Roofing Contractor Insurance That Actually Covers Your Risks
Specialized coverage for fall hazards, hot work operations, weather damage, and material liability. From tear-offs to solar installations - get protected today.
Complete Coverage Guide
Navigate this comprehensive guide to roofing contractor insurance with our quick-jump table of contents:
Roofing Industry By The Numbers
Understanding the risks and opportunities in the roofing industry
Projected to reach $75B by 2029
Falls are the #1 cause of roofing deaths
Roofing has 2nd highest injury rate
With 500K+ employed roofers
Complete Roofing Insurance Coverage Types
From essential liability protection to specialized hot work coverage - here's everything roofing contractors need to stay protected.
General Liability Insurance
CRITICAL COVERAGECovers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations claims.
Key Features & Benefits
- •Property damage from falling materials or equipment
- •Third-party injuries on job sites
- •Advertising injury and personal injury claims
- •Completed operations for roof leaks and defects
- •Products liability for roofing materials
Workers' Compensation
CRITICAL COVERAGEMandatory in most states, covers medical expenses and lost wages for employee injuries.
Key Features & Benefits
- •Medical treatment for fall injuries
- •Lost wages during recovery
- •Permanent disability benefits
- •Death benefits for fatal falls
- •Employer liability protection
Commercial Auto Insurance
CRITICAL COVERAGECovers vehicles used for roofing operations including material transport and equipment hauling.
Key Features & Benefits
- •Liability for accidents while hauling materials
- •Physical damage to work trucks and trailers
- •Coverage for tools and equipment in transit
- •Hired and non-owned auto coverage
- •Medical payments for passengers
Inland Marine / Tools & Equipment
Protects expensive roofing equipment, tools, and materials against theft, damage, and loss.
Key Features & Benefits
- •Coverage for nail guns, compressors, saws
- •Protection for ladders, scaffolding, safety equipment
- •Materials in transit and on-site
- •Theft from job sites and vehicles
- •Breakdown coverage for specialized equipment
Builders Risk Insurance
Project-specific coverage for large commercial roofing projects during construction.
Key Features & Benefits
- •Weather damage to materials before installation
- •Theft of materials from active job sites
- •Vandalism and malicious mischief
- •Temporary structures and protective equipment
- •Coverage until substantial completion
Commercial Property Insurance
Protects your business location, warehouse, and permanently installed equipment.
Key Features & Benefits
- •Building coverage for owned locations
- •Business personal property
- •Inventory and material storage
- •Business income and extra expense
- •Equipment breakdown coverage
Professional Liability / E&O
Covers design errors, roof specification mistakes, and professional advice claims.
Key Features & Benefits
- •Errors in roof system design or specifications
- •Failure to meet building code requirements
- •Inadequate ventilation design claims
- •Improper material selection
- •Negligent inspection or consultation
Hot Work & Fire Legal Liability
CRITICAL COVERAGEEssential coverage for torch-down roofing, welding, and other hot work operations.
Key Features & Benefits
- •Fire damage to client property from hot work
- •Torch-down roofing fire liability
- •Welding and soldering operations
- •Heat gun and propane torch coverage
- •Adjacent property fire damage
Umbrella / Excess Liability
Additional liability limits above primary policies for catastrophic claims.
Key Features & Benefits
- •Extended limits for major fall incidents
- •Protection against multi-million dollar lawsuits
- •Coverage above GL and auto policies
- •Worldwide coverage in most cases
- •Defense cost coverage
Understanding Your Roofing Insurance Coverage
Detailed breakdown of what's covered, what's excluded, and the limits you actually need
General Liability Coverage - What's Actually Protected
COVERED Scenarios
- ✓Shingles or materials falling and damaging neighbor's property or vehicles
- ✓Customer trips over equipment and suffers injury
- ✓Roof leaks after installation due to workmanship errors
- ✓Damage to interior furnishings from tear-off debris
- ✓Legal defense costs even if claim is fraudulent
- ✓Product liability for defective materials you installed
NOT COVERED Scenarios
- ✗Injuries to your own employees (need Workers Comp)
- ✗Damage to property in your care, custody, or control before acceptance
- ✗Professional design errors (need E&O coverage)
- ✗Intentional damage or criminal acts
- ✗Pollution without pollution liability endorsement
- ✗Business vehicle accidents (need Commercial Auto)
Workers Compensation - Critical Protection Details
Roofing has one of the highest workers compensation rates in construction due to severe fall risks. Understanding your coverage is critical:
Covers 100% of medical costs for work-related injuries including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. No deductibles or copays for employee.
