Why Verification Matters
Hiring a roofing contractor isn’t just about getting the best price—it’s about protecting your home, your finances, and your future. Whether you’re replacing shingles after storm damage or installing a FORTIFIED™ roof on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, verifying that your contractor is licensed and insured is essential.
Too often, homeowners hire without asking the right questions—only to face legal or financial trouble when something goes wrong. At Integrity Roofing, we believe in transparency and education, so we’re breaking down exactly how to verify a roofing contractor in Gulfport MS or any local area.
This guide will give you peace of mind and a foolproof checklist to ensure you can answer this question, “How can I verify if a roofing contractor has proper insurance and licensing?” and you’re working with a trusted roofer—not a liability.
What’s the Risk? Why Insurance & Licensing Are Non-Negotiable
A licensed and insured contractor isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s the legal and financial barrier between you and thousands in unexpected costs.
Licensing means the contractor has passed the necessary exams, stays up to date on Mississippi building codes, and is legally recognized to work on your property. If a contractor can’t show their license, they may not be authorized to do roofing work in Gulfport or surrounding areas.
Insurance—including both general liability and workers’ compensation—protects you if a contractor damages your home or if a worker is injured on your property. Without it, you could be responsible.
For homeowners on the MS Gulf Coast, this is especially important. With hurricane risks and heavy seasonal rains, cutting corners on roofing credentials could leave you exposed to storm damage—and no financial recourse.
Step 1: Ask for Documentation
Before the first nail is driven, ask for two things:
- The contractor’s license number
- A Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A professional roofing contractor in Gulfport MS should provide both immediately and without hesitation. Here’s what to look for on the COI:
- Business name matches the contractor you’re hiring
- General liability coverage of at least $1 million
- Workers’ compensation coverage of at least $500,000
- Active policy dates that cover your entire project
- Contact info for the insurance provider
If they tell you, “We’re covered, don’t worry,” but refuse to show documentation—walk away.
Verify the Contractor’s License
Asking for a license number is just step one. The real assurance comes from verifying that the license is:
- Active
- In good standing
- Properly classified for roofing work
🔍 How to Verify:
- Online Portals: Mississippi has state-run license lookup tools. Homeowners can visit https://verify.tn.gov or check with their local city or county building department.
- Search by License Number or Business Name: Make sure the name matches exactly and that the classification is specific to residential or commercial roofing.
- Red Flags: Expired licenses, suspended status, or licenses that are not roofing-specific can expose you to fines or stop-work orders if discovered during city inspections.
As a trusted roofer in Gulfport MS, we at Integrity Roofing encourage every client to verify our credentials. We believe trust is earned with proof, not promises.
Confirm the Insurance Coverage
Even if a contractor hands you a Certificate of Insurance (COI), you still need to verify that the policy is legitimate, current, and roofing-specific.
📞 How to Confirm:
- Call the Insurance Company: The COI will list the provider’s name and phone number. Call directly and ask:
- Is this policy active?
- Does it cover roofing work?
- Does it include both general liability and workers’ compensation?
- Is this policy active?
- Watch for Gaps: Policies with expired dates or insufficient coverage ($500,000 or less) can still leave you vulnerable.
- Roofing-Specific Coverage: Not all general contractors carry insurance that applies to roofing—a high-risk trade.
As a roofer with clients across the MS Gulf Coast, we understand the stakes. Our policies exceed the standard because we’re committed to protecting your home and our team—on every job, every time.
Step 4: Look for Additional Credentials
Even after verifying licensing and insurance, going a step further gives you extra peace of mind—especially on the MS Gulf Coast, where roofing quality directly impacts your home’s storm resilience.
✅ What to Look For:
- Bonding: A bonded contractor has purchased a surety bond that protects you if they abandon the job or fail to meet contractual terms. While not always required, it’s a mark of professionalism.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accreditation: Check if the roofer is in good standing with the BBB and if any complaints have been filed. You can view reviews, complaint history, and response records at www.bbb.org.
- Manufacturer Certifications: Leading brands like CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning certify contractors who meet high standards. This means better warranties and trusted installation methods.
- Trade Associations: Membership in groups like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) or local chambers of commerce shows community involvement and industry accountability.
At Integrity Roofing, we don’t just meet the minimum requirements—we exceed them. As a roofing contractor in Gulfport MS, our additional certifications allow us to offer extended warranties and top-tier workmanship to every homeowner we serve.
Step 5: Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
When hiring a roofer near me, you want someone reliable—not someone who disappears when things go wrong. Watch for these warning signs during your vetting process:
🚫 Major Red Flags:
- Hesitation to provide a license or insurance documentation
- A COI that looks generic or is missing coverage dates
- License is expired or not roofing-specific
- Insurance provider contact info is vague or missing
- The contractor pressures you to pay upfront in cash
- No local references or online presence
These aren’t just minor oversights—they’re signs that you might be dealing with an unqualified or potentially fraudulent contractor. On the MS Gulf Coast, where high winds and hurricanes are common, your roof is too important to trust to the wrong company.
At Integrity Roofing, we welcome your questions, encourage due diligence, and proudly provide every credential upfront. We’d rather earn your trust than assume it.
Summary Table: Quick Reference Checklist
| Step | Action Item | Where to Go |
| Ask for License & COI | Request license number and Certificate of Insurance | Directly from contractor |
| Verify License | Confirm status and classification | verify.tn.gov, local authorities |
| Confirm Insurance | Call insurance company listed on COI | Contact insurer directly |
| Check Additional Credentials | Look for bonding, BBB, certifications | BBB.org, Manufacturer websites |
| Spot Red Flags | Avoid contractors with expired or missing info | Based on checklist above |
Conclusion: Peace of Mind Starts With Proof
Verifying that your roofing contractor is licensed and insured isn’t just a best practice—it’s your first line of defense against costly mistakes, legal issues, and storm-related liabilities.
Whether you’re repairing hurricane damage or upgrading to a FORTIFIED™ roof on the MS Gulf Coast, you need more than a verbal promise. You need documentation, verification, and a contractor who welcomes scrutiny.
At Integrity Roofing, we stand by our work because we stand on solid ground—licensed, insured, bonded, and trusted by homeowners throughout Gulfport and the surrounding area.
Don’t risk your biggest investment. Ask questions. Verify documents. And choose a roofing contractor in Gulfport MS who treats your home like their own.
Ready to work with a contractor who puts integrity first? Call Integrity Roofing today.
5-Question FAQ Section
1. Why is it important for a roofing contractor to have both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance?
General liability protects your property from damage; workers’ comp covers injuries to workers on your property. Without both, you could be liable.
2. How do I verify a roofer’s license in Gulfport MS?
Use the state’s verification portal at verify.tn.gov or contact the local building department.
3. What should I look for in a Certificate of Insurance?
Check that it lists:
- The contractor’s business name
- Insurance provider contact
- Coverage types and limits
- Active dates
- Roofing-specific coverage
4. Is bonding required for roofers in Mississippi?
Not always, but a bonded contractor offers additional protection if they don’t fulfill contractual obligations. It’s a good sign of accountability.
5. What are signs a roofer might be unlicensed or uninsured?
Vague answers, missing documentation, generic COIs, or pressure to pay in cash are major red flags. Walk away and find a verified roofer near me.
