the job — the cost falls on the contractor's coverage, not on you.
Ask directly and expect a clear answer
Start by simply asking the contractor whether they are licensed and insured, and to provide the details. A reputable pro answers without hesitation.
Verify the license yourself
Do not just take their word for it. Most areas have an official online lookup. Here are the ones for our region:
Official license & registration lookups
- Pennsylvania: Home Improvement Contractors register with the PA Office of Attorney General. (Note: PA has no statewide HVAC license, but many towns require permits.)
- New Jersey: Home Improvement Contractors register with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.
- New York City: Home Improvement Contractors are licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties license separately.
📷 Add image: A screenshot of an official license-lookup result. Alt text: "A state license-lookup web page showing a contractor's registration record and active status, illustrating how to check a contractor's license online."
Ask for a certificate of insurance
For insurance, request a certificate of insurance, which lists their coverage. For larger jobs, you can even ask that the insurer send it to you directly.
Check that the coverage is current
A policy that expired last year does you no good. Confirm the dates are current and the coverage amounts are reasonable for the size of your job.
Match the license to the work
Make sure the license actually covers the type of work you are hiring for. Some trades and larger projects require specific licensing.
Keep a record
Save copies of the license details and insurance certificate for your files. A few minutes of paperwork now is cheap insurance against a headache down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a contractor is licensed?
Use your state or city's official lookup — in PA, the Attorney General's HIC registry; in NJ, the Division of Consumer Affairs; in NYC, the DCWP. Search by the contractor's name or license number.
What is a certificate of insurance and why do I need it?
It is a document listing a contractor's insurance coverage. It confirms that if something is damaged or someone is injured, the contractor's policy — not you — covers it.
Does Pennsylvania require an HVAC license?
Pennsylvania has no statewide HVAC license, but home-improvement contractors must register with the Attorney General, and many municipalities require permits for the work.
Related guides: How to Choose a Home Contractor You Can Actually Trust · 7 Red Flags to Watch For When Hiring a Contractor · What to Do When a Home Repair Goes Wrong
Need this done at your place?
Running the license and insurance checks yourself is smart, and it adds up across every contractor you consider. osNOVA connects you with local contractors whose credentials are confirmed before they ever reach you, so you can skip the lookups.
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