Roofing insurance is essential, yet many contractors struggle to navigate complex coverage options and find competitive quotes. At ContractorNerd, we simplify this process through our proprietary quote platform that connects you with contractor-friendly insurers and our team of tech-enabled, specialized agents who understand the unique risks facing roofing professionals.
We’ve analyzed hundred of insurance quotes for roofing contractors across different business sizes and specialties to provide data-driven insights on coverage options and market rates. Whether you’re a sole proprietor handling residential repairs or an established company managing commercial projects, getting the right insurance coverage starts with understanding your options and comparing quotes from multiple carriers.
This comprehensive guide breaks down essential insurance coverage for roofing contractors, including:
- General Liability Insurance with benchmark quote data showing ranges from $6,400-$52,800 annually based on revenue
- Workers’ Compensation requirements under NCCI class code 5551 with typical rates of $7-$25 per $100 of payroll
- Classification codes 98678 and 98677 for residential and commercial roofing operations
- Additional coverage options including Tools & Equipment, Commercial Auto, E&O, and Umbrella insurance
- State-specific variations that impact insurance quotes across different markets
Ready to compare quotes for your roofing business? Get started today with our specialized platform designed specifically for contractors.
Roofers Insurance – What Do You Need?
For roofers, selecting the appropriate insurance coverage is crucial and varies based on the size and stage of your business. Here’s a guideline:
Sole Proprietor Roofers:
- Roofing Liability (aka General Liability) insurance is fundamental, covering property damage and non-employee bodily injury. Many customers will ask if you’re licensed and insured; this is the insurance they are asking about.
- Tools and Equipment (aka Inland Marine) coverage is essential. This covers your expensive roofing tools and equipment that enable you to work safely and effectively.
- Contractor’s E&O (aka Faulty Workmanship) coverage protects you against claims arising from faulty installation, materials, or waterproofing issues.
- Commercial Auto coverage is needed if you have a truck you use to transport roofing materials and equipment.
Small Roofing Business (2-3 Employees):
- Workers compensation is required when you hire employees (not subcontractors)
- Commercial property is important to protect equipment storage areas, offices, and inventory of roofing materials
- Excess Liability / Umbrella Insurance should be considered due to the high-risk nature of roofing work
Established Roofing Business (5+ Employees):
- Installation Floater covers materials and equipment in transit to or stored at job sites awaiting installation – critical for roofers handling expensive materials like solar tiles or high-end roofing systems
- Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) to protect owners against potential lawsuits from employees
Roofing Liability Insurance – aka General Liability
If there was a single coverage critical for all Roofers, this is it. Roofers need this insurance because your work involves significant risks every day – heights, weather exposure, heavy materials, etc. Types of claims commonly faced include:
- Property Damage: Accidental damage to a client’s property during roof work, including water damage from unexpected weather
- Bodily Injury: A client, visitor or bystander getting hurt due to falling materials or debris
- Defective Products: Lawsuits over installed roofing materials that turn out defective (Add-On)
- Completed Work: Lawsuits over issues from past completed jobs, such as leaks or structural problems (Add-On)
Roofing Liability Insurance – aka General LiabilityLiability Limits for Roofers:
General liability insurance is essential protection for roofing contractors, covering the unique risks associated with working on residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re installing new roofing systems, performing repairs, or replacing materials on structures of varying heights, GL insurance provides crucial financial protection against third-party claims.
General liability insurance for roofing contractors typically covers:
- Bodily injury claims from accidents involving property owners, pedestrians, or other third parties
- Property damage to customer buildings, vehicles, or neighboring structures
- Personal and advertising injury claims, including libel, slander, or copyright infringement
- Products and completed operations coverage for issues arising after roofing work is finished
- Medical expenses for minor injuries sustained by others on your job sites
Standard coverage limits are typically $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate annually, though many contractors opt for higher limits depending on project requirements and client contracts.
Roofing contractors face elevated risks due to the nature of their work, which directly impacts insurance quotes. Working at height, handling heavy materials, and potential for weather-related damages make comprehensive GL coverage particularly important. The classification codes 98678 (Residential Roofing – Three Stories & Under) and 98677 (Roofing – Over Three Stories) reflect these different risk levels.
Insurance quotes for roofing contractors vary significantly based on annual revenue and specific operations. Our benchmark data shows the following typical quote ranges:
| Revenue | Average Premium | Low End Premium | High End Premium | Premium as % of Revenue – Low | Premium as % of Revenue – High |
| $150,000 | $11,300 | $6,400 | $18,000 | 4.27% | 12.00% |
| $500,000 | $21,500 | $11,900 | $35,800 | 2.38% | 7.16% |
| $1,500,000 | $29,600 | $17,400 | $52,800 | 1.16% | 3.52% |
As the table demonstrates, premium costs as a percentage of revenue typically decrease as business size increases, reflecting economies of scale and improved risk profiles of established roofing companies.
