N.D. Officials Crack Down on Uninsured Contractors in Wake of July Hailstorm

In the aftermath of last month’s destructive hailstorms, North Dakota’s Construction Compliance Task Force has begun aggressively checking construction sites to ensure that contractors are insured and licensed.

Investigators from Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI), the Attorney General, Secretary of State’s offices and Job Service North Dakota will be checking to ensure that contractors have the proper licensing, worker’s compensation coverage and unemployment insurance for their workers.

Out-of-state individuals, businesses and contractors need transient merchant licenses from the Attorney General’s office, must be registered with the Secretary of State’s office and have both WSI workers’ compensation for their workers and unemployment insurance coverage from Job Service North Dakota while conducting business in North Dakota.

Violators face fines, imprisonment, or both. In addition, unsuspecting consumers who hire unlicensed and uninsured contractors may be held liable for the damages or injuries that occur on their property.

To determine if a contractor is registered with the state, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-472-2600.