Roofing Contractor Insurance: Shingles to Flat Roofs
Get tailored and hassle-free roofing insurance with ContractorNerd
CONTRACTOR-SPECIALIST INSURANCE PROVIDERS
We cover what matters on the job.
Most insurance agents don’t understand the risks roofers face every day. We do. From fall hazards to storm damage claims, we know what it takes to keep your crew covered and your business protected.
General Liability
Covers you when shingles slide off and damage a car, or a homeowner trips over materials in the driveway.
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Worker’s Compensation
Falls and injuries happen on roofs. Make sure your crew is covered so one accident doesn’t sink your business.
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Surety Bonds
Provides protection to the project owner that you’ll finish the job and pay your subcontractors.
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Commercial Auto
Protects the trucks hauling your shingles, ladders, and crew to every job site.
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Builders Risk
Covers materials on the roof and on the ground until the last shingle is nailed down.
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Roofing Insurance, Remodeled
Roofing insurance is essential, yet many contractors struggle to find coverage that accounts for the real risks of working at height. No more. At ContractorNerd, we’ve built a proprietary quote platform specifically designed for roofing contractors like you.
Faster, Simpler, Better
As trades-only specialists focused on roofers, we’ve completely remodeled the insurance experience to be faster, simpler, and more effective.
Compare in one place
Our technology integrates directly with insurers who understand fall exposures, storm damage claims, and completed operations risks, while our team of tech-enabled and specialized agents provides expert guidance throughout the process.
Solutions for Any Size
Whether you’re a solo roofer handling repairs or managing crews across multiple job sites, our platform delivers precisely what you need without the complexity or delays of traditional insurance.
What Is Roofing Insurance?
ContractorNerd has done research to bring you a clear picture of insurance requirements and needs across the United States. Our analysis of hundreds of roofing insurance quotes across all 50 states provides unprecedented transparency on what coverage you need and current market rates.
Key Takeaways
What Roofing Insurance Do You Need?
For roofers, securing the right coverage is crucial and needs change based on the size and stage of your business. Here’s a guideline:
For Solo Roofers
1-3 Employees
For Small 
Roofing Businesses
5+ Employees
For Established Roofing Businesses
Essential Coverage
Roofers Liability Insurance (General Liability)
Your core protection against property damage and bodily injury claims. This is what customers mean when they ask if you’re insured.
Ongoing Operations
Covers damage while you’re on the roof or on-site
Completed Operations
Critical protection for issues discovered after you leave, like leaks or structural problems from faulty installation
Contractor License Bonds
Required in most states for your roofing license. Pro tip: Buy in 3-year increments when possible to avoid lapses and save money (typically costs a few hundred dollars).
Recommended Additional Coverage
Tools and Equipment Coverage (Inland Marine)
Protects your nail guns, compressors, ladders, and safety harnesses
Contractor’s Errors & Omissions
Covers claims of faulty workmanship, incorrect materials, or improper waterproofing
Commercial Auto
Required if you have a truck hauling shingles and equipment to job sites
Workers Compensation
Required when you hire employees (not needed for subcontractors)
Installation Floater
Protects expensive materials in transit or stored at job sites (shingles, underlayment, metal roofing, solar tiles)
Commercial Property
Covers your warehouse, material storage yards, and offices
Umbrella Insurance
Extra liability protection as your revenue and project volume grow
Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
Protection against employee-related lawsuits
For Solo Roofers
Essential Coverage
Recommended Additional Coverage
For Small Roofing Businesses
2-3 Employees
All previous coverages, plus:
For Established Roofing Businesses
All previous coverages, plus:
Roofing General Liability Insurance Coverage
If there was a single coverage critical for all Roofers, this is it. General Liability Insurance provides essential protection for roofing contractors because your work involves many risks every day: heights, falling debris, heavy materials, and exposure to unpredictable weather.
Core protection includes
Bodily Injury
A client, visitor or bystander getting hurt due to falling materials, debris, or work activities.
Property
Damage
Accidental damage to a client’s home, vehicles, landscaping, or neighboring structures.
Add-On
Completed
Work
Lawsuits over roofing issues from past completed jobs, such as leaks or structural problems.
Bodily Injury
A client, visitor or bystander getting hurt due to falling materials, debris, or work activities.
Property
DamageAccidental damage to a client’s home, vehicles, landscaping, or neighboring structures.
Add-On
Completed
WorkLawsuits over roofing issues from past completed jobs, such as leaks or structural problems.
Liability Limits for Roofers
Typically, $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Experts recommend a minimum of $1 million for adequate protection. Given the high-risk nature of roofing work, many contractors opt for higher limits depending on project requirements and client contracts.
Classification Codes
Roofing contractors typically use class code 98678 for residential work, but commercial roofers use 98677
Key Factors Influencing Liability Quotes
Revenue

