Home Improvement Contractors

Question 1: If there has been any changes to the structure of the business you must stop and submit a new application. If you have any questions please call our call center 973-424-8150 or email us at HIC-HECinquiry@dca.NJOAG.gov.

Question 2: Every Home Improvement Contractor Business (HICB) must maintain a commercial general liability insurance policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence. Every Home Elevation Contractor Business (HECB) must maintain a commercial general liability insurance policy of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. Please ask your agent to provide you a Certificate of Insurance on an ACORD page.

Question 3: New Jersey now requires HICBs and HECBs to maintain "additional security" throughout their registration. This additional security can be in the form of:

• A compliance bond issued by a surety company;
• An irrevocable letter of credit issued by a bank; or
• Securities, moneys, or other security.

The minimum amount of the additional security depends on the values of contracts for the performance of services:

• $50,000: For a contract valued over $120,000, or for contracts valued over $750,000 in the previous 12 months.
• $25,000: For a contract valued between $10,000 and $120,000, or for contracts valued between $150,000 and $750,000 in the previous 12 months.
• $10,000: For a contract valued under $10,000, or for contracts valued under $150,000 in the previous 12 months.

This additional security required for initial registration, renewal, and reinstatement.

Question 4:

If you answered "Yes", we will contact you by email for further information.If you plan to provide a certified/bank check as additional security, it must be mailed to: Division of Consumer Affairs, Regulated Business Section, 124 Halsey St., 7th Floor, PO Box 46016, Newark, NJ 07101, ATTN: HICB/HECB Unit.

Question 5:

HICBs and HECBs must have workers' compensation insurance, unless exempt by law. With respect to the new workers' compensation insurance requirement, please see N.J.S.A 34:15-1 et seq., to determine if you may be exempt consult with an attorney or insurance agent.

Question 6:

If you answered "Yes," we will contact you by email for further information.

Question 7:

If you answered "Yes," we will contact you by email for further information.

Question 8:

If you answered "Yes," we will contact you by email for further information.

Question 9:

If you answered "Yes," we will contact you by email for further information.