Roofing Subcontractor-Only Insurance
We insure roofing subcontractors who work exclusively for other roofing companies or general contractors, never contracting directly with homeowners. Your sub-only model eliminates homeowner-facing exposure but creates its own challenges around contractual liability and additional insured requirements — we connect you with specialist carriers who structure coverage to meet prime contractor specs.
Key Risks
Contractual indemnification clauses in subcontract agreements frequently transfer liability beyond what the sub policy covers, creating gaps when the prime contractor is sued and tenders defense to the sub. The pressure to maintain continuous coverage without lapses is existential since a single day without active COI can result in termination from prime contractor vendor lists. Working under another company direction means the sub has limited control over jobsite safety conditions, scheduling pressure, and crew sizing decisions, yet retains WC exposure for their own workers in those conditions. Additional insured endorsement stacking across multiple prime contractors creates confusion about whose policy is primary in multi-party claims.
Coverages Needed
Carrier Market
Subcontractor-only roofing operations often find favorable placement in specialist programs because the absence of direct homeowner contracts eliminates a significant source of disputes and litigation. Specialist markets recognize that claims frequency is typically lower for sub-only operations, though severity per claim can be higher due to the contractual liability transfer mechanisms. Programs that offer blanket additional insured endorsements and waiver of subrogation are essential for this class, as individual endorsement requests from each prime contractor create administrative burden.
Common Disqualifiers
Operations that cannot provide a blanket additional insured endorsement or refuse waiver of subrogation clauses are effectively unplaceable because no prime contractor will hire them. A lapse in coverage of even one day that results in removal from a prime contractor vendor list signals instability to specialist markets. Sub-only operations discovered performing direct-to-homeowner work without disclosure face policy rescission. Crews that cannot provide safety documentation meeting prime contractor OSHA requirements create cascading compliance failures.
Typical Premium Range
Small sub-only crews of 3-5 workers generating $200K-$500K typically pay $7,000-$15,000 for GL/WC/Auto, often 10-20% below direct-to-consumer rates due to the reduced homeowner dispute exposure. Mid-size operations with multiple crews at $600K-$1.5M pay $16,000-$38,000. Larger sub-only operations above $2M should expect $40,000-$95,000, with umbrella requirements frequently dictated by the prime contractor minimum limits rather than the sub operational exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do prime contractors require me to carry higher limits than I think I need?
Prime contractors set insurance minimums based on their own umbrella carrier requirements and the contractual chain above them. A homebuilder carrying a $10M umbrella typically requires all subs to carry $1M/$2M GL and $1M-$5M umbrella so their own excess carrier never drops down. These requirements are non-negotiable and failing to meet them removes you from consideration regardless of your workmanship quality. Building your coverage to meet the highest-requirement prime contractor you work with ensures you never lose a bid on insurance grounds.
What is a blanket additional insured endorsement and why is it critical for subs?
A blanket additional insured endorsement automatically extends additional insured status to any party you are contractually required to add, without needing individual endorsements for each prime contractor. This is operationally essential for subs who may work for 5-15 different prime contractors annually. Without it, you must request a separate endorsement for each new prime, which creates delays, additional costs, and gaps if the endorsement is not issued before work begins.
How does working as a sub affect my experience modification factor?
Your experience mod is calculated the same way regardless of whether you work as a sub or direct-to-consumer. However, sub-only operations may have different claim patterns: fewer property damage claims from homeowner interaction but potentially more WC claims from scheduling pressure and unfamiliar jobsite conditions controlled by others. Maintaining your own safety standards even when working under another company direction is essential for controlling your mod.
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We work with carriers that understand residential roofing and can offer competitive rates for your specialty.
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