Roofer insurance: what you need and what it costs

Updated 2026-05-01

Roofing is one of the most dangerous — and most expensive to insure — trades in construction. Fall risk, property damage exposure, and large claim amounts make insurers cautious. But the right coverage is non-negotiable: GCs require it, licensing boards require it, and one uncovered incident can end the business. Here's exactly what you need.

Short version: Roofers pay $2,000–$6,000+/year for GL depending on size and history. Workers' comp is legally required in most states if you have employees — this is especially important in roofing. Most state licenses also require a surety bond. Don't skip any of these.

Coverage every roofing contractor needs

Coverage	What it covers	Required?	Typical cost
General liability	Property damage and injury from your work	Yes — licensing, all GC jobs	$2,000–$6,000/yr
Workers' comp	Employee and crew injuries on the job	Yes if employees; strongly recommended for subs	Varies — often 15–30% of payroll for roofing
Surety bond	License guarantee to state and clients	Yes — most state licenses	$150–$500/yr
Commercial auto	Work truck accidents	If you use vehicles for work	$1,400–$2,800/yr
Inland marine	Equipment, ladders, nail guns, tarps	Recommended	2–3% of value/yr

Why workers' comp is critical for roofers

Roofing has one of the highest worker fatality rates of any trade. A fall from even a one-story roof can result in severe injury. Workers' comp covers:

Medical bills for injured workers — no limit on covered medical costs in most states
Lost wages while a worker recovers
Permanent disability benefits for serious injuries
Death benefits for the worker's family

The subcontractor trap: In many states, if you hire an uninsured subcontractor and they're injured on your job, you're liable. GCs regularly require proof of workers' comp from every roofing sub before they're allowed on site. Verify your state's rules — most require workers' comp for any worker, including 1099s, in the roofing trade.

Get a roofing insurance quote

Thimble

A-rated GL, BOP, professional liability, and equipment coverage. Bind online in minutes — download your COI the same day.

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Surety bond for roofers

Most states require a contractor's license bond before issuing a roofing license. Bond amounts typically range from $10,000–$25,000. A good-credit roofer pays $150–$300/year; rates are higher with poor credit or claims history.

Need a contractor surety bond?

Most state contractor licenses require a surety bond before you can pull permits. Get bonded online — certificates issued same day.

Get bonded at SuretyBondly →

Real roofing claims

Roofer's ladder falls and breaks homeowner's car windshield and dents hood — $8,500
Improper flashing causes water intrusion into finished basement — $55,000 remediation
Worker falls from second-story roof — $180,000 medical claim (workers' comp paid)
Tarp blows off overnight, rain damages interior — $35,000 property claim
Skylight installation leaks, destroys hardwood floors and ceiling — $42,000

Tips for lowering roofing insurance costs

Safety program: Document your fall protection procedures. Some carriers discount premiums for documented safety training.
Claims history: Stay claims-free. Even one claim significantly raises your rate at renewal.
Separate residential from commercial: Different risk profiles — insuring them separately sometimes yields lower total premiums.
Pay annually: Most carriers charge 3–5% more for monthly payment plans.

Frequently asked questions

How much does roofer insurance cost?

Roofing is one of the most expensive trades to insure due to the high risk of falls, property damage, and large claim amounts. General liability for a small roofing company typically runs $2,000–$6,000/year. Rates depend heavily on annual revenue, crew size, and claims history. Residential roofing is priced differently than commercial; steep-slope carries higher premiums than low-slope.

Why is roofing insurance so expensive?

Fall risk and claim severity. A fall from a roof can result in a six-figure medical claim. Roof work also carries high property damage risk — a tarp left loose, a skylight improperly sealed, or a flashing failure can cause major water damage. Insurers price that risk accordingly. Some carriers decline to write roofing at all; others specialize in it.

What insurance do roofers need?

At minimum: general liability (required for licensing and GC work), workers' compensation (legally required in most states if you have employees — especially important in roofing), a surety bond (required for most state contractor licenses), and commercial auto if you use a truck. Many roofers also carry inland marine for equipment and materials.

Does a roofing company need workers' comp even for subcontractors?

Possibly — this is a critical issue for roofers. In many states, if you hire uninsured subcontractors, you can be held responsible for their injuries. GCs often require proof of workers' comp before letting any crew on site. Even if your state doesn't legally require it for 1099 workers, carrying it protects you from being on the hook for a sub's injury.

Do roofers need a surety bond?

In most states, yes — a contractor's license requires a surety bond. Additionally, some GCs and large property management companies require roofers to be bonded before awarding contracts. Bond amounts for roofing licenses typically range from $10,000–$25,000; premiums run $150–$500/year.

How do I get a roofing COI quickly?

With online carriers you can get a COI in minutes after binding. For roofing, some carriers require a phone call or underwriting review due to the higher risk profile, so same-day isn't always guaranteed. Thimble and other digital-first carriers can often handle it online.

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