Texas roofers operate in one of the most demanding markets in the U.S.—with hail, wind, and storms driving constant work, but the state’s lack of a mandatory statewide roofing license creates a patchwork of local rules. While you can legally call yourself a roofer anywhere in Texas without a state-issued credential, major cities like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin enforce their own registration systems. These often mandate proof of insurance (especially general liability) before you can pull permits, bid on jobs, or work legally.

Ignoring these requirements risks fines, permit denials, project halts, or even lawsuits from clients or subs. In this guide, we’ll break down the key insurance demands for roofers in Texas‘s biggest cities (as of 2026), why general liability is non-negotiable, voluntary options like RCAT licensing, and tips to stay compliant while protecting your business.

No Statewide Roofing License in Texas—But Local Rules Matter

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) does not license roofing contractors at the state level. Anyone can perform roofing work statewide, as long as they follow local ordinances, building codes, and permit rules.

However, cities handle oversight through contractor registration programs. These registrations typically require:

Proof of general liability insurance (to cover property damage, bodily injury, or lawsuits from your work).
Sometimes workers’ compensation (or a “no coverage” filing if you opt out).
Background checks, fees, and bonds in certain cases.

Without registration and insurance proof, you can’t obtain permits—meaning no legal roofing jobs in that jurisdiction. Clients and general contractors often demand higher limits anyway for peace of mind.

City-by-City Breakdown: Insurance Requirements for Texas Roofers

Here’s a comparison of the major cities’ demands (based on current municipal codes, registration forms, and industry standards in 2026). Requirements can change, so always verify directly with the city’s development or building services department.

Dallas

Registration Required:

Yes (annual contractor registration via Building Inspection)

Key Insurance Minimums (General Liability):

Often $1M+ per occurrence/aggregate recommended; proof required for permits

Other Notes / Requirements:

Covers roofing under general contractor categories; workers’ comp or no-coverage filing needed; annual fee ~$100–$150.

Houston

Registration Required:

No formal citywide contractor registration for roofers, but business registration and permits required

Key Insurance Minimums (General Liability):

Proof of liability, workers’ comp, and auto often needed for permits/projects

Other Notes / Requirements:

No strict minimum listed, but clients/generals typically demand $1M+; high-risk area means insurers push higher limits.

San Antonio

Registration Required:

Yes (Home Improvement Contractor registration via Development Services; 2-year term)

Key Insurance Minimums (General Liability):

At least $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate; city listed as certificate holder

Other Notes / Requirements:

Includes FBI background check; $150 fee; products/completed operations coverage; bonding may apply for larger jobs.

Austin

Registration Required:

Yes (via Build+Connect portal for contractors pulling permits)

Key Insurance Minimums (General Liability):

Proof of liability required; common minimum $1M per occurrence/aggregate

Other Notes / Requirements:

Focus on registration before work; workers’ comp often expected; permits mandatory for most roofing jobs.

Key takeaway: Even in “no registration” spots like parts of Houston, practical demands from permits, clients, and subs make solid general liability essential—often $1 million or more to compete.

Why General Liability Insurance Is the Core Requirement

Across Texas cities, general liability (GL) protects against:

Third-party bodily injury (e.g., a worker hurts a homeowner during install).
Property damage (e.g., damaging a client’s roof deck or neighboring structure).
Completed operations claims (e.g., leaks or failures after job completion).

Typical city-mandated minimums start at $300k/$600k (San Antonio style), but many roofers carry $1M–$2M to meet client specs, subcontractor agreements, or to qualify for bigger commercial bids. Add-ons like umbrella policies provide extra protection in high-risk hail zones.Workers’ comp is another big one: Texas allows opt-out (file DWC Form-005), but many cities, clients, and generals require it to cover on-the-job injuries—especially critical in roofing’s high-risk environment.

The Voluntary RCAT Option: Boost Credibility with Certified Insurance Standards

For roofers wanting statewide recognition, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) offers a voluntary Licensed Roofing Contractor program (residential and/or commercial).

To qualify:

At least 2 years as a principal in a Texas roofing company.
Pass business/safety and roofing exams (70%+ score).
Proof of financial responsibility:
- Residential: $300,000 combined single-limit GL insurance OR $100,000 surety bond/letter of credit.
- Commercial: $500,000 combined single-limit GL insurance OR equivalent bond.
Workers’ comp coverage (or no-coverage filing).

RCAT licensing isn’t required but signals professionalism, helps win bids, and often satisfies client insurance demands in cities without strict rules.

Checklist: Staying Compliant with Texas Roofing Insurance Requirements

Use this to audit your setup:

Check your work cities: Visit Dallas Building Inspection, San Antonio Development Services, Houston Permitting Center, Austin Build+Connect, etc., for current forms/fees.
Secure certificates of insurance (COIs): List the city as additional insured/certificate holder where required (e.g., San Antonio).
Maintain minimums: Aim for $1M GL per occurrence/aggregate as a safe baseline—exceeds most local thresholds.
Handle workers’ comp: Decide on coverage vs. no-coverage filing; get it if bidding government/commercial jobs.
Renew annually: Track registration expirations and policy renewals to avoid lapses.
Document everything: Keep COIs, bonds, and registration proofs handy for permits and client requests.
Consider RCAT: If operating statewide, pursue voluntary licensing for an edge.

Common Pitfalls and Risks for Texas Roofers

Operating without registration in required cities → Permit denials, stop-work orders, fines.
Underinsured → Personal exposure in lawsuits; clients reject bids.
Lapsed policies → Immediate non-compliance if a claim arises.
Overlooking completed operations → Claims from past jobs can haunt you years later.

Proper insurance isn’t just a checkbox—it’s protection for your livelihood in Texas’s storm-heavy market.

Need help tailoring general liability, workers’ comp, or builders risk coverage to meet Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, or statewide demands? Our team specializes in Texas roofing contractors and can get you compliant fast.

Get your free, personalized Roofing Insurance quote today—no obligation, quick process. Protect your business the right way in the Lone Star State!