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§ 01
Why this matters
What can go wrong on the job.
- 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 contracts require, and what's worth adding.
§ 03
Typical premium ranges
What it tends to cost.
- General liability: $3,200 avg / year[Q]Insureon
Figures are reported averages, not quotes. Actual premiums vary by state, revenue, payroll, and underwriting.
§ 04
Common gaps
Where this coverage trips 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?