Roofing insurance cost is one of the biggest bills a roofing company pays, and it often surprises new owners. Roofing is one of the riskiest construction trades. Workers fall from heights, and a bad install can lead to water damage claims years later. As a result, insurers charge roofers more than most other contractors. If you are starting a roofing business, adding your first employee, or renewing a policy, you need real numbers. This guide covers what small roofers actually pay, what drives the price, which state rules apply, and how to keep your premium from getting out of control.
What Roofing Insurance Cost Looks Like for a Small Business
Most roofers carry three main policies. General liability pays when you damage a client’s property or someone gets hurt at your job site. Workers’ compensation pays medical bills and lost wages when an employee gets hurt on the job. Commercial auto covers the trucks and vans your business owns or uses.
General liability is where most owners start. Insureon reports a median general liability premium of about $267 per month, or $3,200 per year, for roofers. Its average is higher, at $317 per month, or $3,808 per year. That figure assumes $1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate limits, and a $1,000 deductible. “Per occurrence” is the most the policy pays for one claim. “Aggregate” is the most it pays in one policy year.
However, workers’ comp is usually the largest part of your total roofing insurance cost. It is priced per $100 of payroll, not per person. For example, a roofer with $100,000 in payroll and a $25 rate would pay about $25,000 a year. MoneyGeek estimates that a small residential crew carrying general liability, workers’ comp, and commercial auto pays around $1,440 per month in total.
The Exact Figures and State Rules That Drive the Price
Your roofing insurance cost depends on your state, your payroll, your claims history, and the type of roofing you do. Steep-slope residential work is typically rated differently from flat commercial work. In most cases, the same crew costs much more to insure in Florida or California than in a low-cost state.
| Item | Typical Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General liability (median) | $267/month ($3,200/year) | Insureon roofing customers |
| General liability (average) | $317/month ($3,808/year) | $1M/$2M limits, $1,000 deductible |
| Workers’ comp rate | About $20–$80 per $100 of payroll | Broker estimates; varies widely by state |
| Full package, small crew | About $1,440/month | GL + workers’ comp + commercial auto (MoneyGeek model) |
| Florida workers’ comp threshold | 1 or more employees | Construction employers; non-construction is 4+ |
State rules matter a lot. Florida generally requires construction employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ comp. That includes corporate officers and LLC members, unless they file an exemption. Florida allows up to three owners with at least 10% ownership each to elect an exemption using Form DWC-250. California is stricter for roofers. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires C-39 roofing licensees to carry workers’ comp even if they have no employees.
A few states also run “monopolistic” workers’ comp systems. That means you must buy coverage from the state fund, not a private insurer. North Dakota, Ohio, Washington, and Wyoming work this way. Your experience mod also matters. That is a number that compares your past claims to other roofers your size. A mod above 1.0 raises your premium, and a mod below 1.0 lowers it.
How to Lower Your Roofing Insurance Cost Without Cutting Corners
Start by getting your payroll classifications right. Office staff and salespeople who never climb a roof should typically be coded separately from field crews. Their rates are far lower. As a result, a correct split can cut your workers’ comp bill a lot. Ask your agent to show you every class code on your policy.
Next, build a written safety program. Fall protection, ladder training, and documented toolbox talks can reduce claims over time. Fewer claims mean a better experience mod, which lowers your roofing insurance cost at renewal. Some insurers also give credits for formal safety plans.
Finally, compare several quotes each year. Use an independent agent who works with more than one carrier that writes roofing. Check that each quote has the same limits and deductible so you compare fairly. Also ask whether the policy excludes certain work, like hot tar or work above three stories. Those exclusions can leave you uncovered on the jobs that matter most. Confirm all state requirements with a licensed agent and your state workers’ comp agency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is roofing insurance cost per month for a one-person business?
A solo roofer with no employees often pays mainly for general liability. Typically, that runs near the $267 monthly median, though quotes can be lower or higher. However, in California, C-39 roofers must also carry workers’ comp, even with no employees.
Why is roofing insurance so expensive compared to other trades?
Roofers work at heights, so injuries tend to be severe and costly. Water damage claims from leaks can also be large. As a result, insurers price roofing among the highest-risk construction trades.
Do I need workers’ comp if I only hire subcontractors?
In many states, you may be held responsible if your subcontractor has no coverage. For example, your insurer may charge you premium for uninsured subs at your annual audit. In most cases, you should collect a certificate of insurance from every sub before they start work.
Find Where You Stand
Your real price depends on your trade, your state, your revenue, and your claims history. Get a neutral estimate first — no email, no quote gate — then compare quotes when you are ready.
Sources & How to Verify
This guide is built from official government and industry sources. Insurance requirements, premiums, and state rules change, so always confirm the exact figure with your state, a licensed agent, or the authority source:
- U.S. Small Business Administration: sba.gov — federal small-business insurance guidance
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org — neutral premium and coverage data
- NAIC: naic.org — state insurance regulation data
- U.S. Department of Labor: dol.gov — workers’ compensation overview
- Your state DOI, workers’ comp board, DMV/DOT, and contractor-licensing board for the exact current requirement and figures.
Verified October 2026. Insurance figures change — if you spot anything outdated, please contact us.
Related Guides
- Business Insurance by Profession
- Workers’ Comp Requirements by State
- Business Insurance Requirements by State
- What Business Insurance Really Costs
- Plain-English Business Insurance Glossary
Disclaimer. This page is for general information only and is not insurance, legal, or tax advice. Business Insure Guide is an independent educational resource, not an insurance agency, carrier, law firm, or tax advisor. Coverage needs, requirements, premiums, and rules vary by business, profession, and state, and change over time. For your specific situation, verify the exact coverage, requirement, and price with a licensed insurance agent and your state before you buy.