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About Ronald Hicks, CIC, CRIS
Expertise
I can answer questions regarding commercial insurance. My experience is geared toward construction risks. General Contractors, heavy contstruction, subs and the real estate they build. I also have a great handle on risk management including, safety programs, contractual risk transfer, cost segregation, benchmarking, claims management, and subscribe to the Total Cost of Risk theory in cost containment.

Experience
10 Years in the 15th largest brokerage in the country.

Organizations
NJ Builders Association Builders League of South Jersey Construction Finacial Managers Association Sub Contractors Association of the Delaware Valley National Association of Home Builders

Education/Credentials
Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS). Should have CRM at the end of 2010

You are here: Experts > Money > Personal Insurance > Property & Casualty Insurance > Putting a roof over my porch

Property & Casualty Insurance - Putting a roof over my porch

Expert: Ronald Hicks, CIC, CRIS - 11/2/2009

Question
Hi,
I'm thinking of having my brother-in-law who works in construction put a roof on my existing back porch. However, I won't let him do it without insurance. He says that he knows a guy in the construction business who has insurance and if I pay him a fee he will let the job go through his insurance. This doesn't sound legal to me but my brother-in-law insist it is. The only way I can figure it would be legal would be if I was paying his "friend in the business" and the job was contracted through him, but this is not to be the case.
I live in Rhode Island in case that is pertinent.

Thanks,
Brian

Answer
Brian

Even before we discuss insurance, let me pass on a old saying, "Don't do business with family." My experience has held this statement to be very true and even double when dealing with construction.

You are correct in your thinking. If you give a check payable to the insured contractor, then it is a legal contract with THAT entity. If they choose to hire your brother in law for the work, that is on them. Any claims for bodily injury or property damage (which is what insurance pays for) would go against the contractor you paid. Your business dealings are with the contractor and not your brother in law, therefore your legal recourse is with them.

Remember, it is easy to call it "business" when you are demanding work to be done in accordance with your requirements when you are not speaking with family.

Best of luck with your new roof,

Ronald Hicks, CIC, CRIS

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