Higher revenue implies more work and higher risk, leading to increased quotes.
Policy Limits

Higher limits for specific projects or contracts may raise quotes.
Claims History

A history of frequent claims can result in higher quotes, similar to auto insurance.
Location

States with higher storm activity or stricter regulations may have higher insurance quotes.
Services Offered

Residential vs. commercial roofing, steep-slope vs. flat roof work, and height of structures all affect your quote.
How Much Does Roofing Insurance Cost?
Quote Study Findings
Quotes generally amount to 2% to 7% of annual revenue. Our analysis of hundreds of General Liability insurance quotes from leading carriers reveals significant variations across different states and business sizes.
We analyzed quotes based on these business profiles
Revenue
$150K
1 owner with ~10% subcontracting and 5+ years operating without claims
Revenue
$500K
1 owner and 3 employees with ~10% subcontracting and 5+ years operating without claims
Revenue
$1M
1 owner and 5 employees with ~10% subcontracting and 5+ years operating without claims
Roofing GL Insurance Quote Benchmarks
Revenue Level
National Average
Favorable Rate
Potential Savings
Low % of Revenue
High % of Revenue
$150,000
$11,300
$6,400
43%
4.3%
7.5%
$500,000
$21,500
$11,900
45%
2.4%
4.3%
$1,000,000
$29,600
$17,400
41%
1.7%
3.0%
State-by-State Pricing Insights
To help roofing contractors better understand regional pricing variations, we’ve developed an in-depth resource examining roofing insurance premiums in every state nationwide. This state-specific analysis reveals how local factors impact your actual costs and identifies opportunities for savings in your market. Explore our comprehensive guide to roofing insurance cost by state for detailed premium breakdowns.
Roofing Workers Comp Insurance Requirements
Workers’ Compensation Insurance is essential for roofers, providing coverage for employee injuries or illnesses related to work. The premiums are based on job risk, classified by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) into class codes. Roofing contractors fall under code 5551, with rates usually between $7 to $25 per $100 of employee payroll annually.
WC Policy Limits for Roofers
These are often unlimited but can vary according to state regulations.
WC Rates for Roofers
Between $7 and $25 per $100 of payroll.
Key Factors Influencing WC Premiums for Roofers
Class Codes

Group employees by job type and risk; higher risk means higher premiums. Roofers commonly use code 5551.
State Regulations

States dictate workers’ compensation laws, influencing benefits and baseline rates. Geographic differences in living and healthcare costs also affect premiums.
Experience modifier

Reflects your safety record, starting at 1.0 and adjusting based on claims history. More incidents result in higher modifiers and premiums.
Payroll Size

