Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades. Higher GL limits, wind exclusions, and completed operations coverage deserve extra scrutiny before any roofer starts work.
Roofing consistently ranks among the most hazardous construction trades. Falls account for a large share of workers' compensation claims, and roof failures, leaks, or wind-related callbacks generate some of the largest post-project liability claims in residential and commercial construction.
Because of this risk profile, lenders, owners, and insurers often require higher limits than the standard $1M/$2M, and completed operations coverage is essential. Here is what to require and what to watch for.
Policies to require
Policy
Typical limit
Why it matters
General Liability
$2M per occurrence / $4M aggregate
Higher limits are common for roofing due to elevated fall risk and the cost of post-project leak and water damage claims. Some contracts specify $1M/$2M, but $2M/$4M is a safer baseline.
Workers' Compensation
Statutory limits
Roofing has one of the highest workers' comp premium rates of any trade due to fall frequency. Never waive WC for a roofer, even a small crew.
Commercial Auto
$1M combined single limit
Roofers carry heavy materials and equipment; auto coverage protects you from vehicle incidents tied to their work.
Umbrella / Excess Liability
$2M to $5M (strongly recommended)
Catastrophic fall injuries or major roof failures can easily exceed primary limits. An umbrella provides essential protection on any project above a small residential scope.
Typical limits reflect common GC contract requirements as of 2026. Actual requirements vary by contract, project size, owner, and jurisdiction.
What to verify on the COI
When you receive the certificate of insurance from a roofer, check each of the following before approving the document.
Named insured matches the legal entity name in your subcontract
Certificate holder lists your company name and address
Your company is endorsed as additional insured on the GL policy
GL limits meet your contract minimums (check for $2M/$4M where required)
No wind or hail exclusion on the GL policy, or a written explanation of how claims are handled if one exists
Completed operations coverage is included and the duration extends past project completion
Workers' comp policy covers roofing class codes (not carpentry-only or finish-work codes)
Umbrella policy is in force and aligns with the underlying GL and auto limits
Common gaps and watch-outs
Wind and hail exclusions
In high-exposure states, some roofing GL policies include wind and hail exclusions. That means a storm-related claim after the roofer's work is done may not be covered. Request the endorsement page and ask specifically whether wind or hail claims are excluded.
Height limitations in the GL policy
Some GL policies written for light-commercial roofers include a height limitation, for example coverage only up to 15 feet. Work on a three-story building would fall outside that. Confirm the policy does not have a height cap that your project exceeds.
Completed operations for leak claims
Roof leaks are usually discovered at the first rain after completion, sometimes months later. Completed operations must be in force at the time of discovery, not just at project close. Make sure it is renewed along with the main policy and that you are still listed as additional insured.
Workers' comp class codes for roofing
The roofing class code carries one of the highest experience mod rates in construction. Some subs underreport to a cheaper code like carpentry or painting. This is fraud and voids the policy. Ask to see the class codes on the declarations page.
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General liability (typically $2M/$4M for commercial projects), workers' compensation, commercial auto, and usually an umbrella. Confirm no wind or hail exclusion on the GL if the project is in a storm-exposure area.
Why do roofers need higher GL limits than other trades?
Roofing combines high fall risk with post-project water intrusion exposure. A single fall fatality or a major leak into a finished commercial space can generate claims well above standard $1M limits.
What is a wind and hail exclusion on a roofer's policy?
Some roofer GL policies in high-exposure markets exclude claims caused by wind or hail. If a storm drives water through an installation defect, the insurer may deny coverage. Verify whether the exclusion exists before the sub starts work.
Does workers' comp for a roofer cost more?
Yes, significantly. Roofing carries one of the highest workers' comp rates of any trade. Make sure the WC policy uses the correct roofing class codes; a policy rated under a cheaper classification may be void for roofing work.
This guide reflects typical GC requirements and general industry practice as of June 2026. Insurance requirements vary by contract, project type, jurisdiction, and owner. CoiLoop organizes documents and reminders and does not provide insurance advice or certify coverage.