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Roofing Insurance
Roofing insurance is built to protect your roofing business from the most common and most expensive risks roofers face, including third party injuries, property damage, tool theft, and job site incidents. Most importantly, it helps you keep operating after a loss instead of paying everything out of pocket.
We will connect you with a broker who specializes in roofing business insurance for contractors across Ontario to make sure the coverage matches what you actually do, including flat roofing, shingles, metal, commercial, residential, maintenance, and in some cases torch-on or hot work operations.
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We are not an insurer or a broker. We find you the right one.
Matched by industry
We connect you with a broker who works with businesses like yours, not a generic call centre.
Licensed Ontario brokers
Insurance brokers in Ontario are licensed by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO).
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Once we receive your information, a professional in our network will connect with you within 24 hours.
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Our referral service is free for businesses. You deal directly with the broker for quotes and coverage.
Understanding Roofing Insurance
Definition of Roofing Insurance
Roofing insurance (also called roofing contractor insurance) is a tailored commercial insurance package designed for roofing operations. It typically combines:
Commercial general liability insurance (CGL) for third party injury and property damage claims
Tools and equipment coverage for theft and damage to your tools and mobile equipment
Options for installation floater, business interruption, and other contractor-focused coverages, depending on your needs
Roofing is often treated as a specialized class by insurers. That means the details of your work (for example, residential versus commercial, repair versus new construction, torch use, subcontractor use, and heights) can directly impact what coverage is available and on what terms.
Importance of Roofing Insurance for Contractors
Roofers face a mix of risks that can be financially devastating:
High injury exposure due to working at heights
High property damage exposure due to water intrusion, falling debris, and fire risk from certain tools and processes
High contract pressure where general contractors, builders, and property managers require proof of insurance before work begins
High theft exposure because tools and materials often move between sites and are stored in vehicles or trailers
Roofing insurance helps protect your cash flow and assets so one claim does not wipe out months or years of progress.
Types of Insurance for Roofers
A complete roofing business insurance plan usually includes several layers. The core coverages below are the ones most Ontario roofers need to consider first.
General Liability Insurance
Commercial general liability insurance protects you if your business is accused of causing:
Third party bodily injury
Third party property damage
Legal defence costs and settlements related to covered claims
Examples for roofers can include:
A client or passerby is injured by debris near the work area
You accidentally damage siding, windows, HVAC units, or interior finishes
A ladder or material damages a customer vehicle
A claim arises after completion of your work (completed operations), depending on your policy terms
Many CGL policies also include personal and advertising injury coverage, which can help with certain non-physical claims like libel or slander, depending on wording.
Important note: Roofing claims can involve workmanship allegations. Most CGL policies are not designed to act as a warranty for poor work. How a policy responds can depend on the wording and whether the claim involves resulting damage versus the cost to redo the work. This is exactly why policy review matters.
WSIB Coverage for Roofers
Roofing is part of the construction industry, and Ontario has specific rules for workplace safety and insurance coverage.
Ontario’s WSIB guidance on expanded compulsory coverage in the construction industry states that people who own or run a construction business, with or without employees, are required to have WSIB coverage and need to register (with some exceptions).
IHSA also highlights that nearly everyone who works in Ontario’s construction industry must have WSIB coverage.
For many roofers, WSIB is not just a legal and safety issue, it is also a business requirement. General contractors and project owners often require WSIB clearance documentation before allowing work to begin.
Tools and Equipment Coverage
Roofers rely on specialized tools, compressors, nailers, safety equipment, ladders, scaffolding, and sometimes trailers and mobile units. Tools and equipment coverage is designed to help when those tools are stolen, damaged, or destroyed.
This coverage is especially valuable because:
Tools are frequently stored in vehicles or trailers
Theft from job sites is common
A single loss can shut down your crew immediately
Depending on how your business operates, tools and equipment coverage may be structured as scheduled coverage (listing major items) or a blanket limit for smaller tools. The best approach depends on how often you add tools and how well you track your inventory.
Benefits of Roofing Insurance
Financial Protection
Roofing insurance helps protect your business from costs that can be difficult to recover from, including:
Legal defence costs and settlements from liability claims due to an insured event
Repair costs for accidental property damage
Replacement of stolen tools and equipment
Potential downtime and project disruption when coverage includes related options
This is about more than compliance. It is about protecting the value you have built in your business.
Risk Management
Good roofing insurance does two things at once:
1
It transfers financial risk to an insurer when something unexpected happens.
2
It helps you run a more disciplined operation because insurers and contracts push you toward better documentation and safety practices.
Strong risk management for roofers often includes:
Clear site safety procedures and fall protection practices
Hot work controls where applicable (permits, extinguishers, training)
Subcontractor vetting and proof of insurance
Written contracts that match the work scope
Photo documentation before, during, and after work
Strong housekeeping practices to reduce trip hazards and debris-related incidents
Insurance works best when it is paired with these operational habits.
