Roofers Coverage Guide
Roofing has one of the highest workers-comp experience-mod averages in construction. Falls, ladder injuries, and weather-related project delays drive both WC and GL frequency. Many carriers won't write roofers without a long stable history.
Critical Coverage
General Liability
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
What it covers
Falling-object injuries to passersby, property damage (broken windows from debris, satellite dishes), water damage from incomplete roofs left exposed to weather, completed-operations from leaks discovered later.
Common misconception
Roofers underestimate completed-operations exposure. A roof leaks 18 months after install; the homeowner sues for ceiling damage, mold, and ruined contents. Without long-tail completed-ops coverage, you're paying out of pocket years after the cash from that job is long spent.
What it does NOT cover
Damage to your roofing work itself. Mold (often sub-limited). Water damage from your work being exposed to weather (some carriers — read carefully). Faulty workmanship.
The gap — what happens without it
You leave a tear-off open overnight. A storm hits, dumps 2 inches into the attic. Insulation, drywall ceilings, and contents are destroyed — $42K. GL's 'damage to your work' exclusion may apply; ensure your policy has 'sudden and accidental' wording for weather-exposed work.
What drives your premium
Annual revenue, residential vs. commercial, steep-slope vs. low-slope, height (3-story+ is much higher), tear-off vs. overlay, claims history
Endorsements to ask about
Hot work (torch-down) endorsement. Per-project aggregate. Additional insured for GCs/owners. Written contract limitation removed.
Workers' Compensation
Covers employee injuries and illnesses on the job
What it covers
Falls (#1 cause of construction fatalities — roofers are at highest risk), heat illness, ladder injuries, nail-gun injuries. Roofing class codes are among the highest WC rates in any trade.
Common misconception
Roofers think they can skip WC by using all 1099 day labor. State labor commissioners reclassify these workers as employees regularly, and the back premium audit + penalties + claims expose you personally.
What it does NOT cover
Owners electing exemption. Workers with valid 1099 + their own WC. Drug/alcohol injuries.
The gap — what happens without it
A laborer falls 22 feet from a 3-story roof — fractured spine, paralysis, lifelong care. Estimated lifetime cost: $4M+ in medical and lost wages. WC pays this on a statutory basis. Without WC, you and your business are completely destroyed by one claim.
What drives your premium
Payroll by class code (5551 roofing is one of the highest in the country), experience mod, state, fall protection program documentation, prior claims
Endorsements to ask about
Voluntary comp for excluded officers. Foreign voluntary if working other states. Higher EL limits if required by contract.
Commercial Auto
Covers vehicles used for business purposes
What it covers
Pickup trucks, dump trucks, trailers hauling shingles/debris. Roofing fleets often have heavy loads and short-radius operation but high frequency of stops.
Common misconception
Owners think personal auto can cover the work truck if only the owner drives it. Once the vehicle has commercial signage, business plates, or carries materials, personal auto excludes.
What it does NOT cover
Personal vehicles used for business. Vehicles not scheduled. Cargo (debris, shingles) — typically need motor truck cargo or inland marine.
The gap — what happens without it
Your dump trailer's brake controller fails on a hill. The trailer rear-ends a vehicle — $180K injury claim. Commercial auto with $1M CSL pays. Personal auto would have denied entirely.
What drives your premium
Number of vehicles, driver MVRs, radius, vehicle weight, dump bodies (higher), claims
Endorsements to ask about
Hired/non-owned. Trailer coverage. Drive-other-car for owners' personal use.
Commercial Umbrella
Extends limits above your primary policies
What it covers
Excess limits over GL/auto/EL. For roofers, almost mandatory — fall claims can blow through $1M instantly.
Common misconception
Roofers think umbrella is optional. Most commercial GCs require $5M total before they'll list a roofer.
What it does NOT cover
Punitive damages (some states). Professional services. Workers' comp medical (already unlimited statutory).
The gap — what happens without it
A pedestrian on the sidewalk below your job is struck by a falling tool — TBI, $2.3M in long-term care. $1M GL pays primary; $2M umbrella covers the rest.
What drives your premium
Underlying, height of work, residential/commercial, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Follow-form. Defense outside the limit. Pollution follow if underlying pollution policy (some carriers exclude on roofers).
Important Coverage
Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment)
Covers tools, equipment, and materials in transit or at job sites
What it covers
Nail guns, compressors, ladders, fall arrest gear, lift equipment, and materials (shingles, underlayment) at job sites.
Common misconception
Roofers don't track tool inventory carefully — until a job-site theft.
What it does NOT cover
Wear and tear. Ladders permanently fixed at premises. Materials installed (covered under CGL completed ops).
The gap — what happens without it
A lift, two compressors, and 15 nail guns disappear from a fenced job site — $24K. Without inland marine, you're shutting down for a week to replace.
What drives your premium
Equipment value, lift coverage, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Lift/scaffolding coverage. Installation floater for materials before installed.
Situational Coverage
Professional Liability (E&O)
Covers claims of negligence or mistakes in professional services
What it covers
Design-build roofers and consultants who provide moisture analysis, replacement specs, or warranty advice can face design E&O claims when their recommendations fail.
Common misconception
Most installation roofers don't need this — but consulting roofers and storm-damage specs writers absolutely do.
What it does NOT cover
Bodily injury / property damage. Faulty installation (CGL territory). Express warranties beyond standard.
The gap — what happens without it
You spec a TPO replacement for a commercial owner; ponding occurs because slope wasn't corrected. The owner sues for design negligence — $130K. Pure GL excludes professional services. E&O is required.
What drives your premium
% revenue from consulting/spec work, contract values
Endorsements to ask about
Contractors' professional liability.
Not sure what you need?
Text us your trade and state — we'll tell you exactly what coverages apply to your business and shop the market for the best rate.