Using a contractor who’s not insured is a way bigger gamble than you might imagine. Roofing is a dangerous business. One slip can result in a fall causing serious injury, and back injuries are common, which makes hiring a contractor without workman’s comp very risky. Although state laws exempt homeowners from liability, you are still at risk of being named personally in a lawsuit, forcing you to hire an attorney to get dismissed from the suit. Just as risky is the weather. Thunderstorms can blow up rapidly, and even the most experienced crews can get caught in the rain. An uncovered roof in a rainstorm can cause significant damage to the interior of a home. Most contractors without general public liability insurance are not financially secure enough to repair major damage to your home. The option of not paying them does not work too well if they just don’t come back. Uninsured contractors can work much cheaper than properly insured ones. Weigh the risks before hiring the uninsured contractor.