Choosing the Right Roofing Insurance Provider
Factors to Consider
Not all roofing insurance is equal. When you compare options, focus on:
Carrier appetite for roofing
some insurers are comfortable with certain roofing operations and not others
Work type and restrictions
residential versus commercial, flat roofing, heights, torch-on, hot asphalt, and related methods can affect underwriting
Coverage wording and exclusions
look closely at workmanship-related exclusions, water ingress claims, and any hot work limitations
Limits and deductibles
ensure your limits meet contract requirements and your deductible matches what you can absorb
Certificates of insurance
can your broker issue certificates quickly and correctly for builders, property managers, and municipalities
Questions to Ask
Before you buy or renew, ask these questions:
What is my liability limit and is it per occurrence, aggregate, or both?
Does my policy include completed operations coverage and how is it limited?
Are there exclusions that commonly affect roofing claims, such as torch work restrictions or water damage limitations?
How does the policy treat subcontractors and do I need to report subcontractor costs?
Is tools and equipment coverage included and what deductible applies to theft?
Can I add higher limits or an umbrella policy if a contract requires it?
What does the claim process look like and who supports me if I need to file?
A broker who understands roofing will not just quote you. They will help you ask and answer these questions before you sign.
Common Misconceptions About Roofing Insurance
“I don’t need insurance for my small roofing business”
Small roofing businesses often have the most to lose. One liability claim can exceed the cash reserves of a small operation quickly. Many clients also require proof of insurance before work starts. Even if you only take small residential jobs, your exposure to injury and property damage still exists.
“All insurance policies are the same”
Roofing insurance policies can differ significantly in:
Exclusions and endorsements
Treatment of subcontractor work
Whether certain operations are acceptable (for example torch-on)
How claims are handled and how quickly certificates and policy changes are processed
The cheapest policy can become the most expensive decision if it fails to respond when you need it.
Why Roofers choose working with a Broker
Roofing insurance is not just a quote. It is a risk plan for a high hazard trade.
1They have experience understanding roofing risk
They know what underwriters care about roofing, including heights, hot work, commercial versus residential exposure, and subcontractor controls. That experience helps them position your business properly and avoid coverage mismatches.
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2They make sure the insurance actually covers you
They review policy wording, exclusions, and coverage limits so you are not relying on assumptions. If a claim happens, they will help you navigate the process and advocate for a fair outcome based on the policy.
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3They know the market and plan for your growth
As your roofing company grows, you may take on larger contracts, hire more crews, add equipment, or expand into new services. They will work with markets that can support your needs today and your expanding needs in the future.
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4They are responsive
A professional in our network follows up within 24 hours. If you need a certificate, contract review, or quick clarification, a broker who knows roofing can move quickly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Insurance
What does roofing insurance typically cover?
Roofing insurance usually includes commercial general liability insurance for third party claims, plus tools and equipment coverage for theft or damage to your tools. Many roofers also add, installation floater, and optional coverages based on contract requirements and operations.
How much liability insurance do roofers need in Ontario?
It depends on your contracts and risk profile. Many project owners and general contractors require at least $2,000,000 in commercial general liability coverage, and some larger contracts require higher limits. A broker can review your contract requirements and recommend limits that align with the work you take on.
Is WSIB required for roofing contractors in Ontario?
Roofing is part of the construction industry, and WSIB guidance on expanded compulsory coverage states that people who own or run a construction business, with or without employees, are required to have WSIB coverage and need to register (with some exceptions).
Does roofing insurance cover leaks or faulty workmanship?
Most commercial general liability policies are not designed to cover the cost to redo poor work. Coverage often focuses on third party bodily injury, third party property damage, and legal defence.
Some claims involve resulting damage to other property, and how a policy responds depends on wording and the facts of the loss. This is why it is important to review exclusions and endorsements carefully.
Do I need tools and equipment coverage if I already have liability insurance?
Yes. Liability insurance protects you against third party claims. It does not replace stolen nail guns, ladders, compressors, or other tools your crew relies on. Tools and equipment coverage is designed to respond to theft or damage to your tools and mobile equipment.
Can roofers get coverage for torch-on or hot work operations?
Some insurers will consider torch-on or hot work roofing, but underwriting is often stricter and may require specific safety controls and documentation. If you do torch-on, hot asphalt, or similar work, it is critical to disclose it and place coverage with a market that is comfortable with that exposure.
What affects roofing insurance cost in Ontario?
Roofing insurance cost is influenced by factors such as:
- Revenue and payroll
- Work type (residential, commercial, flat roofing, repair, new construction)
- Subcontractor use
- Claims history
- Coverage limits and deductibles
- Whether you do hot work or torch applications, which can increase underwriting scrutiny
The best way to understand cost is to request a quote based on your real operations.
Conclusion
Roofing insurance in Ontario is essential for protecting this high risk trade. It helps protect your business from lawsuits, unexpected property damage claims, and tool losses that can stop your crew from working.
If you want roofing business insurance that fits your operations and contract requirements, talk to a broker. We will help connect you with someone who understand your needs.
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