Insurance for Roofers

Protection that covers you from the top down.

Get comprehensive roofing insurance that protects against falls, property damage claims, and keeps you working on high-value projects.

Licensed agents who understand roofing deliver fast quotes, instant COIs, and expert support for roofing contractors nationwide.

Illustration of a roofing contractor working on a residential roof, used in a 1-800-INSURANCE guide to help roofers understand insurance needs for job sites, equipment, and customer property.

Talk to a business insurance specialist

Licensed agents who understand your industry and get you competitive quotes fast.

Why Roofing Insurance Matters

Protect your business from one of the highest-risk trades

Roofing is consistently ranked among the most dangerous occupations, and insurance rates reflect that reality. Falls from heights, heavy material handling, and exposure to extreme weather create constant injury risk. Meanwhile, every roofing job involves the potential for water damage, property damage, and completed operations claims that can devastate an uninsured contractor.

Roofers need robust General Liability to cover property damage and injuries, Workers' Compensation for crew members (non-negotiable in this trade), and Commercial Auto for trucks carrying materials. Many roofing jobs also require substantial bonding and higher liability limits—$2M or more—to qualify for commercial contracts.

Roofing insurance costs more than most other trades because of the inherent risks. But rates vary significantly based on your classification (residential vs. commercial, shingle vs. flat roof), claims history, and safety programs. Working with agents who specialize in roofing insurance helps you find carriers willing to write the coverage you need at competitive rates.

Coverage Checklist

Recommended coverage for your business

The policies you need to protect your business and meet client requirements

General Liability

Required

Covers property damage, water damage claims, and bodily injury from your roofing work. Essential for every roofer.

Avg. Cost
$2,000-$8,000/year

Workers' Compensation

Required

Roofing has some of the highest WC rates due to fall risk. Absolutely required for any crew.

Avg. Cost
$15-35 per $100 payroll

Commercial Auto

Protects your trucks hauling heavy materials and equipment to job sites.

Avg. Cost
$1,500-$3,500/vehicle

Business Owners Policy

Bundled coverage that may work for smaller roofing operations with lower risk profiles.

Avg. Cost
$1,000-$3,000/year

Industry Risks

Common risks you need to protect against

1
Falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolding
2
Property damage from dropped materials or debris
3
Water leaks after roof installation or repair
4
Vehicle accidents while hauling heavy materials
5
Heat-related illness during summer months
6
Storm damage claims and emergency repair liability

Real risks roofers face

See how the right insurance protects you when things go wrong

Risk

A crew member falls from a two-story roof and suffers a serious spinal injury requiring extensive medical care.

Workers' Compensation

Pays for emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and disability benefits—potentially hundreds of thousands in medical costs.

Risk

Heavy rain comes through before your crew finishes a tear-off, causing $50,000 in water damage to the home interior.

General Liability

Covers interior damage, furniture replacement, and temporary housing for the homeowner while repairs are made.

Risk

Six months after you complete a roof, leaks develop around flashing you installed, damaging the homeowner's ceiling.

General Liability (Completed Operations)

Pays for leak repairs, interior damage, and any legal defense if the homeowner sues.

Why Choose Us

Why roofers choose 1-800-INSURANCE

  • Access to carriers that specialize in high-risk roofing coverage
  • Help meeting higher limit requirements for commercial contracts
  • Instant certificates of insurance (COIs) for property owners and GCs
  • Completed operations coverage for post-job leak claims
  • Agents who understand roofing classification codes and risk factors
  • Surety bond assistance for contractor licensing requirements
Illustration of a roofing job in progress on a construction site, used in a 1-800-INSURANCE guide to help roofing contractors understand insurance needs for workers, equipment, and property damage risks.

Ready to protect your business?

Get quotes from top carriers, instant COIs, and coverage that keeps you working.

Common questions

Roofing Insurance FAQs

Why is roofing insurance so expensive?

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Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades due to fall hazards and workers' comp claims. Rates reflect this reality—especially for workers' comp, which can run $15-35 per $100 of payroll. A clean safety record and proper training can help reduce costs.

What liability limits do I need for commercial roofing contracts?

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Most commercial jobs require at least $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate in General Liability. Some larger projects or government contracts may require $5M or more, often achieved through an Umbrella policy.

Does my insurance cover water damage from unfinished work?

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Yes. General Liability covers property damage that occurs during your work, including water damage from rain before a job is complete. Having tarps and emergency procedures can help prevent claims.

Do I need different insurance for flat roofs vs. shingle roofs?

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Your classification code may differ based on the type of roofing you do. Commercial flat roof work (EPDM, TPO, built-up) often has different rates than residential shingle work. Tell your agent about all roof types you install.

Protect Your Business Today

Our commercial insurance specialists understand your industry and can help you find the right coverage at the best price.