Provides wage replacement at typically 66.67% of average weekly wage for time missed from work. Benefits continue until employee can return to work or reaches maximum medical improvement.
Protects against lawsuits from employees or their families. Common limits are $100K/$500K/$100K but many contracts require $1M for roofing work.
Critical: Class Code Accuracy
Roofing class codes (5551 for metal, 5552 for shingle/tile) have rates 3-5x higher than general construction. Misclassification leads to massive audits. Make sure your payroll is split correctly between roofing, ground labor, and administrative roles.
Hot Work Coverage - Essential for Torch-Down & Modified Bitumen
Standard general liability policies often EXCLUDE fire damage from hot work operations. If you perform torch-down roofing, welding, or use heat guns, you MUST have specific hot work coverage.
Why Hot Work Is Excluded
- •High frequency of fire claims from torch operations
- •Severity of damage - entire buildings can be destroyed
- •Delayed ignition - fires can start hours after work completed
- •Adjacent property damage - fire spreads to neighboring units
Hot Work Coverage Solutions
- ✓Fire Legal Liability endorsement on GL policy
- ✓Standalone Hot Work liability coverage
- ✓Project-specific fire legal liability for large jobs
- ✓Typical limits: $500K - $1M per occurrence
State-Specific Roofing Insurance Requirements
Insurance and licensing requirements vary dramatically by state. Here are the top roofing markets and their specific requirements:
Texas
View Full GuideMajor storm market. High demand for insurance restoration work. Energy sector roofing requires enhanced coverage.
Florida
View Full GuideHurricane exposure requires specific wind/hail coverage. Strict licensing requirements. High workers comp rates due to fraud.
California
View Full GuideC-39 roofing license required. Workers comp can cost 15-25% of payroll. Severe wildfire exposure in some regions.
Arizona
View Full GuideAZ ROC requires insurance proof for licensing. High volume residential market. Monsoon season creates surge demand.
Georgia
View Full GuideNo state licensing for residential work under $2,500. Commercial work may require local permits and insurance proof.
North Carolina
View Full GuideGeneral Contractor or Roofing Contractor license required. Hurricane exposure requires adequate completed ops coverage.
Multi-State Operations Require Careful Planning
If you perform roofing work across state lines, you need to ensure your insurance meets EACH state's requirements. Some states require separate certificates showing state-specific coverage. CCA is licensed in 48+ states and can structure policies that comply with multi-state operations.
Get Multi-State QuoteRoofing Insurance Cost Breakdown & Calculator
Get an estimate of your annual insurance costs based on your business size and operations
Calculate Your Costs
Estimated Annual Costs
Based on $250,000 revenue
5 employees @ ~$2,500 average
2 vehicles @ ~$1,500 each
Inland marine coverage
Factors That Increase Roofing Insurance Costs
Roofing Type
- •Commercial/flat roofing: Higher rates
- •Steep slope/high-rise: Significant premium increase
- •Torch-down/hot work: Requires special coverage
- •Metal roofing: Moderate rates
Experience & Claims
- •Less than 3 years experience: 20-40% higher
- •Recent claims: Can double premiums
- •Multiple GL claims: Harder to place coverage
- •Workers comp claims: Increase mod factor
Location & Operations
- •Hurricane zones: Much higher completed ops
- •High-hail states: Increased material claims
- •Urban areas: Higher auto insurance rates
- •Multi-state work: Additional compliance costs
Real-World Roofing Insurance Claims Scenarios
Learn from actual claims to understand what's covered and how to prevent costly incidents
Fall from Roof During Tear-Off
What Happened:
Roofer fell 22 feet through unsecured plywood during tear-off. Suffered fractured vertebrae requiring surgery. Out of work for 9 months.
What Insurance Covered:
- ✓All medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- ✓66.67% of wages during recovery period ($40,000)
- ✓Permanent partial disability settlement ($65,000)
- ✓Legal defense against family's third-party lawsuit
Prevention Strategies:
- •Implement comprehensive fall protection plan with guardrails or personal fall arrest systems
- •Daily safety briefings on roof access and working conditions
- •Proper employee training on identifying unsafe decking
- •Never allow work in wet or icy conditions without proper safety measures
Shingles Damage Neighbor's Luxury Vehicle
What Happened:
During tear-off, workers threw shingles off roof edge without chute. Debris severely damaged neighbor's $85,000 Tesla parked in adjacent driveway.
What Insurance Covered:
- ✓Full vehicle repair costs ($38,000)
- ✓Diminished value claim ($3,500)
- ✓Legal defense fees ($2,800)
- ✓Loss of use rental car expenses
Prevention Strategies:
- •Always use dump chutes or tarps to contain falling debris
- •Establish debris zones and barricade surrounding areas
- •Take photos of neighboring properties before starting work
- •Communicate with neighbors about work schedule and potential hazards
- •Use ground protection tarps for high-value property areas
Torch-Down Fire Spreads to Entire Building
What Happened:
Crew finished torch-down application at 3pm. Fire started at 8pm when smoldering tar ignited insulation. Destroyed roof and caused severe smoke damage to 6 condo units.
What Insurance Covered:
- ✓Property damage to building structure ($220,000)
- ✓Smoke damage to 6 condo units ($145,000)
- ✓Temporary relocation costs for residents
- ✓Legal defense against negligence lawsuit
Prevention Strategies:
- •Implement hot work fire watch for minimum 4 hours after completion
- •Have charged fire extinguishers immediately accessible
- •Clear all combustibles from work area
- •Install fire-resistant barriers between torch work and combustible materials
- •Never perform hot work in high wind conditions
- •Obtain hot work permits from building owners/managers
Roof Leak After Installation Damages Interior
What Happened:
Improper flashing installation around HVAC unit caused water intrusion during first heavy rain. Damage to drywall, flooring, and $20,000 antique furniture collection.
What Insurance Covered:
- ✓Repair/replacement of damaged interior finishes
- ✓Furniture restoration or replacement
- ✓Re-roofing the defective section with proper installation
- ✓Temporary repairs and emergency tarping costs
- ✓Mold remediation if discovered early
Prevention Strategies:
- •Detailed quality control inspections before final completion
- •Photo documentation of all critical flashing installations
- •Use manufacturer-certified installers for warranty compliance
- •Conduct water tests on all penetrations before leaving job
- •Provide customers with maintenance guidelines and inspection schedules
Worker Injured By Falling Materials
What Happened:
Ground worker struck by bundle of shingles that slipped from crane during lift. Suffered severe head trauma despite wearing hard hat. Permanent cognitive impairment.
What Insurance Covered:
- ✓Emergency medical care and extended hospitalization
- ✓Permanent total disability benefits (lifetime payments)
- ✓Vocational rehabilitation services
- ✓Medical treatment for ongoing cognitive therapy
Prevention Strategies:
- •Establish designated ground worker safe zones during crane operations
- •Use tag lines on all crane lifts to control material bundles
- •Inspect all rigging and hoisting equipment before each use
- •Implement spotter system for crane operations
- •Require high-visibility vests and hard hats in material delivery zones
Subcontractor Falls, Sues Contractor
What Happened:
Uninsured subcontractor fell from ladder while installing gutters. Filed lawsuit against general roofing contractor for negligent supervision and unsafe work conditions.
What Insurance Covered:
- ✓Legal defense costs ($45,000)
- ✓Settlement payment ($165,000)
- ✓Court costs and expert witness fees
- ✓Mediation and arbitration expenses
Prevention Strategies:
- •NEVER hire uninsured subcontractors - verify active coverage before work starts
- •Require certificates of insurance with your company listed as additional insured
- •Include contractual liability transfer language in all subcontracts
- •Conduct site safety inspections and document subcontractor compliance
- •Consider requiring subcontractors to carry $1M+ limits
Don't Wait Until a Claim Happens
These real-world scenarios demonstrate why proper insurance coverage is critical for roofing contractors. The costs of being uninsured or underinsured can bankrupt your business. CCA specializes in comprehensive roofing contractor coverage that protects you from these exact scenarios.
Risk Management Strategies for Roofing Contractors
Reduce claims, lower premiums, and protect your business with these proven risk management practices
Safety Program Essentials
Written Safety Plan
Comprehensive safety manual covering fall protection, hot work procedures, equipment usage, and emergency protocols. Updated annually and reviewed with all employees.
Daily Toolbox Talks
15-minute safety meetings before each shift discussing day's hazards, weather conditions, specific risks for the project, and proper safety equipment usage.
OSHA 10/30 Training
All crew members complete OSHA 10-hour training minimum. Supervisors complete OSHA 30-hour. Maintain training records for insurance verification and compliance.
Incident Reporting System
Near-miss and incident reporting process that identifies hazards before they cause injuries. Monthly safety committee reviews trends and implements corrective actions.
Quality Control Measures
Multi-Point Inspections
Checklist-based inspections at tear-off completion, deck preparation, underlayment installation, flashing details, and final completion. Photos at each stage.
Manufacturer Certifications
Certified installers for major roofing systems. Maintains manufacturer warranties and demonstrates competency to insurance underwriters for better rates.
Weather Protocols
Mandatory work stoppage for wind above 20mph, rain, ice, or temperatures below manufacturer specifications. Protects workers and prevents defective installations.
Customer Communication
Daily project updates, photo sharing, pre-work walkthroughs documenting existing conditions. Prevents disputes and establishes clear expectations.
Equipment Maintenance & Inspection Program
- Monthly inspection of harnesses for wear, tears, and hardware damage
- Annual recertification of lanyards and self-retracting lifelines
- Immediate removal from service of any equipment involved in fall arrest
- Pre-use inspection of ladders for cracks, bends, and loose hardware
- Competent person inspects scaffolds before each shift
- Tagging system for damaged equipment removal
- Weekly inspection of nail guns, compressors, and saws
- Preventive maintenance on schedule per manufacturer
- Lockout/tagout procedures for repairs and servicing
Insurance Benefits of Strong Risk Management
Fall Protection Requirements for Roofing Contractors
Falls are the #1 killer in roofing. Understanding and implementing proper fall protection is critical for safety AND insurance coverage.
OSHA 1926.501 - Mandatory Fall Protection at 6 Feet
OSHA requires fall protection for ANY work on surfaces where employees could fall 6 feet or more. For roofing work, this means virtually ALL residential and commercial projects require fall protection systems. Violations can result in $15,625 fines PER INSTANCE, and serious/willful violations can exceed $156,000.
Insurance Impact: Workers comp claims for falls WITHOUT proper fall protection in place can be denied for gross negligence, leaving you personally liable for medical costs and disability payments.
Acceptable Fall Protection Systems
1. Guardrail Systems
Top rail at 42 inches, mid-rail at 21 inches, capable of withstanding 200 pounds. Best for flat/low-slope roofs.
Pros: No training required, protects multiple workers, stays in place
Cons: Time to install, materials cost, limited mobility
2. Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
Full-body harness + lanyard + anchor point rated for 5,000 lbs. Most common for residential steep-slope roofing.
Pros: Mobile, works on steep slopes, relatively inexpensive
Cons: Requires training, proper anchor critical, only protects one worker
3. Safety Net Systems
Nets with max 6-inch mesh, installed max 30 feet below work surface. Used on larger commercial projects.
Pros: Catches falling workers/materials, covers large areas
Cons: Expensive, requires engineered support, limited applications
4. Warning Line Systems
Minimum 6 feet from edge on roofs with slopes 4:12 or less. Combined with safety monitoring system.
Pros: Quick to set up, low cost, good for flat roofs
Cons: Doesn't prevent falls, requires competent monitor, limited to low-slope
Residential Roofing Exemptions & Alternatives
1926.501(b)(13) - Residential Construction
On residential projects with slopes 8:12 or less, contractors can use a combination of guardrails, safety nets, OR personal fall arrest systems. If these are infeasible, you can implement a fall protection plan.
WARNING: "Infeasible" means physically impossible, NOT just inconvenient or expensive. OSHA scrutinizes this heavily.
Alternative Fall Protection Plan Requirements
- •Written plan specific to each job site
- •Prepared by qualified person
- •Documentation why conventional fall protection is infeasible
- •Alternative measures implemented (slide guards, roof jacks, etc.)
- •Employee training on alternative methods
- •Plan available on-site and reviewed with workers
Insurance Perspective on Exemptions
While OSHA may allow alternative fall protection plans, workers compensation insurers prefer documented use of PFAS or guardrails. Claims involving falls where only alternative methods were used face intense scrutiny and potential coverage challenges. CCA recommends using conventional fall protection whenever physically possible.
Common Residential Alternatives (When Allowed)
- Slide guards / roof jacks with planking
- Ridge hooks with rope grabs (not fall arrest, but positioning)
- Chicken ladders for steep-slope access
- Designated safety observer for warning line systems
Insurance Carrier Requirements Often Exceed OSHA Minimums
Many workers compensation carriers now require proof of fall protection training, written safety programs, and equipment inspection logs BEFORE they'll quote residential roofing contractors. CCA works with carriers that understand roofing operations and offer practical safety consultation services.
