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 is not legally mandated for self-employed roofers, but it is a practical necessity. Most clients will not hire a roofer without seeing a valid certificate, and the risks of working at height make claims more likely.
What level of public liability do roofers need?
Most roofers carry between £2m and £5m of public liability cover. Commercial contracts frequently require a minimum of £5m.
Does roofers insurance cover storm damage to work in progress?
Some policies include cover for damage to your work caused by storm or adverse weather, but this varies by insurer. It is important to check whether your policy covers work in progress against weather events.
Do I need insurance to work on flat roofs?
Yes, flat roofing carries specific risks, including the use of hot works such as torches for felt roofing. Your policy needs to cover the specific methods you use.
Do I need Building Regulations approval for roof repairs and replacements?
Replacement roofs and major repairs typically require Building Regulations approval. Minor repairs may be exempt, but it is safer to assume approval is needed. Confirm with your local authority before starting work — failure to get approval can lead to enforcement action and make the property unmortgageable.
Am I covered for emergency roof work and weather-related claims?
Yes, most policies include emergency callout work and cover damage from weather exposure during repairs. However, check that your policy covers the specific activities involved in emergency roof access, such as tarping and temporary weather protection.
What should I do if I discover structural problems or asbestos when removing an old roof?
Stop work immediately and notify the customer and your insurer. Document the issue with photographs and obtain a specialist's assessment. Your professional indemnity cover will typically protect you if you follow proper procedures and notify all parties promptly.
Do I need specialist cover for working at height on scaffolding or harnesses?
Working at height is covered under standard roof cover, but you must follow Working at Height Regulations and use appropriate safety equipment. Your insurer expects compliance with these legal requirements — confirm your cover includes all access methods you use.
Am I covered for work on different roof types — slate, tiles, felt, metal, etc.?
Most policies cover a range of roof types, but some may exclude specialist materials or techniques. If you work with slate, flat roofs, or metal roofing, confirm these are included. Unusual or specialist roof types may require additional cover or endorsements.
Interested in Roofers insurance?
We will be in contact when Cecil launches.