Roofing Contractor Insurance in Massachusetts

Key Coverages for Roofing Contractors

General Liability Insurance

General liability is typically the foundation of a roofer’s insurance program. It may help protect your business if a third party alleges:

• Bodily injury (for example, a homeowner trips over materials in the driveway)
• Property damage (such as water damage to an interior after a roof opening is left exposed)

We can help you explore options that reflect how you work—residential vs. commercial roofing, tear-offs vs. overlays, flat vs. pitched roofs, and subcontractor use.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Roofing is physically demanding, and injuries can happen even on well-run jobs. In Massachusetts, employers are generally required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. Requirements can vary based on business structure and who is performing the work.

Workers’ compensation insurance may help with:

• Medical costs for job-related injuries or illnesses
• A portion of lost wages for employees who can’t work while they recover
• Certain benefits in the event of a serious or fatal injury

Because workers’ compensation requirements and penalties can change, we always recommend confirming current requirements on Mass.gov and with your legal or HR advisors.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Roofing companies rely on trucks and vans to move crews, ladders, tear-off debris, and shingles from job to job. Personal auto policies typically won’t address business use of these vehicles.

Commercial auto insurance may help cover:

• Liability if your driver causes an accident and injures someone or damages their property
• Physical damage to your business vehicles, subject to the policy terms
• Certain hired or non-owned auto exposures, if added

Tools, Equipment & Materials Coverage

Roofing tools, trailers, and equipment are a big investment—and often stored on jobsites or in vehicles overnight.

Depending on the policy, coverage such as inland marine or contractors’ tools and equipment insurance may help with losses to:

• Hand tools and power tools
• Compressors, generators, nail guns, and safety equipment
• Ladders, staging, and certain rented equipment
• Materials stored on site before installation

We’ll help you review limits, deductibles, and where your property is (and isn’t) covered—yard, jobsite, or in transit.

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Roofing claims can be significant—especially when working on large or high-value properties. A commercial umbrella policy may provide additional liability limits above:

• General liability
• Auto liability
• Employers liability (part of many workers’ comp policies)

This added layer is often requested in contracts with general contractors, property managers, and municipalities.

Additional Options for Roofers

Based on your operations and contracts, we may also discuss:

• Contractors pollution or environmental liability — may help address certain claims related to overspray, adhesives, or disposal of roofing materials, subject to policy terms.
• Professional / contractors E&O — for roofers who design or specify roofing systems.
• Builders risk or installation floater — for materials and certain work in progress on larger projects.
• Surety bonds (license, permit, bid, or performance) — sometimes required for public or larger private jobs.

Not every roofer needs every option. Our role is to help you decide what’s appropriate for your business and budget.

Massachusetts Considerations for Roofers

While we don’t provide legal advice, we can help point roofing clients toward key requirements that often come up in conversations, such as workers’ compensation rules and certain licensing or registration obligations.

Because regulations and enforcement can change, roofers should regularly check Mass.gov and consult with their legal or licensing professionals. We’re happy to coordinate with your advisors so your insurance program supports those requirements.

Why Roofers Choose Risman Insurance Agencies

Risman Insurance Agencies is an independent agency based in Medford, MA. That means we can:

• Access multiple insurance carriers that work with roofing risks
• Help compare coverage options and premiums
• Coordinate certificates of insurance for general contractors and project owners
• Review contracts for insurance requirements and help you understand them

Most importantly, we aim to make your insurance process straightforward—so you spend less time on paperwork and more time running your crews.