The afternoon storm
A roofer strips half a roof in the morning and a storm arrives early. Water damages ceilings and carpets inside. Whether public liability responds depends on the policy's conditions about protecting open roofs.
Insurance for Roofers
Understand the cover roofers commonly use, what clients and sites ask for, and when it gets more complicated.
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The short answer
What insurance does a roofer need in Australia?
Roofers in Australia usually carry public liability insurance, often $10 million or $20 million, plus tools and vehicle cover. Roofing is rated as higher risk than most trades because of falls, dropped materials, water getting in during work and heat-applied membranes, so fewer insurers offer cover and the activities you declare matter a lot.
- Most common cover
- Public liability, tools and equipment, commercial vehicle
- Limits clients ask for
- $10m to $20m on builder and commercial sites
- Why it's harder
- Heights, water entry during works, heat application
- Gets complicated when
- Commercial roofs, torch-on membranes, asbestos roofs, multi-storey work
Common cover
What cover do roofers commonly use?
Most roofers build their insurance from a few separate policies. These are the ones that come up most, and why they matter for this kind of work.
Public liability
Covers rain damage to a client's home while the roof is open, materials falling on people or cars, and other third-party damage. Roofing is one of the trades where the wording matters most.
Tools and equipment
Roofing tools, safety gear, ladders and portable equipment.
Commercial vehicles
Utes and trucks carrying sheeting, ladders and materials.
Personal accident and illness
A fall can mean months off work. Sole traders are usually not covered by workers compensation for their own injuries.
Contract works
Larger re-roofing and new-build projects may require it under the contract.
When it gets harder
When does insurance get more complicated for roofers?
Even a straightforward residential roofer is a specialist risk for many insurers. Some activities narrow the market further.
Water getting in while the roof is open
A sudden storm while a roof is stripped is a classic roofing claim. Some policies have conditions about covering open roofs, and following them decides whether the claim is paid.
Torch-on membranes and heat application
Heat-applied waterproofing carries a fire risk. Many insurers exclude it or apply strict hot work conditions.
Heights and multi-storey work
Policies can restrict roof work above a certain height or number of storeys unless it is declared.
Asbestos roofs
Removing or working near asbestos roofing is typically excluded from public liability. It usually needs specialist cover and licensing.
Illustrative examples
What does this look like in practice?
These are illustrative examples, not real clients, showing how the work changes the insurance.
The commercial re-roof
A residential roofing business is offered a warehouse re-roof. The builder wants $20 million liability and the job involves torch-on membrane. Their current insurer excludes heat application, so the work needs to be checked against cover before they quote.
Cost
What affects the cost of insurance for roofers?
Roofers generally pay more than most trades. These factors move the price most.
| Factor | Impact | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Type of roofing work | Major | Restoration, new roofing, commercial, membranes and repairs are rated differently. |
| Heat application | Major | Torch-on work can significantly change price and availability. |
| Height and storeys | Moderate | Taller buildings increase risk. |
| Turnover and staff | Moderate | More jobs and crew mean more exposure. |
| Claims history | Major | Water damage claims are closely scrutinised. |
Common questions
Questions roofers ask about insurance
Why is roofer insurance more expensive than other trades?
Roofing combines falls, dropped materials, rain getting into open roofs and sometimes heat application. Insurers see more and bigger claims from roofing, so fewer insurers offer cover and premiums are higher.
Does public liability cover rain damage during a re-roof?
It can, but many policies have conditions about protecting the roof when it is open, such as tarping and watching the weather. If the conditions aren't met, the claim may be reduced or declined.
Is torch-on membrane work covered?
Often not by standard policies. Heat-applied work is commonly excluded or needs to be specifically declared and accepted with hot work conditions.
Can roofers get cover for asbestos work?
Asbestos is generally excluded from standard public liability. Licensed asbestos removal needs specialist cover.
Related trades
This page is general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not a recommendation to buy any insurance product. Always read the policy wording and, where applicable, the Product Disclosure Statement.
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