Roofing contractors usually need general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, equipment coverage and a license bond. In California, C-39 roofing licensees must carry workers’ compensation even without employees. Contracts often ask for additional insured status, waiver of subrogation and primary and noncontributory wording. SF Coverage checks those contracts for free, reviews workers’ comp audits and explains renewal changes line by line within three business days.
Who sets your insurance requirements
- General contractors
- Additional insured on ongoing and completed operations, waiver of subrogation, primary and noncontributory wording and higher limits.
- Commercial building owners
- Certificates naming the owner and manager, umbrella limits and sometimes specific height or hot work terms.
- HOAs and property managers
- Certificates naming the association and management company before crews arrive.
- Public agencies
- Payment and performance bonds and endorsements on file before contract award.
Coverage roofing contractors usually carry
Exposures to get right
Falls and serious injury
Height work drives workers’ comp cost and makes class code accuracy at audit important.
Leaks after completion
Water intrusion claims can follow a job by years, so completed operations coverage matters.
Hot work and fire
Torch applied systems can start fires, and some policies restrict that work.
A narrow insurer market
Fewer insurers write roofing, so starting renewal early leaves time to compare.
In California
- CSLB C-39 roofing licensees must carry workers’ compensation even when they have no employees.
- Under SB 216 as amended by SB 1455 in 2024, the workers’ compensation requirement extends to all CSLB licensees from 1 January 2028.
- The CSLB contractor license bond has been $25,000 since 1 January 2023.
How SF Coverage works for roofing contractors
Have these ready
- CSLB license number
- Current declarations pages and endorsements
- The contract insurance section for upcoming jobs
- Payroll split by roofing and office work
- Vehicle and equipment list
- Loss runs for the last five years
Insurance for roofing contractors, answered
Why is roofing insurance hard to find?
Roofing combines fall injuries, fire from hot work and long tail leak claims. Many insurers limit or exclude the trade, and some restrict torch applied work or height. That leaves fewer markets and less room to negotiate, which is why SF Coverage starts roofing renewals 90 days before expiry.
Do I need workers’ comp if I have no employees?
Yes. CSLB requires C-39 roofing licensees to carry workers’ compensation even with no employees. Without a valid certificate on file, the license can be suspended. From 1 January 2028 the requirement extends to all CSLB licensees under SB 216 as amended by SB 1455.
What does a GC usually require from a roofing sub?
Most subcontracts ask for additional insured status on ongoing and completed operations, waiver of subrogation, primary and noncontributory wording and limits that often call for an umbrella. SF Coverage compares the subcontract with your endorsements for free and lists anything missing before you sign.
What is a renewal second opinion?
Send your renewal offer and expiring policy. SF Coverage explains every change in premium, rate, exposure, limits, deductibles and exclusions line by line within three business days. You see what moved and why, and what to ask your current broker before the policy renews.
How does SF Coverage approach a roofing program?
It starts with the work you actually do, including torch applied work, height limits and the mix of residential and commercial jobs, because insurers rate and restrict each one differently. SF Coverage reads your contracts and current policies first, then starts the renewal 90 days before expiry so a narrow market has time to respond.
General information. Coverage depends on the policy an insurer issues.