Roofing insurance is one of the most expensive contractor insurance classes — Insureon's average GL is $317/month, more than twice what plumbers or electricians pay. The premium reflects real loss data: falls from height and property damage on every job. Most standard carriers decline roofers, pushing them to specialty markets at higher rates.
Most roofing businesses pay about $317 a month for general liability, based on Insureon's figures for its own customers.
Price is one part of it. Our roofer insurance guide covers which policies you need and why.
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What Drives Roofer Insurance Cost Up or Down
- Steep-slope vs flat residential vs commercial work
- Height of buildings worked on (2-story vs commercial high-rise)
- Fall protection programs and OSHA compliance documentation
- Claims history — roofing has high loss frequency
- State and local hurricane/storm risk for property exposure
- Subcontractor use vs employee crews
Roofer Insurance Cost Breakdown
Premiums from Insureon's 2026 roofer cost data for its own customers (Insureon calls them averages; its method note describes median premiums):
| Coverage | Average Monthly | Average Annual |
|---|---|---|
| General liability (GL) | $317/mo | $3,808/yr |
| Commercial auto | $268/mo | $3,212/yr |
| Professional liability (E&O) | $67/mo | $808/yr |
| Tools & equipment | $42/mo | $505/yr |
How to Lower Your Roofer Insurance Cost
- Document fall protection training and equipment — significant rate impact
- Maintain detailed subcontractor certificates of insurance
- Avoid steep-slope and commercial roofing unless you have specialty market access
- Keep claims clean — roofing carriers tighten quickly after a single severity claim
- Quote specialty markets (BTIS, Builders Mutual, ArmStrong) where standard carriers decline
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does roofer insurance cost?
Per Insureon's 2026 data, general liability averages $317/month ($3,808/year), commercial auto runs $268/month, professional liability averages $67/month. Total premium depends on revenue, employees, state, and claims history.
What insurance do I need as a roofer?
Most roofing businesses need: general liability (often bundled into a business owners policy), commercial auto for any vehicles in the business, professional liability (E&O) if you provide advice or deliverables, tools and equipment coverage for property in transit. The specific mix depends on your operations, employee count, and any contractual requirements from clients or vendors.
How long does it take roofing businesses to get insurance quotes?
It depends on how many policies roofing businesses need and how quickly you can supply the details. Chubb says a basic online quote often takes only a few minutes for a simple business. Commercial auto needs each vehicle's VIN and each driver's license and driving record. Professional liability usually needs a short application about the services you provide and any past claims. Having these details ready is the fastest way to get quotes; see what you need for a business insurance quote.
Should roofing businesses buy insurance direct or through an agent?
Either can work for roofing businesses. Buying direct from an insurer online suits a simple business that needs one or two policies. An agent or broker who compares several insurers helps most when you run business vehicles, you need cover for tools and equipment, because you are buying several policies at once. Neither route is cheaper by default: each insurer prices its own business types and states, so comparing quotes is the only way to know.
Why is roofer insurance so expensive?
Roofing has dramatically higher loss frequency and severity than most trades. Falls from height are the leading injury cause, and the property exposure on every job is the entire roof of a building. Insureon shows roofers paying $317/month average for GL — more than twice what plumbers ($147/mo) and over five times what electricians ($61/mo) pay. Most standard market carriers decline or restrict roofers entirely.
Which carriers actually write roofing contractors?
Specialty markets dominate: BTIS, Builders Mutual, ArmStrong Insurance, and various E&S program administrators. Hartford, Travelers, and most standard carriers exclude roofing, particularly commercial and steep-slope residential. See our [contractor carriers guide](/blog/best-carriers-for-contractors) for the specialty options.
Related Guides for Roofer Insurance
For an independent breakdown of which carriers actually write roofer insurance well in 2026, see our carrier comparison.
For the coverages roofing businesses need and what insurers ask before they quote, see our roofer insurance guide.