Licensed and Insured Contractors who signs the permits

[Tony Santos]

Hey Guys,

So I am hiring a plumber for a job. He is currently licensed (I checked on mass.gov) but he is asking me to sign the permits because he does not carry insurance. The job is somewhat small but does require replacing a water tank. I've been reading forums and some say it's fine others highly recommend not doing it. Should I not do this and hire a plumber who's licensed AND insured or...?

Thanks!

Keywords mass Massachusetts south coast 

[Kelly R.]

That seems odd, in Maryland one needs proof of insurance to renew a contractors license. I personally would never hire a contractor that wasn't insured, certificate of insurance needs to be in hand before he is on site.  You may want to contact your insurance company and verify what you are covered for in this situation.  A year end audit my result in a premium increase if you are hiring uninsured workers.