Always Hire an Insured Handyman in New York City.

It is best to always hire an insured Handyman. Yes, that handyman you just hired using Task Rabbit, Angie’s, Handy, Craigslist, or other ways gave you the cheapest price quote. Yes, he said he has insurance (doubtful, I would check!).  But did you actually check? Maybe he is referring to car insurance. It is possible he is just stretching the truth to get your job.  There is also a chance he doesn’t have the money to be licensed and insured. Have you stopped to consider if that Handyman/Contractor doesn’t have the few hundred dollars for insurance what will happen if he damages your property or has an accident?

1. CONSIDER ACCIDENTS & DAMAGE

What if that uninsured Handyman damages your home? Yes, he came to fix a problem, but when he left there was new damage.  How will he pay to fix the damage he has caused? Remember he didn’t have the money for his own insurance. However, accidents do happen every day. People fall off ladders, trip and fall and obviously end up in the hospital.  When he is physically injured, he will now sue you, the property owner for medical costs, pain and suffering and lost wages! YES! this can happen to you. And you’d be surprised how often this happens.

Moreover, that hurt, uninsured handyman will end up with a lot of your money.  Not to mention, he will drag you to court with a complex case. Eventually you hire a lawyer to protect your assets. You lose time having to appear in court and experience unwanted stress. In conclusion, why put your hard-earned money at risk just to save few dollars up front when you hired that uninsured handyman?

2. NO WAY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY WILL PAY

 Another key point is some Property Owners have lost ownership of their property when the uninsured Handyman was injured. Be advised that if the injury was found to be caused by the negligence of the property owner, the owner’s insurance company will withhold coverage and pay absolutely nothing.

3. UNINSURED = THE OWNER BECOMES THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR

When the contractor or handyman you hired is uninsured, then you, the owner becomes the General Contractor.  That make you responsible for all their errors.  When the handyman causes any problems and you have knowingly hired an uninsured workman, it’s likely that your insurance will refuse to cover or pay for the damages.

NEW YORK LABOR LAWS & TENANTS

Landlords, and building owners must know that knowledge is power.  In the State of New York there are explicit laws that pertain to uninsured  handymen/contractors.  Check out: http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/lawssrch.cgi?NVLWO. New York Labor Law addresses the liability of building owners and property managers for injuries sustained by employees, contractors, employees hired by contractors to make repairs or improvements to property. Most significantly, this includes ANYONE hired by YOUR TENANTS!!  “The New York Labor Law holds the building owner or property manager strictly liable for the injuries to a contractor or their employees resulting from anything involving gravity.  This could be a fall or being struck by falling items on your property while preforming repairs and/or improvements.” This quote is directly from TheHanoverInsuranceGroup.com.        

It’s so important to note that a NYLL (New York Labor Law) lawsuit will happen when your tenant hires an uninsured handyman who is hurt on your property. It is common for tenants to hire a handyman to hang mirrors, assemble furniture, put up shelves and flat screen televisions. But it is you, the owner of the property who is held liable for the workman’s injury.  A great tip is to review and revise your leases to safeguard your assets.

4. MORTGAGE COMPANIES & HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES

As a property owner, you probably have a mortgage or a homeowners association contract. Not surprisingly, both normally have written clauses which state using an uninsured handyman/contractor is a violation.  Many owners also use property managers to manage their rental properties. Make sure your property manager always hires insured handyman/contractors. When an uninsured handyman sustains an injury while doing work on your property, you, the owner will be held responsible by the courts. You don’t want to be sued into Bankruptcy by an injured Handyman.  It has happened. So of course, always hire an insured handyman.

5. AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION….WILL SAVE YOU A TON OF MONEY

It’s easy to prevent losing your money, your time and your property. Obviously,only hire a Handyman/Contractor that is fully licensed and insured. PERIOD! Check to make sure this Handyman has the proper insurance.  Ask for proof. Not everyone will be honest.  Look at and read his reviews. Check his license. Ask for references. See if there are formal complaints.  According to New York Labor Law advice: Don’t assume a workman has liability insurance. 

6. TEAM HANDY DAN NEW YORK CITY HANDYMAN TO THE RESCUE

BONDED, INSURED, EXPERIENCED, HIGHLY REVIEWED

Team Handy Dan Handyman is a fully licensed New York City General Contractor.  I am Bonded and carry twice the minimum required liability insurance. Our New York City Home Improvement Contractor License number is: 2102362-DCA. I have over 100 five-star reviews. To summarize, if you hire us, we will be fast and efficient.  We bring all our own tools to your job along with lots of experience. In addition, you won’t have to worry about any accidents or damage because we carry insurance that brings you peace of mind.  See videos of Team Handy Dan on our You Tube Channel.  Also check https://handy-man-nyc.com/ AND contact us. We can talk about how we can help you.

Thank you. Team Handy Dan New York City Handyman Company – Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens