Roofing isn’t exactly the safest job out there. Whether it’s climbing high ladders, handling power tools, or dealing with unpredictable weather, roofers take on a lot. That’s why knowing what insurance should roofers have is a big deal—for both roofing companies and the homeowners they serve.
If you’re a roofer (or hiring one), this article breaks down the essential insurance policies that every roofing contractor should carry.
Why Roofing Insurance Matters (More Than You Think)
Roofing is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous jobs in America. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roofing had a fatal injury rate of 59 per 100,000 workers in 2022, far higher than the average across all occupations.
So yeah—insurance isn’t just a good idea. It’s critical.
But it’s not just about safety. Roofing insurance:
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Protects workers if accidents happen on the job
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Covers property damage caused during roofing work
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Shields businesses from costly lawsuits
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Gives homeowners peace of mind
Let’s break down what coverage really matters.
1. General Liability Insurance
This one’s a must-have. General liability insurance protects roofers from third-party claims involving:
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Bodily injury (like if a shingle falls and hits a bystander)
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Property damage (like a ladder crashing into a window)
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Legal fees if someone files a claim
Why it’s essential: If something goes wrong on the job site, this policy helps cover costs so the roofing company doesn’t pay out of pocket.
Pro tip: Look for at least $1 million in coverage per occurrence—it’s often the industry standard.
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If your roofing company has employees (not just subcontractors), workers’ comp is non-negotiable—and usually required by state law.
It covers:
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Medical expenses for injured workers
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Lost wages during recovery
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Rehab or disability support
Example: If a roofer falls off a ladder and breaks an arm, workers’ comp helps pay hospital bills and lost income.
Even small businesses need this coverage. And if you’re a homeowner, always ask if your roofer carries workers’ comp—you could be held liable for injuries if they don’t.
3. Commercial Auto Insurance
Roofers rely on trucks and vans to haul tools, shingles, and ladders to job sites. If those vehicles are involved in an accident, personal auto insurance usually won’t cut it.
Commercial auto insurance covers:
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Damage to work vehicles
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Liability for accidents caused while driving for business
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Injuries to other drivers or passengers
Bonus: It also protects against theft or vandalism of tools inside the vehicle.
4. Roofing Contractor’s Equipment Insurance
Also called tools and equipment insurance, this policy protects valuable gear used on the job—whether it’s lost, stolen, or damaged.
It typically covers:
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Nail guns
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Compressors
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Scaffolding
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Safety harnesses
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Expensive hand tools
Roofing tools aren’t cheap, and replacing them can be a serious financial hit. This type of insurance keeps projects moving without major setbacks.
5. Professional Liability Insurance (Optional, but Smart)
Also known as errors & omissions (E&O) insurance, this protects roofers from claims related to bad advice or poor workmanship.
Think:
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A miscalculation that leads to roof leaks
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Incorrect installation of roofing materials
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Project delays that lead to client losses
Even if mistakes are unintentional, they can lead to lawsuits. This coverage gives roofers a legal safety net.
6. Bonding Insurance (Surety Bonds)
While not technically insurance, bonds act like a promise that the job will be completed properly. Many cities and states require roofers to be bonded to get licensed.
Why it matters:
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It protects the customer if the roofer doesn’t finish the job
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It builds trust with homeowners and commercial clients
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It may be required for public or government contracts
Common bonds include contractor license bonds and performance bonds.
What Homeowners Should Ask Before Hiring a Roofer
If you’re a homeowner, don’t be afraid to ask these questions:
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Do you have general liability and workers’ comp?
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Can you show proof of insurance (a Certificate of Insurance)?
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Are you bonded and licensed in this state?
Any reputable roofer will have no problem showing you this information. If they dodge the question or hesitate? That’s a red flag.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Roofers, Businesses, and Clients
So, what insurance should roofers have? At a minimum:
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General liability
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Workers’ compensation
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Commercial auto
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Tools and equipment coverage
Add in bonding and optional professional liability for extra peace of mind.
For roofing companies, being properly insured protects your team and your reputation. For homeowners, it protects your property—and your wallet. Whether you’re climbing the ladder or hiring someone who is, insurance makes all the difference.
Stay covered, stay safe, and keep building smart.