Part 2 – Insurance, Workers’ Comp & Certifications Every Chimney Company Must Have
Finding a good chimney sweep company is not just about looking for someone who knows how to clean soot and creosote from your chimney. You need an experienced technician who will sometimes climb onto your roof to check your chimney and conduct inspections or repairs that have direct implications related to the fire safety of your chimney.
What if you hire someone who is not even qualified to do chimney inspections, repairs, or cleaning? Have you ever thought about what would happen if the technician is hurt or if the house is damaged? That’s where insurance, workers’ compensation, and professionally licensed chimney contractors come into play.
In this blog, the second Part 2 of our 3-blog series, we’ll cover the following three often-overlooked but critical hiring steps:
1. Verifying that the company carries proper insurance
2. Ensuring that the company provides workers’ compensation for employee injuries
3. Confirming valid trade-specific certifications of the chimney company
Always Ask for Proof of Insurance, Not Just a Claim
Most companies claim to be “insured”, but without written proof, that claim is not very significant. Your insurance is your safety net. It covers both your property and the employees, in case something tragic happens while doing the job.
A reputable chimney sweep business should have:
1. General Liability Insurance: This insures your house in case of damage to your property during the service.
2. Automobile Liability Insurance: Mandatory if the business runs vehicles on your property.
3. Umbrella Liability Insurance: Covers amounts in excess of basic insurance limits.
4. Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions): Shields against monetary loss due to errors in inspection or installation.
A Step in Time Chimney Sweep is a reputed chimney company with strong insurance coverage. Our Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI), which is provided by Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast, covers the following:
– General Liability Coverage: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $3,000,000 aggregate
– Umbrella Liability: $4,000,000 per event and overall
– Auto Liability: $1,000,000
– Professional Liability: $1,000,000 through Arch Insurance
You may (and should) ask any chimney contractor for this certificate. It is important to ensure that the business name is the same as that on their quote or invoice and to also confirm the expiry date.
For more information on what should be contained within a Certificate of Insurance, go to the Insurance Information Institute.
Bonus Tip: Ask for a copy of the COI prior to scheduling. Any hesitation is a red flag.
Check if the Chimney Company Covers Workers' Compensation
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood but vital questions to ask: “Do you have workers’ compensation insurance?”
You may think, How does it even matter?
Workers’ compensation includes medical expenses and lost income if an employee is hurt on your property. If a chimney sweep business does not carry it and one of their servicemen tumbles off your roof, you might end up personally liable. Even your homeowner’s policy might not save you, particularly if the contractor is working illegally or without a license.
Most one-man businesses running in Virginia, and other states as well, opt out of workers’ compensation legally since they are not mandated by state statute. However, that doesn’t necessarily make them a safe or sound option. It actually puts you, the homeowners, at greater risk.
At A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps, our founder, Mr. Raymond Gessner, has workers’ compensation insurance in place with Brickstreet Mutual Insurance Company. Our policy, WCS3014610, is currently active and covers all technicians we send to your home.
If a company says they “don’t need it” or that “their crew is careful,” remember, a little negligence, and you may end up bearing huge costs.
Look for Chimney Companies with Valid Certifications
Chimney installation would appear to be simple, but in fact, it encompasses technical acumen, safety regulations, and installation techniques that meet construction standards. Installing a chimney liner, for example, could involve HVAC or gas code compliance. Even general inspections are required to adhere to NFPA 211 standards and state fire safety regulations.
That’s why you need to check if the chimney company you are hiring possesses valid state-issued trade licenses as well as professional qualifications.
A Step in Time Chimney Sweep is the most experienced company in the area, with over 25 years in operation. Here’s a rundown of our certifications:
1. Virginia Class A Contractor License (#2705139016): This is the highest possible contractor rating in the state and ensures that we comply with the toughest financial, legal, and technical requirements.
2. Master HVAC License (#2710076347): Mandatory for the installation or repair of chimney liners as well as any system combined with your HVAC.
3. Licensed Professional Engineer (#0402032901): Enables us to evaluate structural problems in chimneys and provide engineering solutions. Extremely uncommon in this field.
4. Business Engineering Entity License (#0407004891): Authorises us by law to provide engineering-oriented services.
5. Fireplace Investigation Research & Education (F.I.R.E) Certification: Industry experts recognise it for excellence in fireplace safety inspection and research.
If any chimney company comes and tells you they have trade licenses, request the license name and number, and then check it online. In Virginia, you can check any contractor license in the DPOR License Lookup Tool.
Some businesses attempt to “borrow” a license, meaning they hire someone who is licensed to be listed, even if they don’t really work there. This is illegal.
Before Hiring, Verify the Above-Mentioned Details
As you can tell, good chimney maintenance begins far before the technician comes to your door. By verifying good insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and certified qualifications, you’re safeguarding your loved ones, your money, and the structural soundness of your home.`
In the next and final part of this blog series, we’ll focus on the more human and operational aspects of hiring a chimney sweep company. Stay tuned! [We Just Posted the Third blog on 30 August 2025, go here to read that one.]
Connor H.
Connor is expert in understanding various chimney repair.
