Hiring a roofing contractor is a big deal for your home. But have you ever stopped to wonder what kind of insurance a roofing contractor should have before stepping onto your roof? Imagine this: a roofer slips and falls, damaging your property or worse, is hurt on your premises. Without the right insurance, these problems could become your financial burden.
Roofing is a tough and risky job. According to industry data, roofing accidents cause billions of dollars in damage every year, affecting homeowners just like you. That’s why understanding the roofing contractor insurance you need to demand is crucial.
Why Insurance Matters for Homeowners
When you hire a roofing contractor, you’re trusting them with your biggest investment—your home. But roofing is not without risks. Falls, property damage, and accidents happen more often than you might think.
Roofing Is a High-Risk Job
Roofers work at heights, often on slippery or unstable surfaces. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that falls are among the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in construction, especially in roofing. Property damage, like broken windows or damaged landscaping, is also common during roofing projects.
What Happens If Your Contractor Isn’t Insured?
If your roofing contractor lacks proper insurance, you could be on the hook for:
- Medical bills if a worker is injured on your property.
- Repair costs for damages caused during the job.
- Legal fees if you face lawsuits from injured workers or neighbors.
In short, the risk shifts from the contractor to you.
Legal Requirements and Peace of Mind
Most states require roofing contractors to carry insurance before they can obtain a license. This protects you as a homeowner. Beyond legalities, insurance gives you peace of mind knowing your home and wallet are safe during repairs.
Here’s a quick look at the benefits of hiring an insured contractor vs. the risks of uninsured ones:
Insured Contractor Uninsured Contractor
Covers your property damage. You foot the repair bills
Handles worker injuries , Risk of personal lawsuits
Bonds ensure job completion. Risk of project abandonment
Now that you understand why insurance is vital, let’s explore the essential types you should look for.
Essential Coverages Every Roofing Contractor Should Have
A well-insured roofing contractor typically carries several types of insurance. Each protects you and the contractor in different ways.
General Liability Insurance
General liability (GL) insurance is the cornerstone of roofing contractor insurance. It covers third-party injuries and property damage caused by the contractor or their employees.
- What it covers:
- Property damage (e.g., a dropped tool breaks your car window)
- Bodily injury (e.g., a visitor slips on debris left behind)
- Legal defense costs if sued
- Recommended limits: At least $1 million per occurrence.
- Important tip: Always request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that lists your property as an additional insured.
- What it doesn’t cover: Damage to the actual roof work (this falls under other policies or warranties).
General liability protects your home from unexpected accidents, which are unfortunately common on roofing jobs.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If the roofing contractor has employees, workers’ compensation insurance is usually mandatory.
- What it covers:
- Medical expenses for injured workers
- Lost wages during recovery
- Rehabilitation costs
- Why it matters: Without this, injured workers could sue you directly as the property owner, especially if the contractor lacks coverage.
- Special note: Some states, like California, require even sole proprietors to carry workers’ comp.
- Verify coverage: Request proof of active policy before hiring.
Workers’ comp protects both workers and homeowners from costly mishaps.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Roofers often use trucks to haul materials to your home.
- Coverage includes:
- Accidents involving work vehicles
- Damage to third-party property while en route
- Injuries caused by commercial vehicles
- Why not personal auto insurance? Personal policies typically exclude business use and commercial vehicles.
- Example: A roofer’s truck crashes into a neighbor’s fence—commercial auto insurance covers the damages, not you.
This coverage is essential to avoid liability from transportation-related accidents.
Tools & Equipment Coverage
Roofers rely on expensive tools and equipment on the job site.
- Also called: Inland marine insurance.
- What it covers:
- Theft of ladders, nail guns, and other gear
- Damage to equipment from accidents or weather
- Replacement costs to avoid work delays
- Typical cost: $300–$1,000 annually.
Without this, contractors may stop work if tools are lost or broken, delaying your project.
Umbrella/Excess Liability Insurance
An umbrella policy provides additional protection beyond general liability.
- Coverage:
- Extra limits (e.g., $2 million+) for large claims
- Catastrophic events like multi-person injuries or major property damage
- Why get it? Roofing accidents can be very costly, and umbrella insurance helps cover those big claims.
- Cost: Usually affordable as an add-on to GL insurance.
This policy acts like a safety net for serious incidents.
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)
Some contractors carry professional liability, also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
- What it covers:
- Claims from artistry errors — like leaks or faulty installations
- Legal fees for warranty disputes
- Is it necessary? Not always, but highly recommended for contractors who offer guarantees.
This insurance protects you if the roofer makes mistakes in the design or execution of the job.
Surety Bonds
Surety bonds guarantee that the contractor will complete the job or return your money.
- Why it’s important:
- Protects against contractor abandonment
- Adds credibility and trustworthiness
- State requirements: Some states, like Washington, require bonds for roofing contractors.
State-Specific Insurance Requirements for Roofers
Insurance laws vary from state to state. Knowing local requirements can save you headaches.
Here’s a quick overview of key insurance mandates in top roofing states:
State Key Requirements
California Workers’ comp is mandatory even for solos
Texas requires General liability for licensing
Georgia General Liability plus endorsements
New York Commercial auto plus general liability
Florida Surety bonds plus liability insurance
Always check your state’s roofing board or insurance department website for up-to-date rules.
How to Verify a Roofing Contractor’s Insurance Coverage
Before signing any contract, make sure your contractor’s insurance is valid and sufficient.
Here’s a simple 3-step checklist:
- Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) upfront. It proves coverage and lists policy limits.
- Call the insurer to confirm the policy is active and covers your job location.
- Verify subcontractors are insured if they will work on your roof.
Watch out for red flags:
- No proof of insurance provided
- Expired policies
- Policies that don’t list your property
