How Much Does Roofing Insurance Cost in 2026?
Roofing is the most expensive trade to insure in construction. General liability alone runs 1.5% to 1.75% of annual revenue with a $2,900 minimum. Workers compensation for roofing class code 5551 typically costs $15 to $35 per $100 of payroll in most states, and in some states it runs much higher. A roofing company doing $500,000 in revenue with a crew of five can easily spend $40,000 to $60,000 per year on insurance before commercial auto is added.
The reason is straightforward. Roofers fall. The Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently ranks roofing among the most dangerous occupations in the country, with fatality rates several times the national average. Carriers price that risk into every policy.
Our team at contractorsliability.com has placed roofing insurance across all 50 states. Here is what it actually costs in 2026, broken down by coverage type, revenue, and state.
Roofing General Liability Insurance Cost by State and Revenue
Carriers rate roofing GL at 1.5% to 1.75% of annual revenue. The minimum premium is $2,900 regardless of how small the operation is. A new roofer doing $80,000 in revenue pays the same $2,900 as one doing $185,000, because the minimum applies until the percentage calculation exceeds it.
| State | Annual revenue | Estimated annual GL premium |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $80,000 | $2,900 |
| Florida | $150,000 | $3,000 |
| Georgia | $250,000 | $3,750 |
| Arizona | $500,000 | $7,500 |
| Colorado | $1,000,000 | $15,000 |
| Tennessee | $2,000,000 | $30,000 |
Standard GL coverage at 1.5% of revenue with a clean claims history and $1M/$2M limits.
Roofing GL cost quick reference at 1.5% rate
| Annual revenue | Estimated annual GL premium |
|---|---|
| $150,000 | $2,900 (minimum applies) |
| $250,000 | $3,750 |
| $500,000 | $7,500 |
| $750,000 | $11,250 |
| $1,000,000 | $15,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $30,000 |
| $5,000,000 | $75,000 |
Most roofing contractors start with a $1 million per-occurrence limit and $2 million aggregate. The market average for roofing GL runs approximately $3,200 per year, though that figure reflects smaller operations at or near the minimum.
In 2026, general contractors on larger commercial projects are increasingly requiring roofers to carry $3 million to $5 million in aggregate coverage. A commercial umbrella policy is the most cost-efficient way to reach those thresholds without buying a higher base GL limit outright.
Workers Compensation Cost for Roofing Contractors
Workers compensation is often the largest insurance expense a roofing company carries, larger than GL in many cases. Roofing contractors fall under NCCI class code 5551, one of the most expensive workers comp classifications in the country. Rates typically run $24 to $80 per $100 of payroll depending on the state.
The state makes an enormous difference. For roofers, the spread runs as wide as 24 times: $28.84 per $100 of payroll in Georgia versus $1.18 in North Dakota.
Workers compensation rate by state for roofing
| State | Approximate rate per $100 of payroll | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $2.92 | Among the lowest nationally; non-subscriber option available |
| Florida | $12.00 to $18.00 | Higher due to hurricane claim frequency |
| Georgia | $28.84 | One of the most expensive states for roofing WC |
| Illinois | $30.00 | 5th most expensive nationally for code 5551 |
| California | $24.00 to $30.00+ | Requires WC even for zero-employee operations |
| Colorado | $8.00 to $14.00 | Mid-range; varies by carrier |
| North Dakota | $1.18 | Monopolistic state fund; lowest in the country |
Source: Oregon DCBS Workers’ Compensation Premium Rate Ranking Study, 2025. Rates reflect manual rates before experience modification.
Workers compensation annual cost by payroll level
These estimates use the national mid-range rate of approximately $20 per $100 of payroll. Actual costs vary significantly by state.
| Annual payroll | Est. WC premium (~$20/$100) | Florida est. ($15/$100) | Georgia est. ($28/$100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $20,000 | $15,000 | $28,000 |
| $250,000 | $50,000 | $37,500 | $70,000 |
| $500,000 | $100,000 | $75,000 | $140,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $200,000 | $150,000 | $280,000 |
A Georgia roofing company with $250,000 in payroll pays roughly $70,000 per year in workers compensation alone. The same company in Texas pays closer to $7,300.
Roofing recorded 134 workplace fatalities in 2023, with 82% caused by falls. Carriers see those numbers. They price accordingly.
