Insurance and Licensing for New Hampshire Roofing Contractors
What licensing and insurance actually protect you
New Hampshire does not license roofing contractors at the state level, so no state exam stands behind a roofer's quote. What protects you is insurance and the town building permit. General liability insurance covers damage to your property during the job — dropped materials, accidental roof leaks during work, or injury to someone else on your site. Workers' compensation protects you from liability if a crew member is injured on the job; without it, you become the liable party in court, not the contractor.
We work to the standards set by the National Roofing Contractors Association, which means the installation and material choices behind a roofer's quote are checked against the same technical manual inspectors and manufacturers use. When you ask a contractor for references, you're not just asking about their personality — you're asking whether they've consistently delivered work that meets those standards, stands up to the region's winter weather cycles, and doesn't leak within the warranty period.
Because there is no state roofing licence to look up, check the two things that do exist. Ask for certificates of insurance, and ask your town's building department whether the job needs a permit and who must pull it. Many towns require one for a full re-roof, and the inspection that follows is an independent look at the work.
What each insurance type covers
| Insurance Type | Covers | What Matters to You |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | Damage to your property during work, injury to third parties on site | Protects your home and yard; contractor pays for damage, not you |
| Workers' Compensation | Medical and wage replacement for injured workers | Without it, you're liable if a crew member is injured; applies even if "they said it's fine" |
| Builders Risk | All-risk coverage for the structure during active renovation | Optional but valuable on larger jobs; covers theft, weather damage, partial completion |
| Roof Warranty | Manufacturer defects in shingles/materials; workmanship failures (contractor-backed) | Manufacturer covers defective materials; contractor covers installation errors for 5–10 years |
Questions homeowners ask before signing
How do I verify a contractor's insurance and permit?
There is no state roofing licence database to search in New Hampshire. Call your town's building department to confirm the permit the job needs and that the contractor has pulled it. For insurance, ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured; never rely on "we're fully insured" without documentation. The certificate shows policy limits, coverage dates, and the insurer's contact information; you can call them directly if you're concerned about coverage gaps.
What insurance should a roofing contractor actually carry?
At minimum: general liability ($1M to $2M limits) and workers' compensation. Homeowners insurance and contractor coverage questions are explained in plain language by the Insurance Information Institute, which is a useful place to check before a roof claim, not just after storm damage has already happened. If a contractor quotes without mentioning insurance at all, that's a sign they're either too new to the trade or operating under the radar — neither of which is worth the risk.
What happens if someone is injured on my property during the job?
With workers' compensation insurance, the contractor's policy covers the injured worker's medical bills and part of their lost wages — your homeowner's policy doesn't apply. Without it, your homeowner's policy typically denies the claim (it excludes work-related injuries by design), and you personally become liable for medical bills, which can run $50,000 to $200,000+ for a serious injury. The contractor's workers' comp certificate of insurance is essential documentation that protects your finances in this scenario.
How long do roofing warranties last, and what do they cover?
Manufacturer warranties on shingles typically run 20–30 years, depending on material and the manufacturer's rating — they cover defective materials but not wear and tear or improper installation. Workmanship warranties (sometimes called "labor warranties") from the contractor cover installation errors and usually run 5–10 years. Some contractors offer extended workmanship warranties up to 20 years if they're confident in their installation standards. Always get the warranty terms in writing before work starts, as word-of-mouth "guarantees" hold up poorly if issues emerge later.
Your verification checklist
Before signing a contract, you should have: (1) the town building permit, or confirmation that the job does not need one, (2) a certificate of insurance with you as additional insured on general liability, (3) a written quote that breaks out labor, materials, and any permits or inspections separately, and (4) the warranty terms (manufacturer and workmanship) in writing. Most contractors will provide these without hesitation — it's a sign of professionalism. If they push back or seem vague, move to the next option on your list.