Always ask if the contractor is insured (Workman’s Compensation and General Liability Insurance) and ask them to provide you with proof. You are not asking for anything out of the ordinary and those contractors who are insured will be able to provide you with paperwork through their insurance company. All contractors doing business in Nebraska counties with a population of 100,000 or more (Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy) are required to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. This can be checked by going to the Nebraska Department of Labor website and going to the Labor/safety laws area or asking the contractor to provide a copy of their Contractor Registration Certificate. Also get a report from the Better Business Bureau about the company. Make sure that the details of installation, type and manufacturer of the products to be used, and all fees, taxes and costs are spelled out in contract between you and the roofer. If you have any questions, make sure you have them answered to your satisfaction before entering into an agreement. Also ask about the warranty. Is it a manufacturer’s warranty, a contractor’s warranty or both? (Be wary of companies which just start or come into town right after a hail storm, tornado or other damaging weather system. These companies may not be around if you have problems within your warranty period and sometimes do not apply the roofing materials in an approved manner leaving your roof unwarrantable by the manufacturer.)