Roofers insurance

A practical guide for UK roofing businesses

Roofers insurance is a group of policies that protect you, your team, your clients, and the public when you work at height. At its heart sit public liability and contractor’s all risks, with options for employers’ liability, plant and tools, personal accident, and financial loss cover. For many roofing firms, this protection is a contractual requirement and a safety net when things go wrong.

The UK market has shifted. Rates for standard construction risks have softened in 2025, with some premiums easing as competition increases and cover broadens. That is welcome after years of sustained price rises for roofing contractors. Even so, severe weather remains a leading cause of claims and solar installations feature more often, so choosing suitable limits and exclusions still matters.

Insurance can only protect what a policy actually covers - clarity up front avoids surprises later.

This guide explains the core covers, common exclusions, typical costs, and how claims work. We set realistic expectations so you can weigh price against protection, compare options fairly, and avoid gaps that could leave you exposed. You will also find step-by-step buying tips and key checks before you commit. Our aim is simple: help you make an informed, confident decision for your business.

What is covered and how it protects you

Roofers typically buy a package. Public liability helps if third parties suffer injury or property damage linked to your work, for example a slipped tile damaging a conservatory during a re-roof. Contractor’s all risks can protect the contract works and materials against accidental damage on site. Employers’ liability is a legal requirement if you employ staff in the UK, covering employee injury or illness related to their work. Plant and tools cover can insure owned or hired-in kit against theft or damage, while personal accident can pay a benefit if a worker is injured and cannot work. Some policies add financial loss cover for purely economic losses that are not tied to physical damage.

Policies set limits, excesses, and exclusions. Height and heat conditions are common - for instance, requirements when using gas torches on flat roofs or working above specified storeys. Wear and tear, defective workmanship, and gradual deterioration are typically excluded. Weather is a major driver of roofing claims, especially storms and high winds, so insurers may require secure storage, wind uplift testing, or specific installation standards, particularly for solar and green roofs.

Claims usually start with notifying the insurer quickly, providing job details, risk assessments, photos, and invoices. Liability claims are investigated to establish negligence and quantum. For tools or plant theft, insurers often ask for proof of ownership and evidence of forced entry. Being transparent and keeping records - RAMS, training logs, hire agreements - speeds things up and helps avoid disputes.

Who benefits most from this cover

Roofers working on domestic or light commercial projects gain the most from a combined policy that includes public liability, contractor’s all risks, and tools. Sole traders, small teams, and firms scaling into solar or green roofing benefit from broader protection as workloads rise and equipment values increase. Apprentices and specialist trades such as leadwork also add exposure that employers’ liability and personal accident can address.

Some micro-operators doing occasional, low-risk maintenance may choose lower limits, though they should still consider client requirements and the financial impact of a single claim. For complex engineering or high-rise projects, specialised underwriting and higher limits are often needed. If you do not work at height, rarely handle hot works, or only consult, a lighter policy or professional indemnity may be more suitable than a full roofing package.

Clear choices by cover level

1. Basic

   • Public Liability: £1 million to £2 million limit
   • Suitable for small domestic jobs with low hot-works exposure
   • Often excludes contract works and has limited heat conditions

2. Standard

   • Public Liability: £2 million to £5 million limit
   • Contractor’s All Risks for materials and works on site
   • Employers’ Liability where applicable
   • Better height and heat wordings, standard excesses

3. Comprehensive

   • Public Liability: £5 million or higher, sometimes with financial loss
   • Contractor’s All Risks with higher limits, hired-in plant
   • Employers’ Liability, personal accident, and business interruption options
   • Wider theft cover for tools kept in secure storage overnight

4. Optional add-ons

   • Tools and Plant: cover for theft and accidental damage, owned and hired-in
   • Personal Accident: weekly benefits after injury, lump sums for serious events
   • Professional Indemnity: advice, specification, or design responsibilities
   • Financial Loss: for purely economic losses not tied to physical damage
   • Efficacy Extension: where performance of products is a key exposure

5. Specialist extensions

   • Solar and Green Roofing: installation, testing, and wind uplift requirements
   • Hot Works: strict controls, permits, and fire watch conditions
   • Height Limits: clarified storey thresholds and use of safety systems

Cost, pricing and what influences premiums

Prices vary by location, turnover, claims history, and cover level. Market conditions in 2025 show softening for standard risks, but complex or high-rise projects may see stable or firmer pricing.