Free safety consultation from carrier loss control team
Safety equipment purchase programs with premium credits
Premium discounts for OSHA 30-hour certified supervisors
Material Liability & Defect Coverage
Understanding your liability for roofing materials - what's covered, what's not, and how to protect yourself
Products Liability Coverage
Your general liability policy includes "products-completed operations" coverage that protects you when materials you install cause damage or injury. However, there are critical limitations:
Damage to third-party property caused by defective shingles you installed. Example: Leaking roof damages customer's furniture and electronics.
Injuries caused by installed materials. Example: Shingles blow off in windstorm and injure neighbor.
Cost to remove and replace the defective roofing material itself. This is considered "your work" and excluded.
Materials still in your warehouse, on your truck, or not yet installed. Need inland marine coverage.
Manufacturer Warranty vs. Your Insurance
Understanding the interplay between manufacturer warranties and your contractor insurance is critical:
Manufacturer warranty covers only material defects - not installation errors. If shingles fail due to YOUR improper installation, manufacturer won't pay and your GL policy may not cover re-roofing costs.
Most manufacturer warranties EXCLUDE consequential damages (water damage to interior, business interruption, etc.). Your GL policy DOES cover these - making your insurance the primary protection for your customer.
When you provide a workmanship warranty (1-5 years common), your GL completed operations coverage responds if warranty work causes additional damage. Example: Re-flashing causes new leak damaging drywall.
Manufacturer-certified installers get extended warranties AND better insurance rates. Carriers view certification as risk reduction and often provide 5-10% premium credits.
Common Material Liability Scenarios
Defective Shingle Class Action
2018-2019 | Atlas Chalet Shingles
Widespread premature granule loss and cracking affected thousands of roofs. Manufacturers eventually settled, but contractors faced liability for re-roofing during the 2-3 year lawsuit period.
Insurance Lesson:
Contractors with proper GL coverage had defense costs paid by insurance while waiting for manufacturer resolution. Uninsured contractors absorbed full re-roof costs.
Installation vs. Material Defect Dispute
Common scenario
Roof leaks within 2 years. Manufacturer inspector blames installation. Contractor blames material. Customer sues contractor. Happens ALL the time.
Insurance Lesson:
Your GL policy provides legal defense to prove material defect. Photo documentation of proper installation is critical. Expert witness costs covered by insurance.
Adhesive Fire Liability
Increasing frequency
Roofing adhesives or primers ignite during application or curing. Fire spreads to building structure. Manufacturer blames improper application/ventilation.
Insurance Lesson:
Standard GL may exclude fire from chemical application. Need pollution liability or chemical application endorsement. Hot work coverage alone may not be sufficient.
Wind Blow-Off Claims
High-frequency in wind-prone areas
Shingles blow off in windstorm below manufacturer's rated wind speed. Finger-pointing between contractor installation and material performance.
Insurance Lesson:
Document compliance with manufacturer specs (nail count, placement, sealing). Engineering reports showing proper installation shift liability to manufacturer. Your GL covers investigation costs.
Best Practices to Minimize Material Liability Exposure
Photograph material labels, manufacturing dates, installation process, and final results. Creates timeline if defect claims arise years later.
Certified installers shift burden of proof to manufacturer for defect claims. Certification requires following exact specs - document this compliance.
Improper storage voids warranties. Document climate-controlled storage, FIFO inventory rotation, and protection from moisture.
Written disclosure of manufacturer warranty terms, your workmanship warranty, and maintenance requirements. Sets realistic expectations.
Subcontractor Insurance Requirements
Protect yourself from uninsured subcontractor liability - the fastest way to bankrupt a roofing business
WARNING: Uninsured Subcontractors = Your Liability
If your uninsured subcontractor injures themselves on your job site, THEY CAN SUE YOU for negligence. Your general liability policy may cover their medical costs and lawsuit, but premiums will skyrocket. Worse, if they injure someone else or damage property, you're liable for the full amount.
Real Example - $2.1 Million Judgment:
Texas roofing contractor hired uninsured gutter subcontractor. Sub fell 18 feet and became paralyzed. Because sub had no workers comp, he sued the roofing contractor for negligent supervision. Jury awarded $2.1M. Contractor's $1M GL policy paid limit, contractor personally liable for remaining $1.1M. Business bankrupted.
Required Subcontractor Coverage
- • Per occurrence: $1,000,000
- • Aggregate: $2,000,000
- • Products-completed ops included
- • YOUR company listed as additional insured
- • Statutory limits for state of operations
- • Employer's liability: $1M recommended
- • Valid for duration of your project
- • Covers ALL of sub's employees
- • $1M combined single limit minimum
- • Covers all vehicles used on project
- • Hired & non-owned auto coverage
Certificate Verification Checklist
Coverage must be active for ENTIRE duration of your project, not just when they start
Certificate must show YOUR company name exactly as it appears on your contracts
Certificates can be faked. Call the agent/carrier listed to verify coverage is actually in force
Certificate should require 30-day notice if policy is cancelled. Follow up if you receive notice.
Workers comp should include waiver of subrogation in your favor to prevent carrier from suing you
GL coverage should be primary, meaning their insurance pays BEFORE yours in the event of a claim
Pro Tip:
Use certificate tracking software or require subs to register with a service like myCOI or Smartcompliance. Automates verification and sends renewal reminders.
Sample Subcontractor Agreement Insurance Language
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Subcontractor shall procure and maintain during the entire term of this Agreement:
- 1. Commercial General Liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, including products-completed operations coverage.
- 2. Workers' Compensation insurance with statutory limits and Employer's Liability coverage of not less than $1,000,000.
- 3. Commercial Automobile Liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 combined single limit covering all owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- • [YOUR COMPANY NAME] shall be named as Additional Insured on GL and Auto policies on a primary and non-contributory basis.
- • Workers Compensation policy shall include Waiver of Subrogation in favor of [YOUR COMPANY NAME].
- • All policies shall provide 30 days' written notice of cancellation, non-renewal, or material change.
- • Certificates of Insurance must be provided BEFORE work commences and upon each renewal.
- • Failure to maintain required insurance is grounds for immediate termination of this Agreement.
Weather-Related Exposures & Coverage
How weather impacts your insurance coverage and what you need to know about storm-related claims
Wind & Storm Damage Scenarios
You complete tear-off but don't finish installation before unexpected storm. Water damage to interior.
Coverage Analysis:
Your GL policy covers this under "care, custody, control" while roof is in your possession. However, if you ignored weather forecasts or failed to tarp properly, insurer may claim negligence and deny coverage.
Wind gust blows unsecured shingles off roof, damaging neighbor's windows and siding.
Coverage Analysis:
Covered under GL operations coverage. Your duty to secure materials. Document wind speeds - if above safe working limits per industry standards (20mph), you have stronger defense.
Lightning strikes roof during torch-down application, causing fire that spreads to building.
Coverage Analysis:
Acts of God typically covered, BUT if you worked during thunderstorm warnings, insurer may argue negligence. Always cease hot work operations when lightning is within 10 miles.
Weather Protocol Requirements
- Wind above 20 mph: Too dangerous for ladder work and material handling
- Any precipitation: Slippery surfaces create severe fall hazards
- Temperature below manufacturer spec: Typically 40-50°F for adhesives
- Lightning within 10 miles: Especially critical during hot work operations
- Heat index above 105°F: Excessive heat stress risks for workers
If weather threatens incomplete roof, you MUST protect the structure:
- Monitor weather forecasts daily and plan work accordingly
- Keep emergency tarps and sandbags on every job site
- Secure all materials at end of each day - never leave loose on roof
- Photo document emergency weather protection measures
If named storm or severe weather warning issued:
- 1.Immediately secure all partially completed roofs with code-compliant tarping
- 2.Remove or secure all loose materials, tools, and equipment from roof and property
- 3.Document all protective measures with photos and time stamps
- 4.Notify customer in writing of weather delay and protection measures taken
- 5.Contact your insurance agent to report exposure before storm hits
Builders Risk vs. General Liability for Weather Claims
Builders Risk Coverage
Project-specific coverage protecting the building under construction from weather damage during your work:
- • Covers weather damage to YOUR roofing work in progress
- • Includes materials staged on site before installation
- • Protects against wind, hail, lightning, storm damage
- • Typically required on commercial projects over $500K
General Liability Coverage
Covers weather-related damage you cause to OTHER property or people:
- • Materials blow off and damage neighbor's property
- • Water intrusion damages customer's interior during your work
- • Incomplete roof allows storm damage to contents
- • Does NOT cover damage to your own work product
Climate Change Impact on Roofing Insurance
Insurance carriers are dramatically changing coverage in high-risk weather zones. Understanding these trends helps you plan:
- •Hurricane zones (FL, TX, LA): Some carriers exiting market entirely. Remaining carriers requiring 5% wind/hail deductibles on completed operations
- •Hail alley (CO, TX, OK, KS): Completed ops coverage limited to 2-3 years instead of standard 10 years in some policies
- •Wildfire zones (CA, OR, WA): Increased scrutiny on ember-resistant installation practices and material selection
- •All areas: Carriers requiring documented weather monitoring procedures and photo evidence of tarping/material securing
Hot Work & Fire Risks in Roofing
Critical coverage for torch-down, welding, and heat-producing roofing operations
Most GL Policies EXCLUDE Hot Work Fire Damage
Standard general liability policies typically EXCLUDE fire damage caused by your hot work operations. This means a torch-down fire that destroys a $2M building could leave you personally liable for the entire amount if you don't have specific hot work coverage. This is one of the most common coverage gaps in roofing insurance.
