Roofers Insurance
Protect your roofing business against the higher risks of working at height, including third-party injury claims and accidental property damage.
Get in touchWhat is roofers insurance?
Roofers insurance is a specialist trade insurance package that covers the unique risks of working at height on residential and commercial roofs. It typically includes public liability, employers liability and tools cover tailored to roofing contractors.
Roofing is classified as a higher-risk trade by insurers, which means standard tradesperson policies may not provide adequate cover. Falling materials, weather damage and injuries from working at height are all common risks.
Cecil works with insurers who have experience covering roofing contractors, so your policy is priced fairly and does not contain unexpected exclusions.
Public Liability
Covers third-party injury or property damage claims caused by your roofing work.
Employers Liability
Required by law, covering injury and illness claims from your roofing operatives.
Tools and Equipment
Covers your roofing tools, ladders, scaffolding and access equipment.
Products Liability
Covers claims arising from roofing materials you have supplied and installed.
Who needs roofers insurance?
Domestic roofers
Repairing and replacing roofs on residential properties
Commercial roofing contractors
Working on flat roofs, industrial units and commercial buildings
Flat roofing specialists
Installing felt, rubber and GRP flat roofing systems
Slate and tile roofers
Working with traditional pitched roof materials
Roof repair specialists
Carrying out emergency repairs and maintenance
Licensing and accreditation for roofers
Roofers are not required to hold a formal licence, but work on building roofs is regulated by Building Regulations, which govern fire safety, weather protection, and structural safety. New roofs and significant repairs must comply with Building Regulations or be carried out by a registered person scheme member (such as NHBC or LABC). Local authorities can take enforcement action if work does not comply.
Residential clients frequently request public liability insurance before allowing roof work. Commercial clients, property developers, and insurance companies of the property being worked on often require certificates and formal notification before work begins.
Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement but is essential in practice. Roof work is inherently high-risk, and clients expect substantial cover. Many insurance companies of the property will require notification that roof work is planned.
Insurance protects you against claims arising from roof work causing water ingress, structural damage, or injuries. Roof work frequently results in claims due to weather exposure and the complexity of creating a watertight seal. Ensure your cover includes emergency cover and weather-related issues.
How much does roofers insurance cost?
£200 – £550 per year for sole traders; roofers with employees or those working on commercial properties may pay £700 – £1,500
Real claims: what roofers insurance covers
A roofer's poor installation of roof flashing allowed water to enter the property during heavy rain, causing extensive attic damage, plasterwork deterioration, and mould growth.
Public liability covered the cost of roof remediation, emergency tarping, internal drying and remediation, full plasterwork repair, mould treatment, and compensation to the customer for disturbance.
£24,600 total — £16,000 roof and flashing remediation, £6,500 internal damage repair and drying, £2,100 customer compensation and legal fees
A roofer fell from a ladder while accessing the roof, suffering spinal injuries that resulted in temporary paralysis and long-term mobility impairment.
Employers liability covered the employee's compensation for permanent disability, specialist rehabilitation costs, ongoing medical care, and modification of their home to accommodate disability.
£92,000 total — £78,000 permanent disability compensation, £10,000 rehabilitation and medical care, £4,000 legal fees
A roofer's removal of an old roof revealed underlying structural decay that they failed to report or flag to the customer, resulting in further structural damage during the replacement.
Professional indemnity covered the cost of remedial structural repairs, specialist engineer assessments, and compensation to the property owner for the additional damage.
£18,700 total — £13,500 structural repairs, £3,200 engineer assessments and reports, £2,000 customer compensation and legal fees
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Specialist cover for height work
Roofing is rated as higher risk by most insurers. Cecil finds policies from insurers who understand roofing and price the risk fairly rather than loading your premium unnecessarily.
No hidden exclusions
Some general trade policies exclude or restrict cover for working above certain heights. Cecil checks that your roofing work is fully covered before presenting you with a quote.
Quick comparison, fair prices
Tell us about your roofing business and Get options from specialist insurers experienced in covering roofers. You get clear quotes without having to chase brokers.
Claims support for roofing disputes
Roofing claims often involve disputes about workmanship or weather damage. Cecil partners with insurers who have dedicated claims teams experienced in handling roofing issues.
