The difference between a claim and proof
When a contractor says they're licensed and insured, that's a claim — not proof. On Long Island, where anyone can post a service ad on Craigslist, Facebook, or Nextdoor, the gap between a polished pitch and a legitimate business can be wide. Here's what to actually check.
Ask for the license number — then verify it
New York State doesn't require every trade to hold a state license, but many local municipalities in Nassau and Suffolk counties do. A contractor working in the Town of Hempstead, for example, may need a local home improvement license. Ask for the license number and the issuing authority, then call that authority or check their online portal to confirm it's active and in good standing.
On SideKick, contractors who upload their license documentation get a License Reviewed badge. That doesn't mean the platform guarantees the work — but it does mean someone looked at the document.
Insurance: request a certificate, not a promise
A contractor should carry general liability insurance at minimum. If they have employees, they should also carry workers' compensation. The right way to verify is to ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming you or your property as the certificate holder. A legitimate contractor's insurance broker can email this to you in minutes. If they can't produce one, that's a red flag regardless of how friendly they seem.
Check the physical footprint
A real business has a footprint: a registered address, a phone number that isn't a burner, and ideally a website that's been around for more than a few weeks. Google the company name. Check the Better Business Bureau. Look for reviews on multiple platforms — not just one curated testimonial page. A contractor with zero online presence and a brand-new Gmail address is a risk.
Use the verification tools you already have
On SideKick, contractor profiles show two badges:
- License Reviewed — the contractor uploaded a license document and it was reviewed.
- Insurance Reviewed — the contractor uploaded an insurance certificate and it was reviewed.
These badges don't replace your own due diligence, but they save you the first step. A contractor with neither badge isn't necessarily unqualified — they may simply not have uploaded documents. But a contractor with badges has taken an extra step that's worth noting.
Trust your gut about communication
A verified contractor communicates like a professional: they return calls, show up when they say they will, provide written estimates, and don't pressure you to decide on the spot. If someone is rushing you, refusing to put things in writing, or asking for unusual payment arrangements, walk away — no matter how many badges they have.
The bottom line
Verification isn't about trusting a platform. It's about combining the tools a platform gives you with your own common sense. Ask for documents, check them, and never let a deadline or a discount override your gut. Long Island has excellent contractors — and a few bad ones. The difference comes down to who can prove what they claim.