Roofers Insurance: General Liability vs. Professional Liability (E&O)—Key Differences Explained

Choosing the right insurance is vital for any roofing business—and for plumbing contractors who cut roof penetrations or work around roof assemblies. Two core policies are often confused: general liability and professional liability, also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O). Both respond to legal claims, but they cover very different situations. 

This guide explains the differences, why both may be essential on modern jobs, and how to choose wisely.

What Is General Liability for Roofers?

Commercial General Liability (CGL) helps protect your company if your operations cause bodily injury, property damage, or personal/advertising injury (e.g., slander in an ad). Think: a dropped tool cracks a skylight, overspray damages cars, or falling debris injures a passerby. CGL also pays for legal defense, often even if you’re not ultimately found liable (policy terms apply). 

Plumber note: If your plumbing crew works on roofs (vents, roof drains, flashings), you carry similar site hazards and third‑party exposures—CGL is foundational.

What Is Contractors Professional Liability (E&O) for Roofers?

Contractors Professional Liability (CPrL/E&O) addresses negligent acts, errors, or omissions in professional services you provide or oversee—e.g., design‑assist, specifying a roofing system incorrectly, shop drawings, value engineering, or jobsite professional oversight that leads to a client’s financial loss (even without property damage). Most contractor E&O policies are claims‑made, and defense costs often reduce the policy limit (“defense within limits”). Forms vary widely by carrier. 

Plumber note: If you advise on roof details (e.g., drain placement, flashing design) or coordinate design‑build scopes, E&O can be the policy that responds to purely financial loss from your professional services.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison (Roofing Focus)

Aspect	General Liability (GL)	Professional Liability (E&O)
Covered risk	Third‑party bodily injury, property damage, and personal/advertising injury from your operations	Financial loss from professional services (design/spec/oversight errors, negligent advice)
Typical examples	Ladder falls onto a client’s car; a skylight is cracked during tear‑off; overspray mars neighboring property	Specifying an incompatible roof assembly; miscalculating slope/drainage that leads to interior leaks/financial loss without direct “property damage”
Policy trigger	Usually, the occurrence (the incident happens during the policy period)	Usually claims‑made (the claim is made during the policy period; watch retroactive dates and tail/ERP)
Defense costs	Often outside limits (don’t erode limits)	Commonly inside limits (erode limits)
Who needs it	Nearly all contractors (roofers and rooftop‑working plumbers)	Contractors providing design/consulting/oversight or contractually taking on professional obligations
Common exclusions	Professional services; pollution; your own work (varies)	Contractual liability and certain breach‑of‑contract claims; intentional acts; pollution (forms vary)

Sources: Insurance Information Institute (III) on CGL; IRMI on professional liability/CPrL, claims‑made mechanics, and defense within limits.

Why Roofers (And Rooftop‑Working Plumbers) Might Need Both

• Complementary protections: GL handles accidents that cause bodily injury or property damage; E&O addresses service/design mistakes that lead to financial loss. The two are designed to work hand‑in‑glove. 
• Contract requirements: Owners and GCs increasingly request proof of GL and, for design‑assist or complex scopes, proof of E&O.
• Real‑world roofing scenarios: A torch job that ignites decking is GL territory; an incorrect membrane specification that causes long‑term ponding/claims without sudden property damage leans E&O (policy wording rules).

Which One Does Your Business Need?

• Pure install/repair crews: Start with GL; add Umbrella/Excess if contracts require higher limits.
• Design‑assist/consulting, design‑build, or oversight responsibilities: Add Contractors Professional Liability (E&O)—often a separate policy or project‑specific coverage. 
• Plumbers on roofs: Keep GL and confirm your class codes and exclusions align with roof work; add E&O if you advise/specify roof details. (Avoid “open‑roof” or professional services gaps.)

Choosing The Right Coverage

• Review your business model: Do you provide advice/design/oversight in addition to installation? If yes, price E&O alongside GL. 
• Assess client requirements: Many contracts require GL in specific limits and sometimes E&O for design‑assist roles; GL is commonly included in a BOP/Package, while E&O is usually stand‑alone (some carriers bundle or endorse for contractors).
• Compare pricing (roofers): Recent benchmarking shows GL for roofers averaging about $389/month; one analysis found professional liability options for roofing companies (e.g., The Hartford) from around $87/month, depending on risk factors. Your rates vary by state, payroll, claims history, roof types, and limits.
• Mind the gaps: GL typically excludes pollution; consider Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) if you use coatings/adhesives or create dust/fumes that could trigger pollution allegations. Some insurers combine CPrL and CPL into one form.

Understanding Policy Features

Claims‑Made vs. Occurrence

• GL is usually occurrence‑based: the policy in force when the injury or damage happened typically responds—even if the claim is filed later. 
• E&O is typically claims‑made: you must carry coverage when the claim is made, and your retroactive date must precede the service that led to the claim. Consider an Extended Reporting Period (ERP or “tail”) if you retire or switch carriers.

Limits & Defense

• Many GL policies defend outside limits; E&O often has defense within limits (defense erodes the same limit that pays damages)—a critical budgeting point for complex claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “claims‑made” vs. “occurrence” really mean?

Occurrence (common for GL) responds to incidents that happen during the policy period; claims can be filed later. Claims‑made (common for E&O) responds when the claim is made during the policy period, subject to any retroactive date; you can buy a tail/ERP to extend reporting after a policy ends. 

Is driving covered by these policies?

No. GL and E&O don’t cover auto accidents. You need commercial auto (Business Auto Coverage Form) for vehicles used in your business.

What about privacy or AI‑related risks like deepfakes in ads?

Some advertising injury issues may fall under GL or media liability, while service-related mistakes fall under E&O—but many exposures fit better under cyber/media policies. Coverage is evolving; review your program with an advisor. 

Can I bundle these policies?

GL is often packaged in a BOP or commercial package; contractors professional liability is commonly standalone (some carriers offer endorsements or project‑specific options, or combine with CPL). 

Do I need extra coverage like an umbrella policy?

A commercial umbrella/excess can add limits over GL (and auto). It does not automatically extend to professional liability—you’ll often need excess E&O coverage separately; details depend on the forms and endorsements. 

Guard Your Business From All Angles — Roofers Edition

Protecting your roofing (or rooftop‑working plumbing) business means guarding against both accidents and service mistakes. GL covers bodily injury/property damage from your operations; E&O covers professional errors that cause financial harm. Many contractors need both to satisfy contracts and to stay protected across real‑world scenarios.

Need help tailoring the mix for your trade? Visit Roofers Insurance US to explore insurance options and get a customized quote today.