Roofers Insurance

Roofers Insurance: The Complete UK Guide for Roofing Professionals

Roofing is one of the most exposed and regulated trades in construction. Every year the HSE reports that around 1 in 5 fatal construction accidents involve roof work. Yet thousands of small firms still trade without the right insurance in place. This guide explains exactly which policies protect you, what insurers look for when pricing a quote, and how to keep your premiums low while staying compliant.

Why Roofers Need Specialist Cover

No two roofing jobs are identical. One week you’re replacing tiles on a bungalow; the next, you’re fitting leadwork on a church spire. The risks change daily:

• Working at height increases liability for injuries to workers and the public.
• Hot-works such as torch-on felt can cause fires.
• Falling debris or tools can damage property.
• Sub-contracted teams introduce complex liability questions.

A standard trades policy often excludes some or all of these. A specialist roofers insurance policy is written with these hazards in mind, ensuring that if something does go wrong, your insurer doesn’t look for an exclusion clause.

You can explore wider trade guidance on our Tradesmen Insurance hub.

Core Covers Every Roofer Should Hold

Public Liability Insurance

Covers injury or property damage claims from clients or the public. Example: a slate slips from the scaffold and smashes a conservatory roof. Read the full explanation in our Public Liability Insurance guide.

Employers’ Liability Insurance

Legally required for anyone who employs staff, apprentices, or labour-only subcontractors. It pays compensation and legal costs if an employee is injured at work. See our Employers’ Liability Insurance page.

Contract Works Insurance

Protects work in progress if storms, fire, or vandalism damage materials before completion, essential for re-roofing or extension projects.

Tools & Equipment Cover

Pays to replace stolen or damaged tools. Van break-ins are one of the most common claim types for roofers in the UK.

Vehicle & Goods-in-Transit

If you rely on vans for staff or materials, ensure your commercial vehicle policy covers business use and stored materials overnight.

What Roofers Should Look for When Buying a Policy

Cheap premiums often hide restrictive conditions. Insurers may exclude:

• Work above a fixed height limit (commonly 10 m – 15 m)
• Use of heat (torch-on felt, lead welding)
• Flat-roof work beyond a percentage of turnover

Before you buy, read our detailed guide on what roofers should look for when buying insurance, it breaks down the fine print that catches many small firms out.

Why You Need More Than Just Public Liability

Many roofers assume that a simple public-liability policy covers every risk. It doesn’t. If you store materials on-site, rely on sub-contractors, or provide design input, you need additional protection. Our article on why roofers need more than just public liability insurance explains these hidden gaps and how to close them.

Typical Costs of Roofers Insurance

Premiums vary by trade activity, turnover, and claims history. A sole trader might pay £7 – £12 per week, while larger firms employing multiple roofers can expect more. Insurers look at:

• Height and pitch of work
• Percentage of flat-roof projects
• Use of heat
• Experience and safety record

Read our full breakdown: How Much Does Roofers Insurance Cost in the UK?

Common Roofing Claims and How to Avoid Them

Most insurer disputes stem from documentation. When claims arise, your paperwork decides the outcome:

• Photographic job records before and after completion
• Signed client variations for extra works
• Daily safety checks for scaffolding and harnesses

If you ever need to defend your business, evidence is key. Our guide on how to prove you weren’t at fault in a roofing claim explains what to keep and how to present it.

How Roofers Compare with Other Trades

Roofers share risk profiles with builders and groundworkers: each faces site hazards, weather exposure, and sub-contractor dependencies. Understanding these parallels helps insurers assess your risk more fairly, which can lead to better pricing if you can show professional standards and safety accreditation.

What Insurers Look for When Quoting

Underwriters consider more than just turnover:

• Experience: years trading and qualifications (e.g. NFRC or CITB registration)
• Safety controls: method statements, risk assessments, hot-works permits
• Claims record: both frequency and type
• Sub-contractor management: are they bona fide with their own insurance?

Presenting this information clearly can reduce premiums by up to 15 % compared to incomplete submissions.

Case Example: The £25,000 Water-Ingress Claim

A domestic roofer replaced slate tiles on a Victorian property. Three weeks later, heavy rain caused water damage to the loft. The homeowner claimed £25,000 for repairs. Because the roofer’s public-liability policy included workmanship cover and his job photos proved proper flashing installation, the insurer settled the claim with no excess charge. Without that evidence, the claim might have been rejected, a reminder of how documentation supports both cover and credibility.

Get a Quote for Roofers Insurance

Protect your business with a policy designed for the work you actually do. Quote Goat partners with trusted UK brokers specialising in trade cover, giving you access to multiple insurers in one place.

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