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Roofing is one of the hardest classes to insure, because falls are serious and a roof that leaks can damage everything underneath it. Many standard carriers limit or decline roofers, especially for steep-slope or new-venture operations. Asshield™ looks at standard, specialty and surplus-lines markets for roofing contractors so you can get the certificates you need to work.
After a spring hailstorm in Lexington, a roofing crew tears off a roof and an afternoon storm rolls in before the dry-in is finished. Water comes through the decking into the bedrooms below. The homeowner's interior damage claim goes to the roofer's general liability policy. Some roofing policies limit claims tied to open roofs, so that wording is one of the first things we review.
Where we see it locally
Central Kentucky gets hail most springs, and storm seasons bring a rush of replacement work, plus out-of-town crews. On the Gulf Coast, hurricane season and Florida's roofing rules make insurance and licensing essential.
Roofers in Kentucky
Kentucky doesn't issue a statewide roofing contractor license. Licensing, permits and registrations are local, including Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's permit rules, and some cities regulate door-to-door solicitation. Workers' comp is required once you have one employee, and Kentucky's up-the-ladder rule makes GCs and homeowners' contractors check that roofing subs carry it.
Roofers in Florida
Roofing contractors in Florida are licensed through the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board, and construction employers with one or more employees generally must carry workers' comp. Hurricane-related work brings extra underwriting questions, and we'll explain what each market asks.
More: Contractors hub · Hard-to-place · Workers' comp · Commercial auto
Risks roofers face
Falls
From roofs and ladders, the main driver of workers' comp pricing
Water intrusion
During tear-off and before dry-in
Fire
From torch-down work, if you do it
Completed operations
Leaks that show up months later
Storm-chasing scrutiny
Some carriers ask about door-to-door sales and out-of-area storm work
Trucks, trailers and dump trailers
On commercial auto
A typical roofing program
Every business is different. This is a starting point we tailor to your work, contracts and state.
General liability
Check open-roof, height and torch-down limits
How it worksWorkers' compensation
How it worksCommercial auto
How it worksTools & equipment
How it worksCommercial umbrella
How it worksHard-to-place markets when standard carriers won't write it
How it worksHave this handy
Residential vs. commercial, steep vs. low slope, max height, any torch-down or hot work, new construction vs. re-roof, annual revenue and payroll, subs, years in business, vehicles, licenses and loss history.
Roofing insurance questions
Why is roofing insurance harder to find?
Falls and water claims are frequent and severe, so many standard carriers limit roofing. We look at standard, specialty and surplus-lines markets.
Does my GL cover water damage when a roof is open?
It depends on the policy. Some roofing policies limit or exclude claims tied to open roofs. We'll review that wording with you.
Do I need a state license to roof in Kentucky?
Kentucky doesn't have a statewide roofing license, but cities and counties may require permits or registration. Check with the city or county where you work.
Do you insure new roofing companies?
Often, through specialty markets. Expect carriers to ask about your experience in the trade.
We cover your assets
Compare roofing insurance with an independent agency
Tell us about your business once. We shop multiple carriers, explain the trade-offs in plain English, and handle certificates, audits and renewals after you bind.
Educational only — not a policy, quote, or coverage guarantee. Coverage, eligibility, and carrier availability vary by state, class of business, and underwriting. Policy language controls. Talk with a licensed Asshield agent about your situation.