What's Excluded (Standard GL):
- • Fire from torch-down roofing operations
- • Welding and soldering fire damage
- • Heat gun ignition of materials
- • Propane torch operations
- • Smoldering material re-ignition
What IS Covered (With Hot Work Endorsement):
- ✓ Fire damage to client's building structure
- ✓ Smoke damage to adjacent units/properties
- ✓ Fire department charges and emergency costs
- ✓ Loss of use/business interruption for owners
- ✓ Legal defense against fire-related lawsuits
Fire Legal Liability
Endorsement on your GL policy specifically covering fire damage from hot work operations. Typically $500K-$1M sublimit.
Typical Cost:
$300-$800 annually depending on hot work volume
Pollution Liability
Some adhesive/primer fires fall under pollution exclusions. Separate pollution coverage may be needed for chemical fires.
Typical Cost:
$800-$2,000 annually for $1M coverage
Project-Specific Coverage
For large commercial projects, owner may require you to carry project-specific fire legal liability separate from your annual policy.
Typical Cost:
1-3% of contract value for duration of project
Mandatory Hot Work Safety Protocols
Insurance carriers require documented hot work procedures. Failure to follow these can result in claim denial:
Before Hot Work Begins:
Obtain Hot Work Permit
From building owner/manager documenting authorization and fire watch requirements
Clear 35-Foot Radius
Remove all combustible materials within 35 feet of hot work area or protect with fire-resistant barriers
Fire Extinguisher Staging
Minimum two 10-lb ABC extinguishers within arm's reach, inspected and fully charged
Check Below Work Area
Inspect spaces below for combustibles, ensure no fuel/chemical storage, station fire watch if applicable
During & After Hot Work:
Continuous Supervision
Hot work operator must maintain direct control of torch/heat source at all times - no unattended flames
Weather Monitoring
Cease operations in winds above 15mph or during lightning/precipitation warnings
Fire Watch - MANDATORY 4 Hours
Designated person monitors work area for minimum 4 hours after completion. Most fires start 2-6 hours after work stops.
Document Everything
Photos of cleared area, equipment inspection, fire watch log with times/observations. Critical for claim defense.
Real Fire Statistics You Need to Know
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) roofing operations fire statistics, 2023
Certificate of Insurance Requirements
What clients require and how to get certificates issued quickly
Standard Certificate Requirements
General Liability Coverage
- • $1,000,000 per occurrence
- • $2,000,000 general aggregate
- • $2,000,000 products-completed operations aggregate
- • $1,000,000 personal & advertising injury
- • Property owner/GC listed as additional insured
- • 30-day cancellation notice required
Workers Compensation
- • Statutory limits for state of operations
- • Part B Employer's Liability: $1,000,000 each accident
- • $1,000,000 disease - policy limit
- • $1,000,000 disease - each employee
- • Waiver of subrogation in favor of certificate holder
Commercial Auto
- • $1,000,000 combined single limit
- • Covers any auto (owned, hired, non-owned)
- • Additional insured for auto liability
Common Special Requirements
Enhanced Liability Limits
Large commercial or institutional projects often require:
- • $2,000,000 or $5,000,000 per occurrence
- • Umbrella/excess liability coverage
- • Higher aggregate limits
Primary & Non-Contributory
Your insurance must pay FIRST before owner's policy:
- • Requires specific endorsement on policy
- • Prevents your insurer from seeking contribution from owner
- • Almost universally required on commercial work
Blanket Additional Insured
Automatic AI for any contract requiring it:
- • Eliminates need for endorsement per project
- • Saves time and rush endorsement fees
- • Covers owners, GCs, property managers automatically
Installation Floater / Builders Risk
Coverage for materials before installation:
- • Protects against theft, vandalism, weather damage
- • Covers materials in transit and on-site
- • Required on many large commercial projects
Fast Certificate Issuance with CCA
Standard certificate requests processed same business day if received before 3pm EST
Rush certificate requests marked urgent - perfect for last-minute bid requirements
Request certificates 24/7 through client portal - delivered directly to your inbox
What We Need to Issue Certificate:
- Certificate holder name and full address
- Project address (if different from certificate holder)
- Contract/project number for reference
- Special requirements (primary & non-contributory, waiver of subrogation, etc.)