Common questions about roofers insurance
Do roofers need public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance is not legally mandated for self-employed roofers, but it is a practical necessity in the UK roofing industry. Most clients—whether homeowners, landlords, or commercial property owners—will not hire a roofer without seeing a valid insurance certificate. Many property insurance companies require proof of your public liability coverage before allowing roof work to proceed. The risks of working at height make claims more likely: a dropped tool, damage to gutters or flashing, or injury to occupants can result in expensive claims. Even a minor incident such as roof tile damage to a neighbour's property could cost thousands to remedy. When clients request your insurance certificate—which most do—you must be able to provide it immediately or lose the job. Commercial clients and insurance assessors routinely require photographic evidence that you carry appropriate cover. Without insurance, a single claim could bankrupt your business. Roofers who repeatedly claim they are 'fully insured' without certificates damage their reputation. Speak to an FCA-authorised broker specialising in roofing to find cost-effective cover matching your work scope.
What level of public liability do roofers need?
Most roofing contractors carry between £2 million and £5 million of public liability cover, with many commercial clients and main contractors specifying £5 million or higher as a contract requirement. The appropriate limit depends on the value and risk profile of the properties you work on. For smaller residential jobs (repair and maintenance on standard homes), £2 million may be adequate. However, high-value residential properties, listed buildings, or large commercial buildings justify £5–£10 million cover due to potential damage costs. Commercial contracts almost always specify minimum cover in the terms: failing to meet the requirement means you cannot tender for the work. A single roofing claim can easily exceed £50,000: water ingress claims on high-value properties can result in internal damage, mould remediation, and customer compensation reaching £100,000 or more. Higher cover limits protect you against catastrophic loss and give clients confidence you are a professional operation. Compare quotes from multiple insurers: whilst higher limits increase premium cost, the difference between £2 million and £5 million cover is often modest for experienced roofers. Review your cover limit annually as your client base grows and average property values increase.
Does roofers insurance cover storm damage to work in progress?
Cover for damage to your work caused by storm or adverse weather during the work phase varies between insurers and depends on policy wording. Some roofing policies automatically include 'cover for work in progress' against weather damage, whilst others exclude weather-related damage entirely or require specific endorsements. Weather exposure during roof work is a common source of claims: if you begin roof replacement and severe weather prevents completion, the roof may be temporarily exposed, leading to water ingress and internal damage. Before starting major roof work, confirm whether your policy covers damage to the work caused by weather, and clarify what 'weather damage' means in your policy (storm, rain, snow, etc.). If weather cover is not included, discuss adding it, particularly for seasonal work. However, note that insurance covers damage caused by weather events, not damage caused by your failure to provide temporary weather protection (such as tarping or sheeting incomplete roof work). You are expected to take steps to prevent weather damage—insurance is a backstop, not an excuse to leave work unsecured. Document weather exposure carefully: photographs and site notes demonstrating you took reasonable precautions strengthen any claim. Discuss cover options with your chosen insurer before committing to large roof contracts.
Do I need insurance to work on flat roofs?
Yes, flat roofing carries specific risks and requires appropriate insurance cover. Flat roofs typically use felt, rubber membrane, or bitumen systems, many of which involve hot works such as torches or heating equipment for application and sealing. Your policy must explicitly cover the specific flat roofing methods and materials you use. Standard pitched roof cover may not automatically extend to flat roofing, particularly if you use heat application methods. When obtaining insurance quotes, declare the proportion of flat roof work in your business and the specific methods you use (torch-applied felt, hot bitumen, cold-applied membranes, etc.). Some insurers require additional fire safety training or certifications for hot works, particularly if you work in urban areas or near combustible materials. Flat roof cover is available from most roofing insurers but may be more expensive than pitched roof cover due to higher fire and accident risks. Many commercial roofing contracts—such as commercial buildings, industrial units, or shopping centres—are flat roofs, so confirming cover is essential if this is your market. Discuss specifically which roof types and application methods are covered, and ensure certificates or endorsements explicitly mention flat roofing before starting work.
Do I need Building Regulations approval for roof repairs and replacements?
Replacement roofs and major repairs typically require Building Regulations approval in the UK. The rules distinguish between minor repairs (which may be exempt) and major work affecting the structure, weather protection, or fire safety (which requires approval). If in doubt, assume approval is required rather than risk an enforcement action. Before starting work, confirm with your local authority whether Building Regulations approval is needed—different authorities may interpret requirements differently. The consequences of unapproved roof work are serious: the property becomes unmortgageable, the owner faces enforcement action and costly remediation orders, and you may be held liable. Roof work affecting structural integrity, insulation standards, or fire safety regulations particularly requires approval. Work can be certified by approved persons under registered schemes (such as LABC or NHBC certification), which provides an alternative to full local authority inspection. When quoting jobs, clarify this requirement with the customer and build approval timescales into your schedule. Your insurance covers damage claims arising from roof work, but it does not cover claims resulting from failure to obtain required approvals or non-compliance with Building Regulations. Always confirm approval requirements before commencing—this protects you and the customer from serious legal and financial consequences later.
