Workers Compensation Insurance for Residential Roofing Contractors
Workers compensation insurance pays for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages when your roofing employees are injured on the job. Residential roofing consistently ranks among the most dangerous occupations, making this coverage essential. Most states require it as soon as you hire your first employee.
What It Covers
Workers comp covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs when an employee is hurt during roofing operations. This includes falls from ladders and roofs, heat stroke during summer installs, injuries from nail guns and power saws, and repetitive strain injuries from years of shingle installation. It also provides death benefits to families if a worker is killed on the job.
What It Does Not Cover
Workers comp does not cover injuries to subcontractors (they need their own policies), independent contractors, or business owners who elect to exclude themselves. It does not cover injuries that occur while an employee is intoxicated or violating company safety policies. Injuries during commuting are also excluded unless the employee is traveling between job sites.
Real Claim Examples
A roofer loses footing on a rain-slicked roof and falls 18 feet to the ground, fracturing his pelvis and requiring six months of recovery. A laborer carrying shingle bundles up a ladder suffers a herniated disc and needs spinal surgery. A crew member develops severe heat exhaustion during a July re-roof and requires emergency hospitalization.
How Much It Costs
Roofing carries workers comp rates between $18 and $45 per $100 of payroll depending on your state, claims history, and experience modification factor. A residential roofing company with $500,000 in annual payroll can expect to pay $90,000 to $225,000 per year. Strong safety programs and a clean loss history can significantly reduce your experience mod and lower premiums.
Why Work With Us for This Coverage
Roofing-focused agencies know which carriers offer competitive rates for class code 5551 without surprise audits or mid-term cancellations. We help structure your payroll reporting and subcontractor documentation to avoid costly audit adjustments that catch general agencies off guard.
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