Who can apply and common requirements

Most UK roofing businesses can apply, including sole traders, limited companies, and partnerships. Insurers usually ask for estimated turnover, payroll split between manual and clerical roles, the type of roofing work, average and maximum contract values, height limits, hot works usage, and details of your safety controls. Evidence of training, risk assessments, method statements, and hot works permits is often requested. Where employers’ liability is needed, your Employer Reference Number and confirmation of PAYE may be required.

Applications may be declined where there is a history of large or frequent losses, poor risk management, non-compliance with hot works controls, or undisclosed high-risk activities such as structural steelwork or high-rise cladding. Accurate disclosures and clear project descriptions improve eligibility and help prevent cover disputes.

From quote to claim - simple steps

1. Gather details on work types, turnover, payroll, and contract values.
2. Get quotes from multiple insurers or brokers using the same information.
3. Compare limits, exclusions, excesses, and conditions side by side.
4. Select suitable cover levels and optional extensions you genuinely need.
5. Buy the policy and store certificates, schedules, and endorsements securely.
6. Follow risk controls - RAMS, hot works permits, security procedures daily.
7. Report incidents quickly, keep records, and cooperate with loss adjusters.

The balanced view - benefits and trade-offs

Key checks before you commit

Review policy schedules and endorsements carefully. Confirm your public liability limit meets client and local authority requirements, especially where £5 million is standard. Check excesses on liability, works, and tools sections so you know the out-of-pocket costs after a claim. Look for height restrictions, heat exclusions, hot works permit conditions, and any security warranties for vehicles and site storage. For contractor’s all risks, verify how partial handover and testing are treated. Ask how renewals are priced after claims and whether no-claims discounts apply. Keep copies of RAMS, training records, tool inventories, and proof of ownership to support any future claim.

Alternatives and related protections

1. Professional indemnity - if you design, specify, or advise on roofing systems, this can address errors in advice where liability cover does not.
2. Business interruption - supports lost income after insured damage to works, premises, or essential equipment.
3. Commercial property cover - for offices, storage units, or workshops housing materials and tools.
4. Personal accident or income protection - for self-employed roofers who rely on consistent weekly earnings.

Common questions answered

Q: Is roofers insurance a legal requirement? A: Public liability is not a legal requirement, but many clients insist on it. Employers’ liability is a legal requirement if you employ staff in the UK. Contracts often specify minimum limits.

Q: What limit of public liability should I choose? A: Many domestic roofers select £2 million to £5 million. Local authorities and commercial sites often require £5 million or more. Choose a limit that reflects your projects and potential third-party damage.

Q: Are tools covered when left in a van overnight? A: Often only if the van is in a locked building or fitted with specified security. Some policies exclude overnight vehicle theft entirely. Check warranties and consider secure storage where possible.

Q: How do storms affect my insurance needs? A: Storms and high winds drive many UK roofing claims. Consider sufficient limits, robust installation standards, and compliance with manufacturer guidelines, especially for solar and flat roofing systems.

Q: Have prices improved for roofers recently? A: For standard construction risks, 2025 market conditions are more competitive, with some rates easing. Complex engineering or high-rise work may still see cautious underwriting and stable pricing.

What to do next

If you are ready to compare, gather your turnover, payroll, work types, contract values, and recent claims. Review cover levels side by side, focusing on exclusions and conditions. Take your time, ask for clarification when needed, and only buy when you are confident the policy fits your work and risk controls.

Important information

This guide provides general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms, limits, and exclusions vary by insurer. Always read your schedule, endorsements, and wording carefully and seek professional advice if you are unsure.