So, you’re ready to replace your roof—or maybe you just need some solid roof repairs—and you’re on the hunt for a roofer you can actually trust. Not someone who shows up in an unmarked van, throws around a few vague promises, and disappears once the check clears. You want the real deal. So naturally, you’re wondering: Do roofers in New York need to be licensed and insured?
Short answer: Absolutely. Long answer? Let’s break it down.
At Rebuild America: Roofing, Windows, and Remodeling, we’ve heard every horror story you can imagine. Roofs half-done. Crews vanishing overnight. Homeowners left holding the bag after an accident on-site. And almost every time, the root of the problem is the same: the homeowner hired someone without verifying licensing or insurance.
Let’s fix that. Here’s everything you need to know about licensed roofers in New York, how to avoid getting burned, and why this stuff really matters.
Why Licensing and Insurance Should Be Non-Negotiable
You wouldn’t hand your car keys to someone without a driver’s license, right? So why let someone climb on your roof—one of the most critical parts of your home—without knowing they’re qualified to be up there?
When you hire a licensed and insured roofing contractor, you’re not just getting a service. You’re buying peace of mind. You’re protecting your investment. And you’re making sure that if something goes sideways (because let’s be honest, roofing is risky business), you’re not the one stuck cleaning up the mess—literally or financially.
Do Roofers Need a License in NY?
This is where it gets a little tricky. New York doesn’t have a single, state-issued roofing license. Instead, it’s handled at the local level—meaning the rules can change depending on where you live.
Where Licenses Are Required
If you’re in NYC, Long Island, or other metro areas, roofing contractors are required to hold a local license. These areas usually demand:
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of experience or passing a trade exam
- Business registration
- Fingerprints or background checks (yes, it’s serious)
Bottom line: if your roofer doesn’t have a license in one of these areas, they’re either breaking the law—or cutting corners.
Where Licensing Isn’t Required
In some upstate or rural areas, the rules are looser. But here’s the deal—even if it’s not legally required where you live, you should still only work with licensed pros. Licensing means accountability. It means someone else (not just you) is making sure they know what they’re doing.
Why You Need Insured Roofing Contractors
Licensing is step one. But insurance? That’s where the real protection kicks in.
General Liability Insurance
This covers your property. If a roofer drops a bundle of shingles on your car or tears up your gutters, liability insurance is what makes sure you’re not paying out of pocket.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Here’s the big one. If someone gets injured while working on your property—and the contractor doesn’t carry workers’ comp—you could be held liable. We’ve seen people get stuck with tens of thousands in medical bills just because they didn’t check for insurance.
So yeah, insurance isn’t optional. It’s essential.
How to Make Sure You’re Hiring the Right Roofer in New York
Don’t just take someone’s word for it. Any reputable roofer should be happy to provide:
- A copy of their license
- General liability insurance certificate
- Workers’ compensation insurance proof
And if they act shady when you ask? That’s your sign to walk away.
At Rebuild America, we bring all of this to the table before you even have to ask. We know this stuff matters, and we’re not in the business of shortcuts.
What Happens When You Hire Someone Who Isn’t Licensed or Insured?
Look, we get it. Sometimes you meet a guy who says he can do the job “for way cheaper.” But here’s what that lower price really buys you:
- Zero accountability if the work is bad
- No warranty protection on labor or materials
- Risk of injury lawsuits if someone gets hurt
- A big mess to fix later, and usually a much bigger bill
That’s not a deal—that’s a disaster waiting to happen.
What Rebuild America Brings to the Table
We’ve been doing this for generations. We’ve worked on everything from simple Cape homes to large custom builds. And through it all, we’ve kept one promise: do the job right, every time.
Here’s what you get with us:
- Fully licensed for every jurisdiction we work in
- Fully insured—you’re protected no matter what
- Factory-certified installers, including GAF Master Elite status
- Clear communication and real timelines
- Work that’s warranty-backed, both product and craftsmanship
No guesswork. No sketchy subcontractors. Just high-quality work you can count on.
What to Ask Any Roofer Before You Sign Anything
Here’s your quick checklist. Don’t hire anyone who can’t give you straight answers to these:
- Are you licensed to work in my city or county?
- Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance?
- Can I see proof?
- Will you pull any required permits?
- Do you offer a workmanship warranty?
- Are your crews employees or subcontractors?
- How long have you been in business?
And if you’re thinking, “That seems like a lot to ask,” trust us—it’s not. The right contractor won’t hesitate.
Let’s Make This Easy
Roofing is a big job. But hiring the right contractor doesn’t have to be hard.
If you want to work with licensed roofers in New York who know what they’re doing, stand behind their work, and won’t vanish once the final nail is in, let’s talk. We’re not just contractors—we’re professionals who take pride in helping homeowners make smart, stress-free decisions.
Call Rebuild America at 516-535-9293 or email [email protected] to schedule your appointment. We’ll walk you through the process, show you proof of everything, and give you real answers from the start.
No fluff. No headaches. Just solid roofing—done right.
Rebuild America – One Home at a Time.
