Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
Even the best roofers have bad days. A rushed flashing, a wrong sealant, a tiny gap that turns into a major leak. But what actually happens if a job goes wrong and who pays when it does?
It’s one of the most misunderstood areas of trade insurance, and a mistake here can cost thousands.
You’re Legally Responsible for Your Work
When you take on a roofing job, even without a written contract, you’re entering a legal agreement with your customer.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you’re required to carry out work with reasonable care and skill.
If a leak appears because your workmanship wasn’t up to standard, the law sees that as a breach of contract, meaning you’re responsible for putting it right, at your own expense.
There’s no get-out clause for “accidents” or “unlucky weather”. Unless something external caused the problem, the onus is on you to repair or refund.
Public Liability Insurance Doesn’t Cover Poor Workmanship
Many roofers assume their public liability policy will step in. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.
Public liability covers accidental damage or injury to others, for example:
- Dropping a tile onto a customer’s car
- A ladder falling and breaking a window
But it doesn’t cover the cost of fixing faulty work.
If you fitted the roof incorrectly and it leaks, your insurer won’t pay to redo the job. At best, they might pay for resulting damage (like the stained ceiling or damaged electrics), but even that depends on the policy wording.
The Homeowner Can Demand You Fix It or Take You to Court
If you refuse to put things right, the homeowner can:
- Ask you to fix it at your expense
- Hire someone else to repair it and claim the cost back
- Take you to the Small Claims Court for breach of contract or negligence
In other words, yes, there’s a real legal onus on you to fix defective work.
It’s not optional. You can end up with a County Court Judgment (CCJ) if you ignore it.
That’s why reputable roofers offer written guarantees, not just for goodwill, but to show confidence in their work and avoid disputes.
The Only Policy That Might Cover Faulty Work
There is one exception: latent defects or workmanship warranty insurance.
This is specialist cover, normally used for larger building projects or new builds. It protects against defects in materials, design, or workmanship that show up years later.
For most domestic roofing jobs, though, it’s rarely used and not cheap.
So for everyday roofers, the simple truth remains: if the leak’s your fault, it’s your bill.
Why This Matters for Roofers
- Know your cover: Don’t assume your public liability will pay for mistakes. Read the exclusions.
- Work with reputable insurers: Some policies do a better job of covering “resultant damage” from faulty work.
- Document everything: Quotes, photos, materials used, they’re your defence if a customer complains.
- Offer written guarantees: It builds trust and gives you control of the repair process if anything goes wrong.
Final Word
Insurance protects you from accidents, not poor workmanship.
That might sound harsh, but it’s what separates professional contractors from the cowboys who walk away from a leaking job.
If you’re serious about protecting your business, make sure your roofers insurance includes solid liability cover, contract works, and if you design or specify, professional indemnity too.
Get roofers insurance quotes and make sure you understand what’s really covered before you’re left footing the bill.