As a consumer who has filed a complaint and sought the help of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, let me tell you that you are making a mistake if you do not insist that anyone doing work for you, of any substantial nature, be a registered contractor.

In addition to being a registered contractor, you should insist that the contractor have liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance and that you have a written contract for the work to be performed. You may be told that workman’s compensation insurance is not necessary for the contractor’s employees and then discover, if someone were to fall and injure themselves when the contractor does not have workman’s compensation insurance, that you are liable.

In all probability neither your homeowner’s insurance nor your umbrella policy will cover your liability to the contractor’s injured employee (call your agent and see). There may be an incident, which causes you financial damage, and find that the LLC with which you contracted for services has no money, no liability insurance and the owner of the company has no personal liability.

Consider having the managing member of the LLC sign the contract personally. Never assume that the liability or workman’s compensation insurance coverage is in force or that the contractor is actually registered until you see the policies, have confirmed that premiums have been currently paid and you have checked the registrar’s website to check on complaints and registration.

Always protect yourself with some basic information and documentation.