rigger writes:

Ask for, and receive, a current certificate of insurance BEFORE giving
out the job.

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 in fact paid for
insurance, then he will be more than willing to proudly give you such a
certificate. Or rather, have it sent, since it comes from the insurer, not
the insured.

An assertion, 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 suspect.