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Roofing insurance (also called insurance for roofers or roofing contractor insurance) is a tailored commercial insurance package designed for roofing operations. It typically combines:
Commercial general liability insurance (CGL) for third party injury and property damage claims
Tools and equipment coverage for theft and damage to your tools and mobile equipment
Options for commercial auto, installation floater, business interruption, and other contractor-focused coverages, depending on your needs
Roofing is often treated as a specialized class by insurers. That means the details of your work (for example, residential versus commercial, repair versus new construction, torch use, subcontractor use, and heights) can directly impact what coverage is available and on what terms.
Roofers face a mix of risks that can be financially devastating:
High injury exposure due to working at heights
High property damage exposure due to water intrusion, falling debris, and fire risk from certain tools and processes
High contract pressure where general contractors, builders, and property managers require proof of insurance before work begins
High theft exposure because tools and materials often move between sites and are stored in vehicles or trailers
Roofing insurance helps protect your cash flow and assets so one claim does not wipe out months or years of progress.
Commercial general liability insurance protects you if your business is accused of causing:
Examples for roofers can include:
Many CGL policies also include personal and advertising injury coverage, which can help with certain non-physical claims like libel or slander, depending on wording.
Roofing is part of the construction industry, and Ontario has specific rules for workplace safety and insurance coverage.
Ontario’s WSIB guidance on expanded compulsory coverage in the construction industry states that people who own or run a construction business, with or without employees, are required to have WSIB coverage and need to register (with some exceptions).
IHSA also highlights that nearly everyone who works in Ontario’s construction industry must have WSIB coverage.
For many roofers, WSIB is not just a legal and safety issue, it is also a business requirement. General contractors and project owners often require WSIB clearance documentation before allowing work to begin.
Because rules and classifications can be specific, we help you understand what applies to your roofing business and how it interacts with your insurance program.
Roofers rely on specialized tools, compressors, nailers, safety equipment, ladders, scaffolding, and sometimes trailers and mobile units. Tools and equipment coverage is designed to help when those tools are stolen, damaged, or destroyed.
This coverage is especially valuable because:
Depending on how your business operates, tools and equipment coverage may be structured as scheduled coverage (listing major items) or a blanket limit for smaller tools. The best approach depends on how often you add tools and how well you track your inventory.
It transfers financial risk to an insurer when something unexpected happens.
It helps you run a more disciplined operation because insurers and contracts push you toward better documentation and safety practices.
Not all roofing insurance is equal. When you compare options, focus on:
Before you buy or renew, ask these questions:
A broker who understands roofing will not just quote you. They will help you ask and answer these questions before you sign.
Small roofing businesses often have the most to lose. One liability claim can exceed the cash reserves of a small operation quickly. Many clients also require proof of insurance before work starts. Even if you only take small residential jobs, your exposure to injury and property damage still exists.
Roofing insurance policies can differ significantly in:
The cheapest policy can become the most expensive decision if it fails to respond when you need it.
It depends on your contracts and risk profile. Many project owners and general contractors require at least $2,000,000 in commercial general liability coverage, and some larger contracts require higher limits. We review your contract requirements and recommend limits that align with the work you take on.
Roofing is part of the construction industry, and WSIB guidance on expanded compulsory coverage states that people who own or run a construction business, with or without employees, are required to have WSIB coverage and need to register (with some exceptions).
Because requirements can depend on your situation, we help you confirm what applies to your business and how to stay compliant.
Most commercial general liability policies are not designed to cover the cost to redo poor work. Coverage often focuses on third party bodily injury, third party property damage, and legal defence.
Some claims involve resulting damage to other property, and how a policy responds depends on wording and the facts of the loss. This is why it is important to review exclusions and endorsements carefully.
Yes. Liability insurance protects you against third party claims. It does not replace stolen nail guns, ladders, compressors, or other tools your crew relies on. Tools and equipment coverage is designed to respond to theft or damage to your tools and mobile equipment.
Some insurers will consider torch-on or hot work roofing, but underwriting is often stricter and may require specific safety controls and documentation.
If you do torch-on, hot asphalt, or similar work, it is critical to disclose it and place coverage with a market that is comfortable with that exposure.
Roofing insurance cost is influenced by factors such as:
The best way to understand cost is to request a quote based on your real operations.
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