Compare Roofer Insurance Quotes

Yes, roofer insurance can cover working at height — but most policies include a maximum height limit, and you’ll need to declare it during the quote process.

Failing to do so could invalidate your cover.

Insurers often set a maximum allowable height for roofing work. This is commonly:

• 10 metres – Standard for domestic or low-level commercial work
• 15 metres – Sometimes available for more advanced or commercial projects
• Over 15 metres – May require specialist insurers or bespoke underwriting

These height limits exist because the risk of serious injury or property damage increases the higher you go. If you don’t specify that you regularly work above these limits, your claim could be denied — even if the work was otherwise covered.

Scaffolded roof replacements, industrial units, or multi-storey buildings often exceed standard height limits. So if your work regularly involves higher structures, be clear from the outset. Most comparison tools (including SimplyQuote) will ask for your working height during the quote process.

Most self-employed roofers need at least public liability insurance, tool cover, and personal accident protection.

If you ever bring in help, even casually, you may also need employer’s liability by law.

Here’s what a typical self-employed roofer will want to include:

• Public liability insurance – Covers injuries to others or damage to property caused during your work. If a roof tile drops and cracks a conservatory — this is what helps pay for the damage.
• Tool cover – Roofing tools are expensive and essential. Tool insurance helps replace them if they’re stolen or damaged — especially useful if you store gear in your van.
• Personal accident insurance – If you get injured on site and can’t work, this can help replace your income while you recover.
• Employer’s liability insurance – Not always needed if you work alone. But the moment you hire labourers or rope in a mate, it may become legally required.

Optional extras like legal expenses or contract works cover might be useful too — especially if you take on larger builds or quote for site-based work.

A typical roofer insurance policy includes public liability, tool cover, personal accident insurance, and employer’s liability if you hire others.

You can also add extras like contract works or legal expenses cover depending on the type of jobs you take on.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually included:

• Public liability insurance – Protects you if a member of the public is injured or property is damaged as a result of your work. This could be a tile falling and damaging a car, or someone tripping over your ladder on-site.
• Tool and equipment cover – Covers theft or damage to the tools you rely on. Ideal for roofers storing tools in a van or moving between sites.
• Employer’s liability insurance – A legal must-have if you employ or supervise anyone on the job, even temporarily. Covers injury claims made by workers.
• Personal accident insurance – If you get injured and can’t work, this cover pays out to help replace your income while you recover.
• Contract works insurance – Optional cover for jobs that span multiple days or phases. If materials are damaged mid-project (e.g. by fire, theft or vandalism), this helps pay to put it right.
• Legal expenses cover – Helps with the cost of legal disputes, whether it’s a client conflict or defending a liability claim.

No two roofing jobs are the same — and neither are policies. The best cover reflects the way you actually work.

Roofer insurance typically starts at around £100–£250 per year for sole traders — but the actual price depends on the work you do, how you operate, and how much cover you need.

Roofing is one of the higher-risk trades to insure. You’re working at height, using specialist tools, and often dealing with unpredictable weather and difficult access. All of that increases the base premium compared to other trades.

Factors that influence the cost include:

• Working height – Some insurers have thresholds (e.g. 10m or 15m). The higher you work, the more you’ll pay.
• Subcontractor use – If you hire others, especially regularly, you’ll need employer’s liability — which adds to your premium.
• Type of roofing – Flat roofs, domestic tiling, and slating are usually cheaper to cover than commercial, industrial, or asbestos-related work.
• Tool value – If you carry expensive tools, especially ones kept in your van, this increases tool cover costs.
• Claims history – Fewer past claims usually means better rates.
• Public liability limit – Most choose £1M or £2M, but £5M cover (often required on commercial sites) will cost more.
• Postcode – Some areas carry higher theft or risk profiles, which affects pricing.

While roofers often pay more than other trades, it’s not without reason. With the right cover, that cost is protection — not just a number on your balance sheet.