Calculated as (payroll / $100) * rate * experience modifier, with larger payrolls leading to higher premiums
This insurance is typically mandatory if you have employees. It covers employee medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and even death benefits in case of job-related injuries or illnesses. For employers, it also provides legal coverage and compensation in case of employee lawsuits related to occupational injuries or illnesses.
Insurance For Roofing Business That Expands Into Other Trades
If you’re a roofer who’s branched out into siding, gutters, or general contracting, your standard roofing contractor insurance isn’t going to cut it. The work is different, the risks are different, and your coverage needs to reflect that.
Installing gutters or siding? You need coverage that goes beyond roofing. Water damage from improper gutter installation, siding failures, and exterior finishing work require coverage that addresses these specific risks, not just roofing liability.
Taking on general contracting projects? Roofing is just part of the job. Managing subcontractors, coordinating multiple trades, and overseeing full renovations need general contractor coverage. Your roofing policy won’t protect you when someone claims the whole project was mismanaged.
Handling solar panel installations? Make sure your policy covers the full scope of work. Electrical connections, panel mounting failures, and roof penetration issues require coverage that extends beyond traditional roofing work.
The bottom line: If you’re doing the work, you need the insurance. Don’t assume your roofing contractor policy covers these expanded services. A single uncovered claim from siding, gutter, or solar work can wipe out years of profit.
Talk to your insurance provider about adding trade-specific coverage, or you’re gambling every time you take on one of these jobs.
Insurance For Roofing Business That Expands Into Other Trades
Additional Roofing Insurance Coverage Options
As your roofing contracting business expands, these additional coverage types merit careful consideration beyond your core insurance portfolio:
Tools & Equipment Coverage
(Inland Marine Policy)
Specially designed to protect your nail guns, compressors, safety harnesses, and specialized roofing tools whether stored in your truck or deployed at job sites. This coverage addresses theft, accidental damage, or mysterious disappearance.
Professional Liability Insurance
Safeguards your business when clients allege professional mistakes or oversights in your roofing services. Whether it’s claims of improper installation, waterproofing failures, or material selection errors, this coverage handles defense costs and damages. Protection includes negligent workmanship allegations, attorney fees, and court awards.
Commercial Auto Coverage
Essential protection for your fleet of trucks and trailers used to haul shingles, equipment, and crews daily. Standard personal auto coverage excludes commercial roofing work, leaving dangerous gaps.
Roofing License Bonds
These financial guarantees demonstrate your commitment to quality workmanship while satisfying state licensing boards. Bond requirements commonly range $10,000-$50,000, with annual premiums representing 2-5% of the bond amount. Your credit profile significantly influences pricing.
Quote Summary by Revenue Level
Bond Required
Top-Tier Credit
Standard Credit
Challenged Credit
$10,000
$200-$500
$500-$1,000
$1,000-$2,000
$15,000
$300-$750
$750-$1,500
$1,500-$3,000
$20,000
$400-$1,000
$1,000-$2,000
$2,000-$4,000
$25,000
$500-$1,250
$1,250-$2,500
$2,500-$5,000
$50,000
$1,000-$2,500
$2,500-$5,000
$5,000-$10,000
Regulations vary dramatically. California roofing contractors need $25,000 bonds while Texas imposes no blanket requirement.
Commercial Property and Business Personal Property
Comprehensive coverage securing your workspace and materials (shingle bundles, underlayment, flashing, metal roofing) from perils including fire, criminal activity, storm damage, and malicious mischief. Vital for operations maintaining material warehouses, storage yards, or showrooms.
Roofing Contractor Business Package
Intelligently combines liability and property coverages into a streamlined policy. Perfect for established roofing companies with brick-and-mortar locations, addressing customer accidents, property destruction, equipment loss, and revenue interruptions. Often delivers cost savings versus standalone policies, though customization options become limited.
Excess Liability / Umbrella Coverage
Instead of boosting individual policy limits, this coverage stacks additional protection atop your existing liability, fleet, and workers’ compensation policies. When catastrophic claims exhaust primary coverage, this backup fund activates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does roofing insurance cost?
Roofing insurance typically runs 2% – 7% of revenue for general liability. Workers’ comp adds another $7-25 per $100 of payroll under NCCI code 5551.
What insurance do you need for roofing?
You absolutely need general liability and workers’ comp if you have employees. Smart roofers also grab tools & equipment coverage ($300-$2,500/year), and commercial auto ($2-4.5k per truck). Once you’re bigger, add an excess liability or an umbrella policy.
What is general liability insurance for a roofer?
GL insurance covers your butt when things go wrong – property damage, someone getting hurt from falling debris, or leaks after you’re done. Standard coverage is $1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate. It’s what customers mean when they ask “are you insured?” Covers bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations claims.
Do I need workers’ comp for roofing subcontractors?
You don’t need workers’ comp for true 1099 subs – they should carry their own. But watch out – misclassifying employees as subs will bite you hard. Most states require it once you hire actual W2 employees. Roofing falls under class code 5551 with rates around $7-25 per $100 payroll.
What’s the difference between general liability and E&O for roofers?
General liability covers physical damage and injuries – like if shingles fall and dent a car. E&O (contractors professional liability) covers your workmanship screwups – faulty installation, wrong materials, or that leak that shows up 6 months later. E&O runs $2,000-$3,500 annually. Get both – water damage claims are brutal.