What a Complete Roofing Insurance Program Costs in 2026
GL and workers compensation are the two largest line items. Commercial auto, tools, and umbrella make up the rest of the program.
| Coverage type | Typical annual cost for roofing contractor |
|---|---|
| General liability | $2,900 to $75,000+ (based on revenue) |
| Workers compensation | $10,000 to $200,000+ (based on payroll and state) |
| Commercial auto | $1,200 to $3,000 per vehicle |
| Tools and equipment (inland marine) | $500 to $3,000 |
| Commercial umbrella | $1,500 to $5,000 for first $1M additional |
Total estimated program cost by operation size
| Operation size | Annual revenue | Est. total insurance cost |
|---|---|---|
| Solo operator / owner-only | Under $200,000 | $5,000 to $12,000 |
| Small crew (2 to 4 employees) | $200,000 to $500,000 | $20,000 to $50,000 |
| Growing operation (5 to 10 employees) | $500,000 to $1,500,000 | $50,000 to $120,000 |
| Mid-size company (10+ employees) | $1,500,000 to $5,000,000 | $100,000 to $300,000+ |
Workers compensation drives most of the cost at every tier above solo operator. A roofing company that controls payroll through careful subcontractor management pays significantly less than one with a large direct employee base. So for operations watching overhead, the distinction between employees and properly insured subcontractors is worth understanding before the next hire. Smaller operations that qualify can also bundle general liability and commercial property into a Business Owner Policy at a lower combined cost than buying each separately.
Risk Factors That Push Roofing Insurance Premiums Above the Baseline
| Risk factor | Effect on premium |
|---|---|
| Commercial roofing | Higher than residential |
| Work above 3 stories | Significant increase on GL and WC |
| Flat roof systems and hot work | Moderate increase |
| Steep slope specialty work | Moderate increase |
| Metal roofing installation | Moderate increase |
| Prior claims on record | Significant increase at renewal |
| Experience modification rate (EMR) above 1.0 | Multiplies WC premium directly |
| Uninsured subcontractors | Adds their payroll to your WC and GL calculations |
| Multi-family and condominium projects | Moderate increase on GL |
| Operating in high-litigation states (FL, CA, NY, IL) | Higher base rate |
The experience modification rate works as a direct multiplier on your WC premium. Every workers compensation policyholder receives an EMR based on their claims history relative to the industry average.
What Roofing General Liability Insurance Covers
GL pays when someone outside the company is injured or their property is damaged because of the contractor’s roofing operations.
Bodily injury to third parties on the job site
If a site visitor, neighboring property owner, or passerby is physically injured because of the roofing work, GL pays their medical bills, lost wages, and legal defense costs. The roofer does not have to be directly at fault. Being named on the project is often enough to end up in the lawsuit.
Property damage caused by roofing operations
A misplaced tarp lets rain into a finished interior. Falling debris damages a parked car. A crew member steps through a ceiling. In each case, GL pays for repairs or replacement of the damaged property. It does not, however, cover damage to the roof itself or the roofer’s own materials.
Advertising and personal injury coverage
Copyright infringement in a portfolio, defamatory statements about a competitor, and privacy violations all fall under personal and advertising injury coverage. These claims are less common for roofers than property damage, but most standard GL policies include this coverage.
What Roofing Insurance Does Not Cover
| Excluded claim type | What to buy instead |
|---|---|
| Employee injuries on the job | Workers compensation |
| Damage to the roofing contractor’s own work | Warranty or rework out of pocket |
| Contractor’s tools and equipment | Inland marine / equipment floater |
| Vehicles used for work | Commercial auto |
| Professional design errors | Professional liability |
| Pollution or chemical exposure | Contractors pollution liability |
| Faulty workmanship claims | Not directly insurable; quality control |
| Wind or hail damage to completed roofs | Homeowner’s or commercial property policy |
How to Lower Roofing Insurance Costs
Build and maintain a documented safety program
Every workers compensation policy carries an EMR based on claims history. A documented safety program, regular fall protection training, and consistent use of personal fall arrest systems all reduce claim frequency. Fewer claims produce a lower EMR, and a lower EMR directly reduces the WC premium multiplier year over year. For roofing operations, this is the single highest-leverage cost control available.
