Question 1

What is a common misconception about General Liability for Roofers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What happens if roofers don't have General Liability?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is a common misconception about Workers' Compensation for Roofers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What happens if roofers don't have Workers' Compensation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is a common misconception about Commercial Auto for Roofers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What happens if roofers don't have Commercial Auto?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What is a common misconception about Commercial Umbrella for Roofers?

Accepted Answer

Roofers think umbrella is optional. Most commercial GCs require $5M total before they'll list a roofer.

Question 8

What happens if roofers don't have Commercial Umbrella?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is a common misconception about Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment) for Roofers?

Accepted Answer

Roofers don't track tool inventory carefully — until a job-site theft.

Question 10

What happens if roofers don't have Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment)?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is a common misconception about Professional Liability (E&O) for Roofers?

Accepted Answer

Most installation roofers don't need this — but consulting roofers and storm-damage specs writers absolutely do.

Question 12

What happens if roofers don't have Professional Liability (E&O)?

Accepted Answer

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.

Roofers Insurance Coverage Guide | RISKX