How to Hire a Licensed and Insured Concrete Contractor

Hiring the wrong concrete contractor is expensive to fix and hard to undo. The single best way to protect yourself is to confirm two things before any money changes hands: the contractor is properly licensed for your state, and carries current insurance. This guide shows you exactly how to verify both, what to ask, and the red flags that should end the conversation.

Why licensing and insurance matter

A license shows the contractor has met your state’s requirements to do concrete and construction work legally. Insurance protects you: if a worker is injured on your property or your home is damaged during the job, the contractor’s coverage — not your homeowner’s policy — should pay. An unlicensed, uninsured “deal” can leave you liable for both.

How to verify a concrete contractor’s license

Licensing for concrete work is handled at the state (and sometimes city) level, so requirements vary. To check:

• Ask for the contractor’s license number in writing.
• Look it up on your state contractor licensing board’s website (most offer a free public license lookup).
• Confirm the license is active, in the contractor’s name or company, and covers concrete/general construction.
• Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints on file.

On Premier Concrete Pro, contractors can display a verified license number on their profile — a quick trust signal when you’re comparing options.

The insurance to confirm

• General liability — covers property damage and accidents caused by the work.
• Workers’ compensation — covers injuries to the crew on your property. This is the one homeowners most often overlook.

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and confirm the policy dates are current. A legitimate contractor will provide this without hesitation.

Questions to ask before you hire

• Are you licensed in this state, and what’s your license number?
• Can you send a current Certificate of Insurance?
• Is the work guaranteed, and what does the warranty cover?
• Will you provide a written, itemized estimate?
• Can you share recent local references or photos of similar jobs?

Red flags to walk away from

• Cash-only, large upfront deposits, or no written contract.
• Reluctance to share a license number or proof of insurance.
• Pressure to decide today or a quote far below everyone else’s.
• No verifiable local address or reviews.

Frequently asked questions

Do concrete contractors need a license?

In most states, yes — concrete and general construction work above a dollar threshold requires a state license. Always check your specific state’s contractor board, since rules and thresholds vary.

What insurance should a concrete contractor have?

At minimum, general liability and (if they have employees) workers’ compensation. Ask for a current Certificate of Insurance before work begins.

How do I check if a contractor’s license is real?

Use your state licensing board’s free online license lookup with the contractor’s name or license number to confirm it’s active and in good standing.

Find a licensed concrete contractor near you

Ready to get quotes? Search Premier Concrete Pro for concrete contractors in your area, or browse by state to see pros near you.