Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades in construction, with workers exposed to falls, weather hazards, and material-related injuries. Whether you’re a small independent roofer or a large roofing company, having the right Roofers Insurance is crucial for protecting workers, meeting contract requirements, and avoiding financial losses.
This guide covers the types of insurance roofers need, costs, coverage options, and how to choose the best policy for your business.
What Is Roofers Insurance and Why Is It Necessary?
Roofers Insurance is a unique type of construction insurance that impacts roofing contractors, workers, and businesses by shielding them from risks like accidents, property damage, and liability claims. Roofing jobs involve working at great heights with risky tools, making them dangerous, so insurance becomes crucial.
If you don’t have the right coverage, one accident could lead to costly medical expenses, legal battles, and income loss. Many customers’ main contractors and state laws require roofers to have enough insurance before they start a job.
Types of Insurance Roofers Need
Construction Liability Insurance protects contractors, developers, and construction firms from financial losses due to third-party injuries, property damage, and legal claims. It ensures businesses can handle unexpected liabilities without major financial setbacks.
Roofers Insurance Costs: What Has an Impact on Your Premiums?
Roofing ranks among the riskiest jobs in construction, which means roofer insurance premiums cost more than those of many other contractors. Insurance prices change a lot based on company size, job difficulty, previous claims, and where you work. Knowing these elements can help roofing businesses control costs and get the right coverage for what they need.
Elements That Have an Influence on Roofers Insurance Premiums
Company Size and Number of Workers
Your insurance costs are affected by the number of employees you have. Roofing companies with more crews and workers pay higher premiums because they face more worksite injuries and liability risks.
- Independent Roofers (1-3 workers) – $2,000–$5,000 per year
- Small Roofing Businesses (4-10 workers) – $5,000–$15,000 per year
- Mid-Size Roofing Contractors (11-25 workers) – $15,000–$50,000 per year
- Large Roofing Companies (25+ workers) – $50,000+ per year
Tip: Regular safety training keeps accident rates down and prevents premium hikes.
Location & State Regulations
Your roofing business’s location has an impact on premium rates because of state laws, weather risks, and labor expenses.
- High-Cost States (CA, NY, FL, NJ): More rules and higher risk exposure push insurance costs up.
- Moderate-Cost States (TX, CO, WA, IL): Competitive insurance markets give better rates.
- Low-Cost States (WY, ND, SD IA): Fewer claims and lower labor costs lead to cheaper premiums.
Tip: Look into your state’s roofing insurance rules to make sure you follow them while steering clear of extras you don’t need.
Job Complexity & Project Type
The kind of roofing work you do has a big impact on insurance costs. Some jobs come with bigger risks, which leads to higher premiums.
| Roofing Job Type | Risk Level | Estimated Insurance Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Roof Repairs | Low | Lower premiums due to minimal exposure |
| New Home Roof Installations | Medium | Moderate rates, standard liability risks |
| Flat Roofing | High | Higher costs due to complex work and material risks |
| Metal & Slate Roofing | High | Increased liability due to heavy materials |
| Steep-Slope & High-Rise Roofing | Very High | Significantly higher premiums due to fall hazards |
Tip: If your company handles both residential and commercial roofing, ensure your policy shows the share of each job type to avoid paying too much.
Claim History & Safety Record
Past worksite accidents, property damage claims, or lawsuits drive up insurance costs. Insurance companies examine your business’s loss history (5+ years) to set premiums.
- No claims = Cheaper premiums
- 1-2 small claims = Slight rate hike
- Many or big claims = High-risk labels and pricey policies
Tip: Cut down on claims by putting in place a tough safety program making protective gear mandatory, and holding regular team training.
Ways to Cut Roofers Insurance Costs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, in many states, roofing contractors must carry General Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance to operate legally and obtain permits.
Costs vary based on business size, coverage limits, and location. Small businesses may pay $2,000–$5,000 per year, while large companies can exceed $50,000 annually.
It covers third-party injuries, property damage, worker accidents, legal fees, and job site risks like fire or vandalism.
Yes, but only through Workers’ Compensation Insurance, which covers medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for injured workers.
Improve worksite safety, bundle policies (e.g., General Liability + Commercial Auto), maintain a clean claims history, and shop for quotes from roofing-specialized insurers.
