How can I find out for sure if a company is really bonded and insured?

Question

Anyone can say they are and they are under no obligation to prove it unless there is an incident. I am in TX. Is there any website where I can see if a company is really bonded and insured?

Answer 1

Nope, no website, it's private information.

OK, on the bond.  If they're bonded, most likely it's to an AGENCY like the local building department or other licensing office.  YOU can't collect on the bond - you're not party to it.  If you WERE party to the bond, you'd have a copy, and it would say, "we'll pay joe smith if these birds mess up, $5" or whatever the penalty amount is.

So don't think about the bond, it's useless from YOUR point of view.

For the insurance, request them to provide you with a certificate of insurance, naming you as the certificate holder.  Their agent should be able to fax it directly over to you.  That's your proof that they have insurance - AND it tells you exactly what kind of insurance they have.

Answer 2

Have the person who is claiming insurance and bonding coverage have their insurance agent send you a certificate of insurance. The certificate will show effective dates of coverage and the insurance company providing the coverage. This is not an unusual request when I was an insurance agent we sent certificates of insurance everyday.

One tip make sure that the certificate shows your name as the certificate holder. Make sure it is the agent sending the certificate. You don't want the person you are seeking proof of insurance from giving you a generic certificate that may not be valid.

Answer 3

Ask for the name and phone number of his Insurance Agent and ALWAYS call the Agent yourself. Ask the Agent for a certificate of Insurance showing your name and address as certificate holder. You are looking to see if General Liability Insurance is being carried in a sufficient amount to ensure any damage done to your property or person (or neighbors property) will be covered. NEVER take a certificate from a contractor, they may well be honest and really have insurance but if I had a dime for every time a contractor gave out fake certificates I'd be rich.