INSURANCE GUIDE Roofer Insurance - what cover roofing contractors need in 2026 |
TL;DR
- Roofing work at height means roofer insurance premiums are typically higher than most other trades - the risk of serious injury from falls and the potential for significant property damage from a failed roof are both significant.
- Employers liability is compulsory for any roofing business with employees - minimum GBP 5 million under the 1969 Act.
- Public liability limits for roofing should typically be at least GBP 5 million - many housebuilders and developers require GBP 10 million minimum.
- Water ingress damage following roofing work is a common and costly claim - PL covers resulting damage but not defective workmanship itself.
- Hot works (torch-applied felt, lead welding) require additional cover - many standard PL policies exclude or limit hot works liability.
Last reviewed: June 2026
KEY FACTS | |
| EL legal requirement | Compulsory - minimum GBP 5 million under the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 |
| PL minimum for housebuilders | GBP 10 million typically required by national housebuilders and large developers |
| Hot works cover | Torch-applied felt and lead welding require specific hot works extension - excluded from many standard PL policies |
| Water ingress claims | PL covers resulting water damage to property; defective workmanship extension needed for cost of rectifying the roof itself |
| NFRC membership insurance | National Federation of Roofing Contractors recommends minimum GBP 5 million PL for members |
| Annual premium range | GBP 500 to GBP 2,000 for a sole trader; GBP 2,000 to GBP 8,000 for a small roofing company |
What Is Roofer Insurance?
Roofer insurance is a package of covers for roofing contractors of all sizes, from sole trader roofers to specialist roofing companies. Roofing work combines the risks of working at height with the potential for significant water damage if a roof is not made weathertight promptly, making the risk profile more complex than many other trades and premiums correspondingly higher.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 impose specific duties on roofing contractors, including requirements for edge protection, working platforms, and fall arrest systems. Compliance with these regulations is expected by insurers and is relevant to claims investigations following any fall injury.
KEY FACTS
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Hot Works: A Critical Exclusion to Check
Torch-applied felt roofing (torching) and lead welding are categorised as hot works for insurance purposes. Hot works carry an elevated fire risk - a blowtorch applied near combustible materials can cause fires that spread rapidly through a roof structure. Many standard PL policies either exclude hot works entirely or apply a sublimit and require specific hot works procedures to be followed.
If a roofing business carries out any torch-applied work, it is essential to confirm that the PL policy includes a hot works extension and to understand what conditions (fire watch periods, hot works permits, proximity restrictions to combustible materials) must be followed. Failure to comply with hot works conditions can invalidate the relevant part of a PL claim.
Water Ingress Claims
Water damage following roofing work is one of the most common and costly claim types in the trade. If a roof is not made weathertight at the end of a working day, or if temporary weatherproofing fails overnight, rain ingress can cause significant damage to the property structure and its contents. PL insurance covers the resulting damage to the property - damaged ceilings, plasterwork, floor finishes, and contents. It does not cover the cost of re-doing the roofing work itself, which requires a defective workmanship extension.
How Much Does Roofer Insurance Cost?
Annual indicative costs for 2026:
- Sole trader, pitched roofing (no hot works), PL GBP 5 million: approximately GBP 500 to GBP 1,200
- Sole trader with hot works, PL GBP 5 million + hot works extension: approximately GBP 800 to GBP 1,800
- Small limited company, 3-5 employees, PL GBP 10 million + EL: approximately GBP 2,500 to GBP 6,000
- Specialist flat roofing or green roofing company: premiums at the higher end of the range
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Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Always verify details with an FCA-authorised insurer or broker before purchasing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does standard roofer insurance cover torch-applied felt work?
Not automatically. Hot works including torch-applied felt roofing require a specific hot works extension on the PL policy. Without this extension, fire damage claims arising from hot works may be excluded. Always confirm with the insurer or broker whether the policy covers hot works and what conditions (fire watch, hot works permit, proximity to combustibles) must be met.
What PL limit do I need as a roofer?
For domestic work and small commercial projects, GBP 5 million PL is the standard minimum. Most national housebuilders, housing associations, and public sector clients require GBP 10 million. Check any framework agreements or supply chain requirements you are operating under - these typically specify the minimum PL limit required.
Does roofer insurance cover materials stolen from site overnight?
Tools and materials cover (typically a separate section of the package policy) covers theft of roofing materials from site overnight, subject to site security conditions. Lead is a specific target for theft due to its value - some policies apply a sublimit for lead theft. Ensure the sum insured reflects the value of materials regularly left on site.
What is contract works insurance and do roofers need it?
Contract works cover (also called material damage) covers the roofing work in progress against accidental damage, storm, fire, and vandalism before completion. For re-roofing projects, this includes the cost of making the structure weathertight again if the partially completed roof is damaged. For roofers working on significant projects, contract works cover is an important addition to the standard PL/EL package.
Do I need professional indemnity as a roofer?
Standard roofing installation work does not typically require PI insurance. If the business designs bespoke roofing specifications, specifies materials for complex projects, or issues warranties on roofing work, PI cover may be appropriate. NFRC members who provide extended guarantees through the RoofCert or similar scheme should check whether the guarantee scheme requires PI cover.
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