- Delivery method preference (email, fax, mail)
Common Certificate Mistakes That Delay Projects
❌ What NOT to Do:
- • Requesting certificate without checking your actual coverage limits
- • Assuming you have special endorsements without verifying
- • Providing incomplete certificate holder information
- • Waiting until day project starts to request certificate
- • Not reviewing certificate before sending to client
✓ Best Practices:
- • Request certificates 3-5 business days before needed
- • Review contract insurance requirements when bidding
- • Contact agent if requirements exceed your current coverage
- • Keep template of common certificate holder information
- • Verify certificate accuracy before submitting to client
How to Choose the Right Roofing Insurance Policy
Critical factors to evaluate when comparing roofing contractor insurance quotes
Don't Choose on Price Alone
The cheapest quote often has the most exclusions, highest deductibles, and weakest coverage. A $200 premium difference is meaningless if you have a $500,000 uncovered claim.
What to Compare:
- • Actual coverage limits and sublimits
- • Deductibles per claim
- • Specific exclusions and endorsements
- • Carrier AM Best rating
- • Claims handling reputation
Carrier Financial Strength
Your carrier needs to be financially stable to pay claims years from now. Completed operations claims can surface 5-10 years after the work.
AM Best Ratings:
- • A++ or A+: Superior - Best choice
- • A or A-: Excellent - Acceptable
- • B++ or B+: Good - Use with caution
- • Below B+: Avoid for contractor insurance
Agent Expertise Matters
General insurance agents don't understand roofing exposures. You need a specialist who knows the difference between torch-down and shingle installation risks.
Questions to Ask Agent:
- • What percentage of your clients are roofers?
- • Do you understand hot work exclusions?
- • Can you get quotes from specialty carriers?
- • Will you help with claim documentation?
Coverage Checklist for Roofing Contractors
General Liability Must-Haves
- ✓$1M per occurrence minimum ($2M better)
- ✓$2M products-completed operations aggregate
- ✓Blanket additional insured endorsement
- ✓Primary & non-contributory language
- ✓Fire legal liability / hot work coverage
Workers Comp Must-Haves
- ✓Statutory coverage for all operating states
- ✓$1M employer's liability (Part B) limits
- ✓Waiver of subrogation endorsement available
- ✓Proper roofing class codes applied
- ✓Experience mod below 1.00 if possible
Additional Coverage to Consider
- ✓Umbrella/excess liability ($1M-$5M)
- ✓Inland marine for tools & equipment
- ✓Commercial auto with $1M CSL
- ✓Installation floater / builders risk option
- ✓Professional liability if doing design work
Why Roofing Contractors Choose CCA
Contractor's Choice Agency specializes in roofing contractor insurance across all 48 states. We understand your unique exposures, work with A-rated carriers who know the roofing industry, and provide same-day certificate service. Our agents speak your language and structure coverage that actually protects you - not just checks a box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common roofing contractor insurance questions
Still Have Questions?
Our roofing insurance specialists are available to answer your specific coverage questions and provide customized quotes.
Get Comprehensive Roofing Contractor Insurance Today
Don't risk your business with inadequate coverage or coverage gaps. CCA specializes in roofing contractor insurance with same-day quotes, competitive rates from A-rated carriers, and coverage that actually protects you.
GL, WC, Auto, Hot Work, and specialized coverages
Financially strong insurers who pay claims
Same-day quotes and certificate issuance
Licensed in 48+ states | Serving roofing contractors nationwide since 2005