Am I covered for emergency roof work and weather-related claims?
Yes, most roofing policies include cover for emergency callout work and typically cover damage from weather exposure during emergency repairs. Emergency roof access work—such as tarping damaged areas to prevent further water ingress, temporary repairs, or stabilisation of loose materials—is considered core roofing work. However, confirm your policy specifically covers emergency callout work and temporary weather protection activities, as some policies may require advance notification or specific endorsements for emergency work outside normal business hours. If you operate 24/7 emergency roofing services, declare this to your insurer—some policies may impose uplift premiums or require notification of major emergency jobs. When responding to emergencies, document everything: photographs of damage, weather conditions, temporary measures taken, and time spent on stabilisation work. Insurers will expect evidence that you acted reasonably to prevent further damage and that temporary measures were appropriate for the circumstances. If the emergency involves asbestos discovery, structural issues, or other complications, stop work immediately, notify the customer and your insurer, and obtain specialist assessment. Your professional indemnity cover (if you carry it) protects you if your emergency stabilisation advice or work is later questioned. Emergency roofing work is legitimate core business that good policies cover—confirm cover is included and understand your obligations for claim notification.
What should I do if I discover structural problems or asbestos when removing an old roof?
If you discover structural issues (such as rotten timbers, inadequate support, or failed structural members) or asbestos-containing materials whilst removing an old roof, you must stop work immediately and notify the property owner and your insurer without delay. Document the issue with detailed photographs and a written report describing the defect, its extent, and any safety hazards. Recommend obtaining a specialist's assessment (structural engineer for structural issues, licensed asbestos contractor for asbestos). Do not continue work until the customer has consulted specialists and agreed on remediation. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, you cannot disturb asbestos—this must be handled by a licensed contractor. Your professional indemnity insurance (if you carry it) protects you if you follow proper procedures: stopping work, documenting the issue, and ensuring all parties are notified. Insurance covers the cost of defending yourself if a claim later arises from the discovery—for example, the customer disputes whether the asbestos was already present. However, insurance does not reimburse you for the roof work you cannot complete. Notify your insurer even if you do not expect a claim: this creates a record and triggers professional indemnity coverage if issues emerge later. Handling discoveries properly protects your business reputation and legal position.
Do I need specialist cover for working at height on scaffolding or harnesses?
Working at height on pitched roofs using ladders, crawl boards, or roof brackets is covered under standard roofing insurance, provided you follow the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and use appropriate safe working practices. However, if you use scaffolding platforms, powered access platforms, or rope access equipment, confirm these access methods are explicitly covered in your policy. Many roofers use contractor-supplied scaffolding for large jobs, which creates questions about insurance responsibility: your policy covers work you perform using scaffolding, but the scaffolding itself and its safety certification is typically the contractor's responsibility. If you use rope access techniques (common for high-rise or difficult-to-access roofs), confirm your policy covers rope access work and that your operatives hold relevant certifications (IRATA or IFMGA qualifications are standard). The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that all work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons using appropriate equipment. Your insurer expects compliance with these legal requirements—failure to comply may invalidate claims. When using hired access equipment, obtain written confirmation from the hire company that they are responsible for safety certification and maintenance. Ensure your operatives understand safe working practices and that you have documented competence assessments. These precautions protect you legally and ensure your insurance remains valid.
Am I covered for work on different roof types — slate, tiles, felt, metal, etc.?
Most roofing policies cover a range of roof types including pitched tile, slate, felt, metal, and asphalt roofs, but some may exclude specialist materials or techniques specific to certain roof types. When obtaining insurance quotes, declare the specific roof types you work on regularly: traditional slate, heritage tiles, modern interlocking tiles, metal standing seam, bitumen felt, rubber membranes, thatch, or specialist materials. If you work regularly with slate or heritage tiles, confirm these are explicitly included—some insurers may require specific training in traditional slating techniques or heritage restoration. Unusual or specialist roof types (such as thatch, lead-work roofs, or copper roofs) often require additional endorsements or work with specialist heritage contractors. Premium costs can vary significantly between roof types: traditional slate work attracts higher premiums due to specialist skills required and the value of materials involved. If you transition into new roof types (e.g., adding renewable energy installations onto metal roofs), notify your insurer immediately—working on new material types without updating cover may invalidate claims. Industrial roof types (such as large commercial metal decking or specialist industrial systems) may require entirely different cover from standard residential roofing policies. Before quoting on specialist roof types, confirm your current policy covers them or discuss obtaining appropriate endorsements. This prevents expensive disputes if claims arise on unfamiliar roof types.
Interested in Roofers insurance?
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