Hiring a fence contractor without verifying their license and insurance is like letting someone build your house without blueprints—you’re asking for trouble.
Sure, they may sound confident and show up with tools. But if something goes wrong—damage, injury, or poor workmanship—you’re left footing the bill if they aren’t properly covered.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to verify a fence contractor’s license and insurance in your state, what to look for, and how to spot fakes or red flags.
Let’s make sure you hire a pro, not a liability.
🛠️ Why Licensing Matters
A contractor’s license is more than just a piece of paper. It proves they’ve:
- Met state/local requirements
- Passed competency exams
- Agreed to follow safety and building codes
Unlicensed contractors may be cheaper—but they often cut corners, avoid permits, and leave you with fences that sag, rot, or get torn down by inspectors.
Bottom line? A licensed contractor is accountable. An unlicensed one disappears when problems pop up.
📄 What Does Insurance Cover?
There are two must-have policies every fence contractor should carry:
1. General Liability Insurance
Covers property damage, like:
- A crew accidentally breaking a sprinkler system
- Concrete spills on your driveway
- Fence posts cracking a buried water line
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Covers on-site injuries. If a worker gets hurt while digging or installing, you’re protected from lawsuits or medical bills.
If a contractor doesn’t have this—and someone gets injured—you could be held liable.
🧾 How to Verify a Fence Contractor’s License (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to check if they’re licensed in your state:
Step 1: Ask for Their License Number
Don’t just ask if they’re licensed—ask for the actual license number or card.
Step 2: Visit Your State’s Contractor License Board
Most states have an online portal to verify licenses.
For example:
- Texas: Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR)
- Georgia: State Licensing Board for Residential & General Contractors
- Florida: MyFloridaLicense.com
Step 3: Enter Their License Number or Name
You should see:
- License status (active, expired, suspended)
- Type/class of license
- Any complaints or violations
🕵️♂️ How to Verify Insurance (The Smart Way)
Step 1: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A COI is a one-page document that shows:
- Coverage types (liability, workers’ comp)
- Insurance company name
- Policy numbers and effective dates
Step 2: Contact the Insurance Provider (Optional but Smart)
To be 100% sure, call the insurance company listed on the COI. They can confirm:
- That the policy is active
- That the contractor is covered
- The coverage limits
🚨 Red Flags to Watch For
If a contractor:
- Gets defensive when asked about license/insurance
- Says “I’ve never needed it”
- Only has personal auto insurance
- Offers to “do it under the table” for cash
Walk away. No fence is worth legal risk or financial disaster.
👍 Hire the Pros Who Do It Right from the Start
At Elite Lawn Care and Fence, we don’t just talk about being professional—we prove it.
✅ Fully licensed
✅ Insured for liability & workers’ comp
✅ Transparent about every step of the process
We invite every customer to check our credentials—because we have nothing to hide.
📌 Recap: Your 5-Minute Contractor Verification Checklist
Task | Why It Matters |
Get license number | Ensures legal compliance |
Check state database | Confirms license status |
Request Certificate of Insurance | Verifies active coverage |
Call insurance provider | Confirms legitimacy |
Walk away if they resist | Protects you from risk |
💬 Let’s Build Your Fence—The Right Way
If you’re ready to skip the guesswork and hire a trusted, fully verified fence contractor in your area, we’re ready to help.
We’ll bring the professionalism, paperwork, and peace of mind.
