by Bill Russo, Peachtree Corners Handy Man, 09/01/07

Liability Insurance is designed to pay for damages done by a contractor. Let’s say the contractor you hired is fixing a hole in a wall, and he needs to cut out the ragged piece of drywall to make a new patch.

While cutting out the offending piece, he accidentally cuts through a water pipe causing a major flood in the home. The contractor’s liability insurance will cover the damages caused by his accident.

It’s important to inquire if a contractor is insured and even more important to It indicates the type of insurance that is carried by the contractor and the dollar amounts of coverage, as well as the policy effective dates and expiration dates.

The best way to validate insurance coverage is to ask the contractor for his insurance company’s phone number and call to request a Certificate of Liability Insurance. Have the insurance company mail or fax the certificate directly to you. It only takes a day or two. The certificate will be made out in your name.

It indicates the type of insurance that is carried by the contractor and the dollar amounts of coverage, as well as the policy effective dates and expiration dates.

It’s not always good enough for a contractor to flash a piece of paper in your face showing you his coverage. It might be expired, or worse, it might not even be for him.

Get it yourself and have it mailed directly to you. Insurance companies send these out all the time. It’s part of their job. This will help to give you peace of mind when hiring someone for that next project.

Bill Russo has been a handyman in Peachtree Corners for the past three years. He is incorporated, licensed, bonded & insured for your protection and has lived in Peachtree Corners for 20 years with his wife Kathy and his children Katie and Michael.