“Licensed and insured” printed on a truck door means almost nothing on its own. It’s a claim, not proof — and a surprising number of homeowners never take the extra five minutes to actually verify it before signing a contract worth thousands of dollars. Here’s exactly how to check.
Step 1: Determine What License Category Applies
Contractor licensing requirements vary significantly by state, and some states don’t require a specific flooring or coatings license at all — general contractor licensing may cover it, or in some states, no state-level license is required for this type of work below a certain project dollar threshold. Start by checking your state’s contractor licensing board website (usually part of the Department of Consumer Affairs or similar state agency) to see what category epoxy flooring installation falls under.
| Verification Step | What to Check | Where to Look |
|---|---|---|
| License status | Active, expired, or suspended | State contractor licensing board website |
| License scope | Covers flooring/coatings specifically | License classification details |
| Insurance | General liability + workers’ comp | Request certificate of insurance (COI) directly |
| Complaint history | Past disciplinary actions | State board complaint database |
| Bonding (if required) | Surety bond on file | State board or bonding company |
Step 2: Verify Insurance Independently
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that names you or your project, showing both general liability coverage and workers’ compensation coverage if the contractor has employees. Then call the insurance carrier listed on the COI directly to confirm the policy is active — COIs can be outdated or, in rare cases, fabricated. This single phone call protects you from being liable if a worker is injured on your property with an uninsured crew.
Step 3: Check the Complaint History
Most state contractor licensing boards maintain a public database of complaints and disciplinary actions against licensed contractors. A contractor with a pattern of unresolved complaints, even if still technically licensed, is a meaningful red flag worth taking seriously before signing a contract.
Step 4: Confirm Manufacturer Certification (For Specialty Systems)
Beyond state licensing, many epoxy and polyaspartic coating manufacturers offer installer certification programs. While not legally required, manufacturer certification indicates specific training on that product line and often affects whether the manufacturer’s material warranty applies to your installation. Ask whether the contractor is a certified installer for the specific product they’re proposing, and ask to see the certification if it’s central to your warranty coverage.
Red Flags That Should Stop You
- Reluctance or refusal to provide a license number when asked directly
- A COI that the insurance carrier can’t confirm when you call
- A large upfront deposit requirement — many states cap deposits by law
- Pressure to sign the same day, with a “discount expires today” pitch
- No physical business address or verifiable online presence
What to Do If You Find a Problem
If a contractor’s license is expired, suspended, or the insurance doesn’t check out, don’t proceed — even if their price is the lowest. The warranty claim process on a job like this only works if the underlying business is legitimate and accountable in the first place.
Contractor Referral Disclaimer: EpoxyArmorPro is a contractor referral and cost information service, not a licensed flooring contractor. We connect consumers with independent, licensed, and insured contractors. We do not perform any flooring work directly. Cost estimates are averages based on market data and vary by location, project size, materials, and contractor. Always verify contractor licensing and insurance before hiring. Individual quotes may differ from estimates shown.