What insurance does a roofing contractor need?

General liability and workers' compensation are both baseline, because roofing has among the highest injury severity in construction. Commercial auto, tools & equipment, and an umbrella are common additions. Reported general liability runs about $3,200/year, per Insureon.

Does roofing insurance cover torch-down or hot-work?

Not by default. Torch-down and hot-work are excluded on most policies because torch and kettle operations can ignite structures. If you do hot-work, you need it specifically scheduled or you are uncovered.

Can a height limit void my roofing coverage?

Yes. Height limits, for example three stories, can void coverage on jobs above them. Check the limit on your policy against the buildings you actually work on before you bid.

Why is roofing workers' comp so expensive?

Workers' comp rates for roofing are among the highest of any class because falls from height drive severe claims. It is usually the largest single line on a roofer's program, often rivaling general liability.

How much does roofing insurance cost?

Reported median general liability is about $3,200/year, per Insureon, the high end of the trades because of fall and fire exposure. That is an average, not a quote; payroll-rated workers' comp is a separate, large cost on top.

Trade insurance

Insurance for roofing contractors.

Roofing is high-hazard; general liability is hard to place and expensive, and most carriers exclude hot-work unless specifically scheduled. Required by nearly all GCs and property owners.

Updated 2026-05-16 · Beaconcover editorial

The short answer: Roofing Contractor insurance starts with General liability, which clients, general contractors, and licensing boards most often require before roofing contractors can take a job, alongside Workers' compensation.

Roofing Contractor general liability averages $3,200/year, per Insureon. Reported average, not a quote; actual premiums vary by state, payroll, and underwriting.

§ 01

Why this matters

What can go wrong for roofing contractors?

Falls from height. Roofing has among the highest injury severity in construction
Water intrusion damage. Improper flashing/install causing interior damage
Fire from hot-work/torch-down. Torch and kettle operations ignite structures

§ 02

Required vs recommended

What insurance do roofing contractors need?

RequiredBy law or by typical contract

✓General liability
✓Workers' compensation

RecommendedStrongly advised for this trade

§ 03

Typical premium ranges

How much does roofing contractors insurance cost?

General liability: $3,200 avg / year^[Q]Insureon

Figures are reported averages, not quotes. Actual premiums vary by state, revenue, payroll, and underwriting.

Compare these against typical premiums for every trade, or read what drives business insurance cost to see how payroll, vehicles, and limits move the number.

§ 04

Common gaps

Where does roofing contractors coverage trip people up?

Torch-down/hot-work is excluded by default on most policies
Height limits (e.g., 3 stories) can void coverage
Workers' comp rates for roofing are among the highest of any class

§ 05

Before you bind

Questions to ask any carrier for roofing contractors.

Does the quote include the lines listed above as typically required?
What does a certificate of insurance cost and how fast can the carrier issue one?
How is workers' compensation rated for this trade — by payroll or by class code?
Is there a separate deductible for tools and equipment in transit between sites?
If a client requires an additional-insured endorsement, is there a fee?

§ 06

Common questions

Roofing Contractor insurance: frequently asked questions.

What insurance does a roofing contractor need?: General liability and workers' compensation are both baseline, because roofing has among the highest injury severity in construction. Commercial auto, tools & equipment, and an umbrella are common additions. Reported general liability runs about $3,200/year, per Insureon.
Does roofing insurance cover torch-down or hot-work?: Not by default. Torch-down and hot-work are excluded on most policies because torch and kettle operations can ignite structures. If you do hot-work, you need it specifically scheduled or you are uncovered.
Can a height limit void my roofing coverage?: Yes. Height limits, for example three stories, can void coverage on jobs above them. Check the limit on your policy against the buildings you actually work on before you bid.
Why is roofing workers' comp so expensive?: Workers' comp rates for roofing are among the highest of any class because falls from height drive severe claims. It is usually the largest single line on a roofer's program, often rivaling general liability.
How much does roofing insurance cost?: Reported median general liability is about $3,200/year, per Insureon, the high end of the trades because of fall and fire exposure. That is an average, not a quote; payroll-rated workers' comp is a separate, large cost on top.