Licensed, Insured and WCB: What It Means
Licensed means the business holds a valid licence to operate. Insured means its liability policy pays if the work damages your home. WCB (WorkSafeBC) coverage means an injured worker is covered through that system rather than through you. Ask any company for proof of all three before work starts.
Licensed
Being licensed means the company holds a valid business licence to operate, which is a basic sign of a legitimate, registered business. It does not by itself guarantee quality, but its absence is a warning sign that you are dealing with someone operating outside the normal framework.
A licensed local business is also one that is accountable and still around next season if you need them, which matters for any guarantee.
Insured and WCB-covered
These are the two that really protect you. Liability insurance covers damage to your property caused by the work, so if a ladder goes through a window or a surface is damaged, the company's insurance handles it. WorkSafeBC (WCB) coverage protects the workers: if a technician is injured on your property, they are covered through that system.
Together, insured and WCB-covered mean that the normal risks of height-and-equipment work on your property fall on the company that carries the coverage, not on you. That is exactly what you are paying a legitimate company for.
Why it matters and how to check
An uninsured, uncovered operator quoting a low price is transferring the risk to you to save on the cost of doing business properly. If something goes wrong, you can be left exposed, potentially through your own home insurance. That is why the cheapest quote can be the most expensive.
Checking is simple and reasonable: ask the company to confirm it is licensed, carries liability insurance, and has WCB coverage, and to provide proof. A professional expects the question and answers it without hesitation. Reluctance is the answer you need.