Why ‘Licensed and Insured’ Actually Matters


Why ‘Licensed and Insured’ Actually Matters

The Duct Tape Dilemma We get it. Your cousin’s friend says he "does electrical on the side." He’s got a truck, a toolbox, and maybe even a roll of duct tape that he swears fixes everything. But before you let just anyone start pulling wires in your walls, let’s talk about why hiring a licensed and insured electrician isn’t just a fancy title — it’s a non-negotiable when it comes to your home’s safety.

Sure, saving a few bucks by hiring "a guy who knows a guy" sounds good in theory. Until the outlets stop working. Or the lights flicker every time you use the microwave. 

Let’s break it down.

1. Licensed Means Trained, Tested, and Legit

A licensed electrician has gone through years of training, education, and experience to safely install, repair, and maintain electrical systems. They’ve taken state exams, know the latest code requirements, and have learned how to troubleshoot issues the right way — not the "hold my beer" way.

Unlicensed electricians? No guarantees. They might have watched a few YouTube videos and wired their own man cave, but that doesn’t mean they know how to safely wire yours.

Translation: When you hire licensed, you’re hiring peace of mind.

2. Insurance Is There for When Things Go Wrong

Even the best electricians aren’t perfect. That’s why insurance exists. If a licensed electrician makes a mistake or if an accident happens on your property, their insurance protects YOU.

  • Property damage? Covered.
  • Injuries on the job? Covered.
  • Lawsuits because something shorted out two weeks later? Covered.

An unlicensed and uninsured electrician could leave you on the hook for thousands in repairs or liability. And unless you enjoy long conversations with your homeowner's insurance adjuster, that’s a risk you really don’t want to take.

3. It’s Actually Required By Law (And Permits!)

Did you know many cities and counties require a licensed electrician to pull permits for electrical work? Yep. Trying to sneak around that with an unlicensed contractor could not only get your project shut down, but it can also void your homeowner's insurance.

Even if the work “looks fine,” it may not pass inspection. And when it comes time to sell your home? That unauthorized panel swap could come back to haunt you.

Pro tip: Permits protect YOU. They’re proof the work was done correctly, by someone qualified.

4. Safety Isn’t Optional — It’s Everything

We’re not being dramatic here: electrical work that isn’t done properly can lead to house fires, electrical shocks, or worse. The National Fire Protection Association reports that electrical issues cause over 46,000 home fires a year in the U.S. alone.

Hiring someone who "knows enough to be dangerous" might save you a few bucks upfront — but it’s gambling with your family’s safety.

Bottom line: Good electricians don’t guess. They follow code, double-check their work, and prioritize safety over shortcuts.

5. You Get What You Pay For (And Then Some)

A licensed and insured electrician might cost a little more, but that fee comes with accountability, knowledge, tools, experience, and a real business behind the work.

Plus, they actually show up when they say they will. They don’t ghost you halfway through a job. And if something doesn’t work right, they come back and fix it. Try getting your cousin’s buddy to do that.

6. We’re Local, Reliable, and Don’t Work Out of the Back of a Van

At Prime Equity Electric, we’re licensed. We’re insured. And we’re proud of the work we do.

Whether it’s a panel upgrade, new lighting install, EV charger, or troubleshooting breakers that keep tripping, we bring professionalism, transparency, and clean, code-compliant work every time.

We’re not "guys on the side." We’re full-time pros who take pride in protecting your home, your family, and your investment.

Let’s Make It Easy

Need an estimate? Got a question? Want a second opinion before you plug in your new hot tub? Call Prime Equity Electric today — we’ll make it simple, stress-free, and 100% spark-free.

Because your safety isn’t a side hustle.