m Ransley writes:

Be sure thay have insurance and sign a statement to that effect.

Right and wrong.

Having them sign anything with regard to insurance is stupid and pointless.
If they have insurance, you didn't need the signature. If they don't, all
you can do is sue them, which is what you would have to do anyway if there
is a loss.

The *only* thing that counts is an ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE FROM
THE INSURER OR THEIR AGENT, LISTING YOU AS A PARTY. COPIES DO NOT COUNT,
POLICY PAPERWORK DOES NOT COUNT, NOTHING BUT AN ORIGINAL WITH YOUR NAME ON
IT. THIS IS HOW THE BUSINESS WORKS. If he has paid in fact paid for
insurance, then he will be more than willing to proudly give you such a
certificate.

A claim, verbal or written, but lacking a certificate, from the insured
that he carries insurance is worse than worthless. because he is evading
the normal certification process, which is highly suspicious.