What Is Roofers’ Insurance And Why Every Roofing Business Needs It

Every day, roofing crews face significant risks, including working at heights, performing hot-work (torch-down) applications, tear-offs that expose interiors to sudden storms, and overspray that can drift onto cars or neighboring buildings. One dropped tool, a slip near an eave, a spark that smolders after a torch job, or a wind‑driven rain through an open roof can turn into a costly claim.

Roofers Insurance is the safety net: a tailored package that helps pay medical bills, legal defense, settlements, cleanup, and repair costs when third‑party injuries, property damage, or other covered losses occur. It’s also what most project owners, GCs, and landlords require before you step on site. (For plumbers who penetrate roofs for vents or roof drains: many of these same risks and requirements apply—see the callouts throughout.) 

What Is Roofers Insurance?

“Roofers Insurance” isn’t a single policy. It’s a bundle built around Commercial General Liability (CGL) and typically includes workers’ compensation, commercial auto, inland marine (tools & equipment), and often umbrella/excess and contractors’ pollution liability for adhesives, coatings, dust, and other pollutants. CGL addresses third‑party bodily injury, property damage, and personal/advertising injury arising from your operations, products, premises, or completed work. 

What Roofers Insurance Covers (Core Policies)

General Liability (CGL)

• Bodily Injury & Property Damage (Coverage A): Pays defense and damages if a third party is hurt or their property is damaged. For example, a ladder strikes a customer’s vehicle, or a passerby is injured by falling debris. 
• Products–Completed Operations: Protects against covered claims that arise after you finish the job (e.g., a leak from a completed roof causes interior water damage). Note: faulty workmanship alone may not qualify as an “occurrence” in every jurisdiction—coverage hinges on policy language and case law.
• Personal & Advertising Injury (Coverage B): Defense for defamation, advertising injury, etc. 
• Medical Payments (Coverage C): No-fault, small medical bills (typically $5,000 per person), which can help defray the costs of minor incidents.

Workers’ Compensation

Covers employee injuries/illnesses from jobsite accidents—critical given roofing’s fall and burn hazards (and often mandated by state law). OSHA requires fall protection at a height of 6 ft or greater on both low-slope and steep roofs, using specified systems. Compliance both protects crews and strengthens your insurability. 

Tools & Equipment (Inland Marine)

Insures mobile equipment and tools against theft or damage on site, in transit, or in storage—an essential add‑on for contractors moving gear from job to job.

Commercial Auto (incl. Hired/Non‑Owned Auto)

For owned trucks/vans and liability when employees use personal vehicles on company business.

Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL)

CGL typically excludes pollution. CPL fills that gap for overspray, fumes/adhesives, runoff, or dust/mold‑related allegations tied to your operations—important for roof coatings and tear‑offs. 

Umbrella/Excess Liability

Adds higher limits above GL/auto/employers liability; increasingly necessary where contracts demand it. Terms vary—umbrellas don’t always “follow form,” so read the policy. 

Optional: Professional Liability (Contractors E&O)

If you provide design, consulting, or construction management services, consider professional liability insurance (usually claims-made). 

Who Needs It — And When To Get It

Roofing & Related Trades

Shingle, tile, metal, low‑slope/flat, torch‑applied, roof coatings, waterproofing, gutters—if you’re on a roof, you need coverage sized to your work, contracts, and payroll. 

Plumbers Who Work on Roofs

If you cut penetrations or replace flashings, confirm your GL doesn’t include a roofing/open‑roof exclusion or hot‑work restrictions that could leave you uncovered during a leak or fire.

When to Buy

Before you open or bid the first job, many owners/GCs require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with Additional Insured, Primary & Non‑Contributory, and Waiver of Subrogation wording. 

Benefits of Having Roofers Insurance

Protects Business Assets

Defense costs and settlements can cripple a contractor. The right limits and an umbrella can keep a single loss from wiping out your cash flow. (Casualty lines continue to see pressure from “nuclear verdicts” and litigation funding.) 

Secures Contracts & Partnerships

COIs and common endorsements (AI/PNC/Waiver) are routine asks on commercial jobs; have them set up—ideally via blanket endorsements—to speed certificate turnaround. 

Peace of Mind & Professionalism

A documented, insured safety program reassures owners and helps you win bids.

Affordable Protection (for the risk transferred)

Recent nationwide benchmarks for roofers: MoneyGeek’s August 2025 analysis shows GL averaging approximately $389/month, BOP averaging approximately $567/month, and workers’ compensation averaging approximately $836/month (two-employee profile; rates vary by state and payroll). For context, across all industries, GL medians are often lower (e.g., Progressive’s 2024 median $60/month). Roofers pay more due to higher hazards. 

