Protect Your Investment: Essential Insurance Verification Steps Before Hiring Masonry Contractors in Providence County

When planning masonry work for your Providence County home, verifying your contractor’s insurance coverage isn’t just smart business—it’s essential protection against potentially devastating financial liability. In Rhode Island, it is typically required for contractors to carry general liability insurance as a condition of obtaining a contractor’s license. The amount of coverage required may vary depending on the type and size of the project. Understanding what to verify before signing any contract can save you from costly mistakes and ensure your project proceeds smoothly.

Rhode Island’s Contractor Insurance Requirements

Rhode Island contractors must obtain a $500,000 Certificate of Liability Insurance and a Certificate of Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Both should cite CRLB as the certificate holder. Rhode Island General Laws require anyone doing residential or commercial construction work—like building, remodeling, or repairs—needs to be registered with the Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB). This includes masonry contractors working on chimneys, fireplaces, retaining walls, and other stonework projects.

Masons, including chimney installers, fireplace installers, and general masonry erectors must be registered with the state. All contractors in Rhode Island must meet certain insurance requirements: Contractors must carry general liability insurance with coverage typically ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, depending on the scope of the work.

Critical Insurance Types to Verify

Before hiring any masonry contractor, homeowners should verify several essential insurance coverages:

General Liability Insurance: Protects against third-party bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations claims tied to the work. Completed operations GL risks can be high due to the injury and property damage that can occur from improper installation and support. If a wall, column or foundation cannot support the required load, the entire structure may shift or collapse.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: With some exceptions, the state of Rhode Island requires businesses with one or more employees, full-time or part-time, to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp covers medical bills for on-the-job injuries and illnesses. It also provides disability benefits to injured Rhode Island workers, and shields employers from legal costs related to workplace injuries. Workers compensation insurance exposures can be high for Masonry Contractors. Lifting strains and crush injuries may arise at any phase of the operations. From the laying of the bricks, stone or blocks, to bracing partially completed work, frequent and severe losses can occur. Any time work is done above or below ground, injury may occur from falls, collapse of trenches or being struck by falling objects.

Commercial Auto Insurance: All business-owned vehicles in Rhode Island must be covered by commercial auto insurance. This policy covers the cost of accidents involving work vehicles.

How to Verify Insurance Coverage

It’s easy: Have them give you a certificate of insurance. Many states also have contractor insurance lookups you can access online. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) issued by the agent—verify legal business name, policy numbers, limits, and effective/expiration dates. Confirm workers’ comp if they have employees or use subs. Require additional insured and primary & noncontributory language if your contract calls for it.

When reviewing certificates, pay attention to coverage limits and expiration dates. One “standard” liability insurance certificate (Acord form 25), clearly states, “Limits [of liability) shown may have been reduced by paid claims.” Meaning, the liability limits listed on certificate may be over-stated, if claims were made.

The Cost of Hiring Uninsured Contractors

Hiring a contractor without insurance might look cheaper up front, but it can become the most expensive decision on your project. If a worker is injured, a tool sparks a fire, or a plumbing line bursts, you could be on the hook for medical bills, third-party property damage, legal fees, and lost-use costs. Home policies often exclude contractor-caused losses, leaving you exposed.

In the event an accident causes injuries to homeowners or bystanders, the masonry company could be sued and have to go through the lawsuit process. The costs associated with hiring an attorney, filing paperwork, and attending court are often astronomical. The right liability insurance policy can protect a masonry contractor from financial ruin.

Working with Established Local Contractors

When seeking a qualified Masonry Contractor in Providence County, RI, look for companies with strong local reputations and comprehensive insurance coverage. Established contractors understand the importance of proper insurance and typically maintain coverage that exceeds minimum requirements.

Companies like Above & Beyond Chimney Service, which serves Providence County and surrounding areas, demonstrate the professional standards homeowners should expect. As a family owned and operated company, we have over 25 years of industry experience and are founded on strong internal values and uncompromising integrity – which means that with Above & Beyond Chimney Service, you can expect honest, ethical business practices and actions, no matter what. We’ve built a strong reputation in your community through consistent, reliable service and by fostering long-term relationships with homeowners who trust our expertise year after year. Our communication is direct and transparent; we take the time to explain our findings clearly, answer all your questions patiently, and provide straightforward recommendations without unnecessary upselling. We consider the safety and well-being of your household our top priority, treating every chimney service with the same level of care and attention we would give to our own homes.

Additional Verification Steps

Beyond insurance verification, Confirm references for each contractor. Ask the contractor for a written list of his or her three most recent projects with names, telephone numbers, and addresses of the owners. Contact the other homeowners who have hired the contractor and find out if they have had any problems.

Check the license and registration status to make sure that the contractor or subcontractor you hire is currently registered with the state. You should ask the contractor to produce proof of insurance, although it is not required, and ask to see their Construction Supervisor License, if applicable.

Taking time to verify insurance coverage and contractor credentials protects your investment and ensures your masonry project proceeds safely and professionally. Don’t let cost-cutting on verification lead to expensive problems down the road.