does concrete contractor need liability insurance? (costs, replacing, removing, company)

[BijouBaby]

I'm in the process of taking estimates for a new concrete patio. Job entails removing existing patio and replacing with a new slab. I'm finding a wide array of pricing and some contractors have liability insurance up to $1M, and others don't carry any insurance coverage. What I find interesting is that a couple of the uninsured contractors have been in business many years, with many well-reviewed jobs under their belts. Even listed in Angie's List. Is liability insurance crucial for this kind of work? Why do so many people use uninsured contractors? Should I only consider using companies that have liability insurance? Thanks

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by BijouBaby

Should I only consider using companies that have liability insurance?

Yes!
And Worker's Comp!!!

[wit-nit]

If a contractor is not insured and get's hurt working on your property OP you could, and probably would, be held liable for any of his injury costs.

[Electrician4you]

Licensed
Insured
Bonded
Workmans comp.

If they are uninsured they are probably also unlicensed. If you hire them legally YOU are now their employer and can be held liable in so many ways.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by wit-nit

If a contractor is not insured and get's hurt working on your property OP you could, and probably would, be held liable for any of his injury costs.

Good point.

The contract we sign with our customers plainly states "we have insurances, if a worker is hurt on your property, you are held harmless".

Always ask for an insurance slip conformation for YOUR job.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by BijouBaby

does (any sort of home improvement) contractor need liability insurance?

Having liability insurance is more important than having a license

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by MrRational

Having liability insurance is more important than having a license

Could a person get insurance without a license if a license is required????

I know I had to give a copy of mine to the insurance company.

They do a yearly audit.

[wit-nit]

In our State you can get liability insurance without a license, but you cannot have a contractor's license without having insurance.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Driller1

Could a person get insurance without a license if a license is required????

Not likely but I wanted to point out the emphasis.

As regards Workmans Comp Insurance (just as important)...
the concern is less about the "owner" working on your property
than the "bum of the week" helper type he brought with him to do the shoveling.