Ask for a certificate of insurance, check general liability and workers' compensation, and call the insurer to confirm. What Illinois sources say.
Ask the handyman for a certificate of insurance (COI) that shows general liability coverage, and ask about workers' compensation if anyone besides the owner will work in your home. Then call the insurer or agent named on the certificate to confirm the policy is active. Ask any handyman, including us, for a certificate.
Why does insurance matter when someone works in my home?
Accidents happen on small jobs too: a dropped tool, a water leak, a damaged floor, an injured worker. Insurance decides who pays. The Illinois Attorney General lists a contractor who "refuses to provide proof of insurance and references when requested" as a warning sign of home repair rip-off schemes.
The Attorney General's How to Choose a Contractor guide (rev. July 2026) also says to verify that the contractor has public liability and property damage insurance as required by the Home Repair and Remodeling Act. For the contract side of that law, see What does the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act require?
What should I ask a handyman for?
1. A certificate of insurance (COI). Ask for the document itself, not just a yes. A COI is a one-page summary issued by the insurance company or its agent.
2. General liability coverage. This is the policy that responds to damage to your property or injury to someone who is not an employee.
3. Workers' compensation, if there are employees. This covers injuries to the handyman's workers. See the next section.
4. Who will actually come to your home. If a helper or subcontractor comes, ask whether that person is covered too.
The Better Business Bureau's contractor hiring guide says to call the carrier to confirm appropriate coverage for workers' compensation, property damage and personal liability, so you are not on the hook for costs from accidents.
What does a certificate of insurance show?
A COI generally lists the business named as insured, the insurance company, the type of coverage, the policy number, the policy dates and the coverage limits. Check these things:
- The name matches. The insured name should match the business name on the quote or contract.
- The dates are current. An expired policy does not help you.
- The coverage type fits. General liability and workers' compensation are different policies. One does not replace the other.
- The limits make sense for your job. Ask the insurance agent or your own homeowners agent if you are unsure what is reasonable.
A certificate is a summary, not the policy itself. That is why the next step matters.
When does Illinois require workers' compensation?
The Illinois Department of Insurance says that generally, all Illinois employers must provide workers' compensation coverage for their employees, and the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) administers the law. Its compliance page adds:
- If an employer has one employee, even a part-time employee, the employer must provide coverage.
- Sole proprietors, business partners, bona fide corporate officers and LLC members may elect to come under the Act or may choose not to. This does not apply to employers in extra-hazardous occupations. The page gives construction, trucking and a business operating at construction sites as examples that must have coverage.
- Group health, occupational disability, general liability, disability or property insurance does not satisfy the requirement. Only a workers' compensation policy does.
- An employer that knowingly fails to carry coverage loses the protection the Act gives employers, and an injured employee may sue in civil court.
So a handyman who works alone may or may not carry workers' compensation, and one with helpers generally should. Whether a particular handyman's work counts as construction is a question for the insurer or the IWCC, so ask the handyman what policy they carry and why. To reach the IWCC, the Department of Insurance lists (866) 352-3033, and its Workers' Compensation Compliance Unit is at (312) 814-8224.
How do I confirm a certificate is real?
1. Find the insurance company, agent name and phone number printed on the certificate.
2. Look up that phone number yourself (do not rely only on a number the handyman gives you) and call.
3. Ask whether the policy is active, whether it covers the type of work, and whether it is scheduled to cancel.
4. Write down the date and the name of the person you spoke with.
This takes ten minutes and matches the BBB's advice to confirm with the carrier. If the insurer cannot confirm the policy, treat that as a no.
What about licensing, references and complaints?
Insurance is one piece. Illinois does not require a state license for general contractors, though roofers and plumbers are licensed and towns may require permits, according to the Attorney General's guide linked above. Use our vetting checklist for references, complaint checks and written scope. Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What about Enhaus?
Enhaus is a family-owned handyman business owned by Natasha and Eduard Semenenko. This article is a general guide and does not describe our coverage. Whatever we or any other handyman tells you, ask for the certificate and call the insurer.
FAQ
Is a handyman required to carry insurance in Illinois?
The Attorney General's guide says to verify public liability and property damage insurance as required by the Home Repair and Remodeling Act. Workers' compensation is required of employers generally, with some options for owners who work alone. Ask the handyman what policies they carry.
Is a business card or a sticker on a truck proof of insurance?
No. Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it with the insurer.
Does my homeowners policy cover a handyman's mistakes or injuries?
That depends on your policy. Ask your own insurance agent before work starts, especially for anything beyond small repairs.
Where do I report a contractor problem?
The Illinois Attorney General takes complaints through its File a Complaint page. The Illinois Department of Insurance lists a Consumer Assistance Hotline at (866) 445-5364 for insurance complaints.
To send your list and photos, call or text (847) 877-1877.
