When choosing between different heating oil companies, you have several factors to consider. Most importantly, you should opt for oil delivery from a company that is licensed, bonded, and insured, as this will keep you and your home safe. Below, you’ll find a brief guide to help you understand what these credentials mean.

Why Should You Choose a Heating Oil Company That is Licensed, Bonded & Insured?

Licensed

When choosing between different oil delivery providers, you should first always make sure they are a licensed company, especially if it’s required by their trade. Licensure refers to the company's ability to legally provide their service in your area, as they must obtain a license or permit before beginning work. Companies that lack a license may perform low quality—or even dangerous—work. With a licensed company, however, you’ll feel more confident in their professionalism and competence.

Bonded

Bonding is a type of insurance that protects you as a consumer. If a non-bonded professional doesn't complete the service or is left financially obligated for the heating oil—or even damage to your property—this could leave you liable to cover those expenses. However, you can prevent this from happening by making sure your company is bonded, as this indicates that the business has a surety bond, which will handle any financial loss. If you're not sure if your oil and kerosene provider is bonded, you can always ask for their certificate number or even call the surety company directly to confirm.

Insured

Similar to bonding, heating oil companies that are insured can give you some additional peace of mind. Insurance policies typically cover financial obligations that are related to liabilities and injury. This means that, if an accident occurs during the delivery and causes damage to your property, the liability coverage will be able to pay for any damages. Additionally, their worker’s compensation coverage will keep you from worrying about the employees becoming injured on your property. Should such an accident happen, insurance will cover medical expenses and lost wages.