Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
Michael Foote is the founder of Quote Goat and has over 20 years experience working in finance & insurance. Since launching Quote Goat he has appeared on TV as well as many of the largest online publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro. Prior to Quote Goat, he worked in finance in the city.
How Much Does Roofers Insurance Cost in the UK?
Roofers insurance in the UK typically costs between £1,800 and £6,000+ per year. Your actual premium depends on your turnover, staff numbers, the type of roofing work you do, and your claims history. Because roofing is classed as a high-risk trade, insurers price policies higher than for other trades.
Typical Roofing Insurance Costs by Business Size
- Sole trader roofers (working alone, no employees): £1,800 to £2,500 per year
- Small roofing firms (2 to 5 employees): £2,500 to £4,000 per year
- Larger roofing contractors (6+ employees): £4,500 to £6,000+ per year
These figures assume combined cover including public liability insurance, employers’ liability (where required), and tools and equipment protection. Some policies also include contract works insurance for larger projects.
What Roofers Insurance Typically Covers
A standard policy for roofers includes:
- Public liability insurance: covers claims from third parties for injury or property damage caused by your work. Most roofers need at least £2 million cover, though some contracts require £5 million or £10 million
- Employers’ liability insurance: legally required if you employ anyone. Covers claims from staff injured on the job
- Tools and equipment cover: protects ladders, nail guns, scaffolding, and other specialist kit against theft, loss, or damage
- Contract works insurance: covers materials and work in progress on larger projects, protecting against damage before handover
Public liability alone is rarely enough. Most roofers need additional cover to protect against the full range of risks they face. You can read more in our guide on why roofers need more than just public liability insurance.
Factors That Affect Roofing Insurance Premiums
Type of Roofing Work
Flat roofing work, especially when it involves heat application (torching felt or bitumen), is considered higher risk than pitched tile or slate work. If you carry out both types, expect to pay more than a roofer who only does pitched roofs.
Number of Employees
Employers’ liability premiums increase with headcount. Each additional employee adds to your overall premium because the insurer is covering more potential claims.
Annual Turnover
Higher turnover signals more projects and greater exposure to risk. A roofer turning over £500,000 will pay significantly more than one doing £100,000 worth of work per year.
Claims History
A clean claims record keeps premiums lower. If you’ve made claims in the last three to five years, especially for significant injuries or property damage, your renewal premium will increase. For insight into common claim scenarios, see our article on roofing mistakes and liability.
Public Liability Cover Level
The amount of cover you choose affects cost. £1 million cover is cheaper than £5 million, but many contracts and clients now require £5 million or £10 million for larger projects or local authority work.
Value of Tools and Equipment
If you need to insure expensive specialist equipment such as scaffolding systems, lifting gear, or high-value tool kits, your premium will rise accordingly.
Location
Some regions have higher rates of theft or workplace accidents. Urban areas with higher crime rates may cost more for tools cover.
Real-World Roofing Insurance Cost Examples
Example 1: Sole Trader Roofer
- Works alone, no employees
- Annual turnover: £120,000
- Pitched tile and slate work only
- Public liability: £2 million
- Clean claims history
- Expected annual premium: £1,800 to £2,200
Example 2: Small Roofing Team
- 3 employees
- Annual turnover: £450,000
- Pitched and flat roofing (including some torch-on felt work)
- Public liability: £5 million
- One minor claim in the last three years
- Expected annual premium: £2,800 to £3,600
Example 3: Mid-Size Roofing Contractor
- 8 employees
- Annual turnover: £1.2 million
- Specialist flat roofing and commercial contracts
- Public liability: £10 million (required for council contracts)
- Clean claims history
- Expected annual premium: £5,000 to £6,500
How to Reduce Your Roofing Insurance Costs
While roofing insurance will never be as cheap as cover for lower-risk trades, you can take steps to reduce your premium:
- Improve your health and safety record: fewer accidents mean fewer claims, which keeps premiums down over time
- Increase your voluntary excess: agreeing to pay a higher excess can reduce your annual cost
- Pay annually: monthly payment plans often include interest or admin fees that add 10% to 15% to the total cost
- Review your cover levels: if your contracts don’t require £10 million public liability, don’t pay for it
- Shop around: premiums vary significantly between insurers, especially for higher-risk trades like roofing
- Bundle your policies: some insurers offer discounts when you combine multiple types of cover
Why Roofing Insurance Costs More Than Other Trades
Roofers face higher premiums because:
- Working at height increases the risk of serious injury or death
- Property damage claims can be expensive if tiles fall, scaffolding collapses, or water damage occurs
- Weather exposure makes sites more hazardous and increases the chance of accidents
- Use of heat and flammable materials (torches, bitumen) raises the risk of fire
Insurers factor in these risks when setting premiums, which is why roofing insurance is typically more expensive than cover for trades such as decorating or general building work.
Understanding Cheap Public Liability Insurance for Roofers
If you’re searching for the cheapest public liability insurance, be cautious. The lowest price rarely offers the best value. Many cheap policies exclude key cover elements that roofers need, such as working above certain heights, use of heat equipment, or adequate protection for flat roofing work.
Always check policy terms carefully. An inadequate policy that doesn’t cover the work you actually do can leave you personally liable for large claims.
Get an Accurate Quote for Your Roofing Business
Every roofing business is different. The only way to know what you’ll pay is to get quotes tailored to your staff numbers, turnover, and the type of work you do.
We work with roofing insurance specialists who understand the trade and can provide cover that matches your needs. Use the button on screen to get your no-obligation quote today.