Verify the License Before Anything Else
The 10-minute check that could save you thousands
Whatever state you are in, start here. Run this checklist before you sign or pay anything:
- Look up their license at your state's licensing board's official site - confirm it is active and not expired
- Confirm the license type covers the specific work being performed
- Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints on their record
- Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) - call the insurer to verify it is current
- Confirm they carry workers' compensation insurance (protects you if a worker is injured)
- Get at least two other written estimates before committing
- Never pay more than 10-15% upfront before work begins
- Get everything in writing - scope, materials, timeline, payment schedule, warranty
- Confirm a permit will be pulled for the work (unpermitted work can void your insurance)
- Never sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) - this transfers your insurance rights
- Search their business name on Google - look for recent reviews and complaints
- Check the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org for any complaints
10 Questions to Ask Before Signing
A legitimate contractor answers all of them without hesitation
- What is your your state license number, and can I look it up right now?
- Are you licensed for this specific type of work in your state?
- Do you carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation? Can I see the certificates?
- Will you pull the permit before work begins, and will you be present for the inspection?
- What is the product approval or impact rating (Florida Product Approval, Miami-Dade NOA, or ASTM E1996 large-missile certification) for the materials you are using?
- What is your payment schedule? (A safe answer is 10 to 15 percent upfront, the remainder on completion)
- Can you provide three references from homeowners in my county in the last 12 months?
- Is your business physically located in your state? What is your address?
- What is your exact timeline, and will you provide it in writing in the contract?
- What warranty do you provide, and is it in writing?
How to Read a Contractor Quote - What Every Line Means
A well-written quote tells you as much about the contractor as the price does
A legitimate written quote includes specific line items that protect you. Here is what each element means and what a missing item signals.
| Quote element | What it should say | Red flag if missing |
|---|---|---|
| Product description | Specific manufacturer, model, and impact rating (Florida Product Approval, Miami-Dade NOA, or ASTM E1996) | Cannot verify what is being installed or confirm code compliance |
| Material specs | Gauge of aluminum, slat width, track type, hardware grade | Contractor may substitute lower-quality materials |
| Permit line item | Permit fee included or an explicit statement that it is additional | Contractor may skip the permit - a major risk for insurance and resale |
| Payment schedule | Percentage at signing, percentage at install start, balance at completion | No protection against abandonment after a large upfront payment |
| Timeline | Permit application date, fabrication weeks, installation date range | No accountability for delays |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty term plus contractor labor warranty (typically 1 to 5 years) | No recourse for defective installation |
| License number | The state license number printed on the quote document | Either unlicensed or hiding credentials |
Verify a Contractor in Your State
License rules, lookups, and complaints differ by state - pick yours
Licensing, dollar thresholds, and where to file a complaint are different in every state. Open your state guide for the exact board, lookup link, and price-gouging reporting line:
🌴 Florida →⭐ Texas →🎷 Louisiana →🌊 Mississippi →🏖️ Alabama →🍑 Georgia →🌴 South Carolina →🏔️ North Carolina →🦅 Virginia →🦀 Maryland →🗽 New Jersey →🌆 New York →🦞 Massachusetts →
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring a hurricane contractor - common questions
How do I check if a hurricane contractor is licensed?
Get the contractor's license or registration number and look it up on your state licensing board's official site. Confirm the credential is active and the classification covers roofing or storm repair.
How much should I pay a hurricane contractor upfront?
No more than 10 to 15 percent before work begins. Pay the balance only as the work is completed. A demand for a large upfront payment is the most common abandonment scam after a storm.
Should I sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB)?
Be very cautious. An AOB transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor, who can then deal with your insurer directly and even sue in your name. You can almost always handle the claim yourself instead.
How do I spot a post-storm contractor scam?
Walk away from anyone who cannot give a license number, demands a large cash deposit, pressures you to sign the same day, has no local address, or suggests skipping the permit to save money.