Running a roofing business means facing some of the highest risks in construction—falls, weather damage, equipment mishaps, and costly lawsuits. That’s why roofing liability insurance (primarily general liability, often bundled with workers’ comp) is non-negotiable. But with premiums rising due to inflation, more frequent severe weather claims, and higher jury awards, many roofers are asking: How much is roofing contractors insurance really costing in 2026?

The short answer: It varies dramatically—from as low as $80–$300 per month for small, low-risk operations to $1,000+ monthly (or $10,000–$50,000+ annually) for larger crews or high-risk setups. Let’s break down the real numbers, key factors driving your rates, and proven ways to lower costs without sacrificing protection.

Average Roofing Liability Insurance Costs in 2026

Based on recent industry reports and quotes from carriers specializing in contractors:

General Liability (GL) Insurance — The core of roofing liability coverage (protects against third-party injuries/property damage):
- Small solo roofers or low-revenue businesses: $500–$2,500 annually (~$40–$210/month).
- Mid-size crews (2–10 employees, $500K–$2M revenue): $2,500–$8,000 annually (~$200–$670/month).
- Larger operations or high-risk trades (e.g., commercial, steep-slope, torch-down): $8,000–$20,000+ annually.
Workers’ Compensation (essential for roofers due to injury risks): Often the biggest expense.
- Averages $3,000–$15,000+ annually, or 9–50% of payroll (higher in states like CA, FL, TX).
- Example: A crew with $200K payroll might pay $18,000–$30,000/year in workers’ comp.
Total Bundled Roofing Insurance Package (GL + Workers’ Comp + tools/equipment add-ons):
- Small roofers: $1,000–$5,000/year.
- Mid-size: $10,000–$30,000/year.
- Larger/high-risk: $30,000–$100,000+ annually.

These figures reflect 2026 trends—premiums have edged up 5–15% from 2025 due to rising claims severity and reinsurance costs. Your exact quote depends heavily on personal factors (more below).

Key Factors That Drive Roofing Liability Insurance Costs

Insurers price policies based on risk exposure. Here’s what impacts your roofers insurance rates in 2026 the most:

Business Size & Payroll — Larger crews = higher premiums (workers’ comp is payroll-based; GL often ties to revenue).
Type of Roofing Work — Steep roofs, commercial/multi-story, torch-down/hot work, or storm restoration carry higher rates than residential shingle installs.
Location — High-weather states (FL, TX, OK, Midwest hail zones) see 20–50% higher premiums due to storm claims. Urban areas add theft/vandalism risks.
Claims History & Experience Mod — A clean record lowers rates; recent claims can spike them 20–100%+.
Coverage Limits & Deductibles — Standard $1M/$2M GL is common; bumping to $2M/$4M adds cost but is often required for bigger jobs.
Safety Practices & Certifications — OSHA compliance, fall protection training, and drug-free programs can earn discounts (5–20%).
Number of Employees/Subcontractors — Subs may need certificates of insurance, but uninsured subs can raise your exposure.

Roofing Insurance Cost Comparison by Business Size (2026 Estimates)

Solo/Owner-Operator
Annual Revenue/Payroll: Under $200K
General Liability (Annual): $500–$2,500
Workers’ Comp (Annual): $1,000–$5,000
Total Estimated Package: $2,000–$8,000
Key Notes: Lowest risk; often pay-as-you-go options.
Small Crew (2–5 employees)
Annual Revenue/Payroll: $200K–$1M
General Liability (Annual): $2,500–$7,000
Workers’ Comp (Annual): $5,000–$20,000
Total Estimated Package: $8,000–$30,000
Key Notes: Common for residential roofers.
Mid-Size Operation
Annual Revenue/Payroll: $1M–$5M
General Liability (Annual): $7,000–$15,000+
Workers’ Comp (Annual): $15,000–$50,000+
Total Estimated Package: $25,000–$80,000+
Key Notes: Commercial work pushes higher.
Large/High-Risk
Annual Revenue/Payroll: $5M+
General Liability (Annual): $15,000–$50,000+
Workers’ Comp (Annual): $50,000+
Total Estimated Package: $75,000+
Key Notes: Requires umbrella/excess layers.

Note: These are average ranges—actual quotes can vary 30–50% based on carrier, location, claims history, and specific roofing type (e.g., steep slope vs. flat).

How to Lower Your Roofing Liability Insurance Costs in 2026

Good news: Roofers can cut premiums significantly with smart strategies:

Shop Multiple Carriers — Work with brokers specializing in high-risk trades like roofing for competitive quotes.
Bundle Policies — Combine GL, workers’ comp, commercial auto, and inland marine (tools) for 10–25% discounts.
Improve Safety & Risk Management — Implement fall protection, daily job site checklists, and training—many insurers offer credits.
Maintain a Clean Claims Record — Avoid small claims; pay minor incidents out-of-pocket to protect your experience mod.
Choose Higher Deductibles — If cash flow allows, raise deductibles to lower premiums (but ensure you can cover them).
Get Credit for Certifications — OSHA 10/30, NRCA memberships, or safety programs can reduce rates.
Review Annually — As your business grows or claims drop, renegotiate—don’t auto-renew blindly.

Many roofers save thousands by switching providers or optimizing coverage—without reducing protection.

Ready to Get Accurate Roofing Insurance Rates for Your Business?

Don’t guess on costs, premiums are highly personalized. Get a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your roofing operation, location, and crew size.

Get Your Free Roofing Insurance Quote Today

At Contractors Liability, we specialize in helping roofers secure affordable, comprehensive coverage that meets job requirements and protects your bottom line. Whether you’re a solo roofer or running a growing crew, let’s find the right policy at the right price for 2026.

Protect your business from the unexpected—because in roofing, the right insurance isn’t expensive; the wrong (or no) insurance is.