State-Specific Variations
General liability quotes can vary substantially by state due to differences in regulations, claim frequencies, and local market conditions. For detailed, state-specific information about GL insurance quotes for roofing contractors, including regulatory requirements and regional pricing factors, consult our comprehensive state-by-state cost guide for the most accurate estimates in your area.
Working with an experienced insurance agent familiar with roofing operations is crucial for ensuring adequate coverage limits and understanding how your specific services – from residential shingle installation to commercial flat roofing – impact your insurance quotes.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Roofing Contractors
Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory in most states for roofing contractors due to the high-risk nature of the work. Roofing operations involve significant exposure to falls, injuries from tools and materials, and weather-related hazards.
NCCI Classification
Roofing contractors typically fall under NCCI class code 5551 – Roofing – All Types, which covers contractors installing shingles, metal roofing, flat roofs, and performing repairs. This classification applies to all roofing materials and methods and is commonly used for roofing companies handling both residential and commercial projects, including new roofs, re-roofs, and repair work.
Workers’ Comp Rates
Rates per $100 of payroll typically range from $7 to $25 for roofing contractors, though actual premiums vary based on factors including:
- Company safety record and experience modification rate
- State regulations and benefit levels
- Specific roofing operations and risk exposures
- Payroll classification accuracy
Maintaining strong safety programs and proper employee classification can help minimize workers’ compensation costs while ensuring adequate coverage for your roofing workforce.
Additional Insurance Roofers Should Consider
Beyond the essential policies detailed above, here are additional insurance types roofers may need as their business grows:
Tools & Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine)
Inland Marine Insurance protects tools and equipment during transit and at job sites against loss, theft, or damage. Annual premiums range from $300-$2,500, with policy limits of $10,000-$25,000+.
Contractors’ E&O Insurance
Protects against business mistakes and negligence claims in roofing work. Covers costs if clients claim faulty installation, water damage, or subpar service. Includes professional negligence claims, legal defense, and judgments. Annual premiums range from $1,000-$3,500, with policy limits of $100,000-$2M+.
Commercial Auto Insurance for Roofers
Commercial auto insurance protects work vehicles and covers liability from accidents during business operations. Personal auto policies don’t cover business use. Premiums range from $2,000-$4,500 per vehicle annually. Standard limits are $100K per person, $300K per accident, and $100K property damage, though higher limits ($1M-$2M) are recommended for comprehensive protection.
Bonds for Roofers
Surety bonds guarantee work quality and fulfill licensing requirements. Typical bond amounts range $10,000-$50,000, with roofers paying 2-5% as premium.
Commercial Property Insurance for Roofers
Commercial property insurance protects buildings and contents (tools, materials, equipment) against fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage. Essential for roofing businesses with warehouses, storage yards, or showrooms. Annual premiums range $2,000-$7,500, based on property value, location risks (disasters, crime), and building construction type.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance for Roofers
An alternative to increasing your limits on your general liability policy is an umbrella policy. This type of insurance provides additional liability coverage, extending beyond the limits of your standard policies like general liability, auto liability, and employer’s liability. In the event of a substantial claim that surpasses the limits of your primary policies, umbrella insurance steps in, offering extra financial protection. Typically adds $2M coverage (up to $5M+ available). Annual premiums: $1,500-$3,000.
Get the Right Roofing Insurance Coverage Today
Protecting your roofing business with comprehensive insurance isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring your company’s long-term success. From general liability coverage that protects against third-party claims to workers’ compensation that safeguards your employees, the right insurance portfolio gives you confidence to take on projects of any size.
Understanding your coverage needs is only the first step. The real challenge lies in finding competitive quotes from insurers who understand the roofing industry and can properly assess your unique risk profile. Many traditional insurance agents lack the specialized knowledge needed to accurately quote roofing operations, leading to either inadequate coverage or unnecessarily high premiums.
ContractorNerd’s proprietary quote platform connects you directly with contractor-friendly insurers who specialize in coverage for roofing professionals. Our tech-enabled, specialized agents understand the difference between residential and commercial roofing risks, the importance of proper NCCI classification under code 5551, and how factors like safety programs and experience modification rates impact your quotes.
Whether you’re a sole proprietor needing basic general liability coverage or an established company requiring comprehensive commercial insurance, our platform streamlines the quote process by matching you with carriers that actively write roofing accounts. No more calling dozens of agents or dealing with insurers who don’t understand your business.
Ready to secure proper coverage for your roofing business? Get personalized insurance quotes today through our specialized platform designed exclusively for contractors. Compare quotes from multiple carrier partners and work with agents who speak your language.