Broad form property damage coverage expands the property damage protection under your general liability policy by removing or narrowing certain exclusions that would otherwise limit coverage for damage to property in your care, custody, or control, and for damage to your own completed work. Standard CGL policies exclude damage to property you are working on and property that must be restored or replaced because your work was incorrectly performed. Broad form property damage coverage modifies these exclusions.
For roofing contractors, this coverage is relevant when your work damages an existing structure. If your tear-off crew damages the roof deck, a skylight, or interior finishes while removing old roofing, a standard CGL might exclude the claim because the damage occurred to property you were working on. Broad form property damage coverage can respond to these types of claims, covering the cost to repair the property you damaged while performing your roofing work.
Not all carriers offer broad form property damage in the same way. Some include it as a standard coverage feature, others offer it as an optional endorsement, and some restrict it to specific operations. When comparing CGL quotes for your roofing business, ask about the property damage exclusions and whether broad form coverage is included. This is one of those coverage nuances that does not appear on a certificate of insurance but can make a significant difference when a claim is filed. Review your policy's exclusion section or ask your broker for a coverage comparison.