"Richard J Kinch" wrote in message
. ..
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.

How thoroughly refreshing to hear from someone who actually knows what he is
talking about.

When I was a contractor, it worked like this. Whenever I was required to
provide proof of insurance, I had to contact the agent or agency that
provided coverage. THEY then had to mail the papers directly to the client.
I never touched the papers, NOR WAS I ALLOWED TO. It went directly from
insurer to client.

Copies are worth the paper they're written on, and make a little bit less
than satisfactory toilet paper.

RUN from anyone who offers you copies. It just don't work that way.
Unlessen, of course, you are gullible and will take this guy's word that the
copy is good. If he has the proper insurance, it takes 3-5 days for you to
have the paperwork in hand sent directly to you from the insurer. He never
touches it.

Steve