Collect certificates from every subcontractor before work starts
Subcontractors without their own workers compensation and GL policies have their payroll added to your calculations at audit time. That is an expensive surprise that shows up months after the project ends. Require a current certificate of insurance from every sub before work starts and keep them on file throughout the year.
Pay the annual premium upfront to capture the discount
Most carriers offer a paid-in-full discount of 5 to 10 percent. On a $20,000 annual premium, that saves $1,000 to $2,000 without changing a single coverage term. For companies with predictable cash flow, it is the simplest cost reduction available.
Keep class code assignments accurate at renewal
Employees doing office work, driving, or other non-roofing tasks should not be classified under code 5551. Correct classification keeps high WC rates from applying to payroll that does not carry roofing exposure. Review class code splits with your agent at every renewal, not just when a problem surfaces.
Shop multiple carriers every year
Roofing is a difficult class for many standard carriers, but some specialize in it and price it more competitively than others. Three or more quotes at renewal consistently produce better pricing than staying with the same carrier year after year. Even a 10 percent reduction on a $40,000 total program saves $4,000 annually.
Roofing Contractor Licensing and Insurance Requirements by State
Requirements vary by state and in some cases by municipality. The table below covers the five largest construction markets.
| State | License required | Minimum GL required | WC required | Bond required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | No state license; city permits required | Varies by city/municipality | Not mandated statewide; required for most contracts | Varies by municipality |
| Florida | State-certified roofing contractor license required | $300,000 minimum | Required for all construction employees | Not statewide; some counties require it |
| California | CSLB Class C-39 license required | $1,000,000 recommended | Required even for zero-employee operations | $25,000 contractor bond required |
| Georgia | State license required for contracts over $2,500 | Required for licensing | Required once one employee is hired | $25,000 bond for licensure |
| New York | Varies by city; NYC requires licensed contractor | $1,000,000 minimum in NYC | Required; among highest WC rates nationally | NYC requires a $20,000 bond |
Requirements change. Verify current requirements with the relevant state licensing board before bidding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Insurance Cost
Is workers compensation required for roofing contractors?
Workers compensation is mandatory in 49 states for roofing companies with employees. California requires all roofing contractors to carry it even with zero employees. Texas does not mandate it for private employers, but most commercial contracts and general contractor requirements effectively require it regardless.
What is NCCI class code 5551?
The workers compensation classification code for roofing contractors in most states. It covers contractors who install and repair roofs on residential and commercial properties using shingles, metal, hot tar, composite materials, slate, tile, or any other roofing material. It is consistently among the highest-rated classifications in the country.
What is an experience modification rate and how does it affect my premium?
The EMR measures a company’s claims history against the industry average. A 1.0 EMR is average. An EMR above 1.0 multiplies the manual WC rate upward. For a roofer paying $50,000 in base WC premium, an EMR of 1.25 pushes that to $62,500. An EMR of 0.85 brings it to $42,500.
Does roofing insurance cover wind or storm damage to a completed roof?
No. GL responds to damage the contractor’s operations cause to third-party property during the project. Weather damage to a completed roof falls under the property owner’s homeowner’s or commercial property insurance, not the roofer’s GL policy.
Does a personal auto policy cover employees driving to job sites?
No. Personal auto policies exclude business use entirely. So any vehicle used to haul materials, transport tools, or travel between job sites needs a commercial auto policy. One at-fault accident without commercial coverage means paying medical bills, repairs, and legal fees directly.
Do roofing contractors need a surety bond?
Some states and municipalities require a surety bond for licensing. Illinois requires $10,000 for residential roofing licenses and $25,000 for commercial licenses. California requires a $25,000 bond for all CSLB licensees. Bonds typically cost around $100 per year and guarantee to the client that the contractor will fulfill the contract. They are separate from insurance.
How quickly can roofing insurance be bound?
Same-day coverage is available for most roofing operations. Certificates of insurance are issued within four hours of binding.
Get Your Roofing Insurance Priced Today
Roofing insurance costs more than most contractors expect, especially on the workers compensation side. Our team places roofing coverage across all 50 states and works with A-rated carriers that specialize in contractor risks.
Call (888) 766-4991 or email info@contractorsliability.com for a same-day quote.