Limits, Exclusions, And How It Works

Common Limits

• Per‑occurrence (e.g., $1M): Max per claim
• Aggregate (e.g., $2M): Max for the policy year
  Many commercial contracts will require specific per-project/per-location aggregates—confirm how your umbrella policy aligns.

High‑Impact Exclusions to Watch

• Open‑Roof Exclusions: Limit/exclude damage when interiors are exposed during roofing unless strict conditions are met. Ask about endorsements that restore coverage and about severe weather plans.
• Heat/Hot‑Work Restrictions: Some policies restrict torch‑down/hot asphalt unless you follow prescribed controls (e.g., fire watch). 
• Your Work/Your Property: CGL won’t rebuild your own faulty work; it’s designed for third‑party damage.
• Employee Injuries: Need workers’ comp (not GL).
• Auto Accidents: Need commercial auto. 
• Pollution: Typically excluded—use CPL.

Occurrence vs. Claims‑Made

Most contractor CGL is occurrence‑based (an incident during the policy period is covered even if reported later). Pollution and professional liability are often claims‑made (claim must be made—and sometimes reported—while the policy is active). 

2025 Market Trends & Managing Costs

Rates: Gentle Softening—with Exceptions

Market data indicate moderation overall in 2025, but general liability premiums still increased: Q2 2025 GL premium changes averaged +4.66%, while workers’ comp premiums trended slightly negative; commercial auto and umbrella premiums remained elevated. Q1 2025 pricing increased by ~5.3% overall, but continued a downward trajectory compared to late 2024.

Rising Casualty Pressures

Large jury awards and litigation funding continue to drive casualty severity and tighter terms, especially for high‑hazard trades. Expect scrutiny on limits, endorsements, and jobsite controls. 

How Roofers (and Rooftop‑working Plumbers) Keep Costs Down

• Own safety: Enforce OSHA fall protection (29 CFR 1926.501), train, and document.
• Hot‑work protocol: Use written permits and maintain a post‑torch fire watch (often 30 minutes+)—carriers increasingly require it.
• Weather plans: Tarping/open‑roof procedures reduce “water in” losses (and underwriter concerns).
• Right coverage mix: Add CPL for coatings/adhesives/tear‑off dust.
• Secure contracts smartly: Set up blanket additional insured/PNC/waiver endorsements to satisfy COIs efficiently.
• Protect gear: Use inland marine for tools/equipment; telematics can even earn discounts.
• Bundle strategically: Consider a Commercial Package Policy (CPP) or BOP where eligible to consolidate liability + property and sometimes save. 
• Shop & review annually: Re‑market at renewal and check limits/deductibles against new contract requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coverage do I actually need?

A common starting point is $1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate on GL, with many commercial jobs requiring umbrella limits on top (e.g., +$1M to +$5M). Contracts may also require Additional Insured, Primary & Non‑Contributory, and Waiver of Subrogation endorsements—plan for them ahead of time. 

What’s the difference between “occurrence” and “claims‑made” policies?

Occurrence covers incidents that occur during the policy period (even if they are not claimed until later). Claims‑made covers claims made during the policy period (and sometimes reported in that period). GL is typically occurrence; pollution and professional liability are often claims‑made. 

Can I add someone else (like a GC or property owner) to my policy?

Yes. You can add Additional Insureds and meet Primary & Non‑Contributory / Waiver of Subrogation requirements via endorsements or blanket wording—commonly required in construction contracts. 

Are premiums tax‑deductible?

Generally, yes—the IRS allows deductions for ordinary and necessary business insurance, including liability insurance. Confirm specifics with your tax pro. 

I’m a plumbing contractor—do I need “roofers” endorsements?

If you (or your subs) do any rooftop penetrations or flashing/roof drain work, ask your broker to remove any roofing/open‑roof exclusion and confirm hot‑work compliance. Otherwise, a water‑in or torch claim could be excluded. 

Solidify Your Business Safety Net With Roofers Insurance

A complete Roofers Insurance package helps pay for medical costs, property damage, and legal fees when the unexpected happens—on the roof or after you leave the site. It also gives you the credentials to win bids, satisfy landlords and GCs, and keep projects moving.

Ready to shield your roofing business from costly claims? Get a free quote from Roofers Insurance US today—it’s fast and tailored to your trade.