Roofing Contractor Insurance

What insurance does a roofer need?

Roofing combines two things insurers watch closely: work at height and work on someone else's property. That is why a roofing business usually carries more coverage than a typical small business.

General liability is the starting point. It pays for third-party bodily injury and property damage, such as a bundle of shingles falling onto a parked car or a passer-by tripping over debris. It also covers advertising injury. It does not cover your own injuries, your own tools, employee injuries or the cost to redo faulty work.

Workers' compensation pays medical bills and lost wages when an employee is hurt at work. For roofers this policy matters as much as general liability, because a single fall can lead to a long recovery.

Commercial auto covers trucks and trailers owned by the business. If employees use their own vehicles for work, ask about hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) coverage.

Tools and equipment insurance (inland marine) covers movable gear like nail guns, compressors and ladders, wherever they are.

How much does roofing contractor insurance cost?

According to Insureon's 2026 data from 100,000 small-business customers, construction businesses pay a median of $82 a month for general liability, $98 a month for a business owner's policy and $254 a month for workers' compensation. Those numbers are higher than the overall small-business medians ($45 for general liability and $54 for workers' comp), which reflects the risk of construction work.

Your own price depends on:

• Payroll and number of employees, which drive workers' comp premiums
• Type of roofing work (repairs vs. full replacements, residential vs. commercial)
• Location, since rates and rules vary by state
• Claims history and safety record
• Limits and deductibles you choose
• Annual revenue

See all policy medians on our business insurance cost guide, or build an estimate with the business insurance cost calculator.

Example claims (illustrative)

• Example: A crew leaves a section of roof uncovered overnight. Rain gets in and damages the homeowner's ceiling and furniture. General liability can help pay for the property damage.
• Example: An employee slips on a steep pitch and breaks a wrist. Workers' compensation can cover medical care and part of the lost wages.
• Example: A company truck backs into a neighbor's fence while unloading materials. Commercial auto can respond to the damage.
• Example: A trailer of tools is stolen from a job site. Tools and equipment coverage can help replace the gear.

Is insurance required for a roofer?

Requirements come from three places:

1. Workers' compensation laws. Most states require coverage once you have employees, and thresholds differ. In California, roofing contractors need workers' comp even with no employees. Check the rules for your state on our workers' comp requirements by state page.
2. Licensing boards. Many states and cities license roofing or general contractors and may ask for proof of insurance or a bond. Check with your state licensing board.
3. Contracts. Homeowners, property managers and general contractors often require a certificate of insurance and may ask to be listed as an additional insured.

Subcontractors and uninsured crews

If you hire subcontractors, ask for their certificates of insurance before they start. If a subcontractor has no workers' comp, an injury on your job can end up on your policy or your audit. Keep certificates on file and check expiration dates.

Choosing limits for roofing jobs

Most small businesses choose general liability limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, the most common choice in Insureon's data. Roofers often need more:

• Commercial and multifamily jobs frequently call for higher limits written into the contract.
• General contractors may require you to carry specific limits and to name them as an additional insured.
• A commercial umbrella policy adds limits above your general liability, commercial auto and employer's liability. Insureon reports a median of $86 a month for umbrella coverage across small businesses.

Read each contract before you sign it. If a contract requires limits or endorsements you don't have, talk to your agent before the job starts, not after a claim.

Occurrence vs. claims-made coverage

Roof problems can show up months after the job, for example when a leak appears during the next big storm. An occurrence general liability policy covers incidents that happen during the policy period, even if the claim is filed later. A claims-made policy covers claims filed while the policy is active. Most general liability for contractors is written on an occurrence basis, but confirm which form you have, because it affects how you are protected after you switch insurers or close the business.

Storm season and weather risk

Roofers face weather twice: storms create demand, and storms damage open roofs. Plan for both:

• Tarp and secure every open roof at the end of each day.
• Check the forecast before tearing off large sections.
• Document the roof's condition with photos before you start, so you can show what damage existed beforehand.
• Keep written records of materials, crew members and work done each day.

Good records help your insurer defend you if a homeowner claims your work caused water damage that was already there.

Questions to ask before you buy

1. Does the general liability policy exclude any roofing work I do, such as work above a certain height or on certain roof types?
2. How are subcontractors handled at audit time?
3. Is the policy occurrence or claims-made?
4. Can I add clients as additional insureds quickly, and is there a fee?
5. How is the workers' comp premium calculated, and when is the audit?

How to lower your premium

• Keep a written fall-protection and safety program and train every crew member.
• Hire experienced workers and document training.
• Bundle general liability and property in a business owner's policy if you qualify.
• Pay annually if the insurer offers a discount.
• Choose a higher deductible on tools and equipment coverage if you can afford it.
• Keep your claims record clean and report incidents quickly.

Roofers often compare their needs with other trades. See general contractor insurance and handyman insurance.