Roofer Insurance: Public Liability, Tools & CAR Coverage

Running a roofing business comes with significant risks. From working at heights to handling expensive equipment, roofers face unique challenges that standard business insurance simply doesn't cover. Whether you're a sole trader, small team, or established roofing company, having the right insurance protection is essential to safeguard your business, your employees, and your livelihood.

This comprehensive guide covers the three critical insurance types every roofer needs: public liability insurance, tools and equipment coverage, and contract all risks (CAR) insurance. We'll explore what each covers, why it matters, and how to choose the right protection for your roofing business.

Why Roofers Need Specialist Insurance

Roofing is one of the UK's highest-risk trades. Working at height, handling heavy materials, and operating near residential or commercial properties creates significant liability exposure. A single accident—whether it's a falling tile injuring a pedestrian, damage to a client's property, or theft of your tools—could financially devastate your business.

Standard business insurance policies often exclude roofing work or provide inadequate coverage. This is why specialist roofer insurance exists. It's designed specifically for the hazards you face daily and provides the protection you need to operate legally and safely.

Public Liability Insurance for Roofers

What Is Public Liability Insurance?

Public liability insurance protects your business if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property during the course of your work. It covers legal fees, compensation claims, and court costs if a third party takes legal action against you.

For roofers, public liability insurance is often a contractual requirement. Many clients won't hire you without proof of cover, and some contracts specify minimum cover levels (typically £1-10 million depending on project size).

What Does Roofer Public Liability Cover?

A comprehensive public liability policy for roofers typically covers:

• Bodily injury to members of the public caused by your work

• Damage to third-party property (neighbouring properties, client's belongings, vehicles)

• Legal defence costs and compensation claims

• Emergency medical expenses

• Damage caused by falling materials or debris

• Accidents involving scaffolding or access equipment

• Damage to temporary structures or protective coverings

Common Claims Scenarios for Roofers

Understanding typical claims helps you appreciate why public liability insurance is vital:

• Falling debris: A slate tile falls from your roof and injures a pedestrian below

• Property damage: Your ladder damages a client's conservatory or garden structure

• Neighbouring property damage: Scaffolding collapses and damages an adjacent building

• Water damage: Your work causes water ingress into the client's property

• Injury on site: A client or their family member is injured due to inadequate safety measures

Each scenario could result in claims ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of pounds. Public liability insurance protects you from these financial disasters.

Tools and Equipment Insurance

Why Tools Insurance Matters for Roofers

Roofers invest heavily in specialist equipment: scaffolding, safety harnesses, power tools, measuring equipment, and materials. Losing or damaging these tools can halt your business operations and cost thousands to replace.

Tools insurance covers theft, accidental damage, and loss of your equipment. It's separate from public liability and is essential for protecting your business assets.

What Does Tools Coverage Include?

A typical tools insurance policy for roofers covers:

• Theft from your vehicle, home, or site

• Accidental damage to tools and equipment

• Loss of tools during transit

• Damage to specialist roofing equipment (scaffolding, access equipment, safety gear)

• Coverage for hired equipment you're responsible for

• Replacement or repair costs

Coverage Limits and Excess

Tools insurance typically offers coverage limits from £2,500 to £50,000+, depending on your needs. You'll choose an excess (usually £100-500) that balances premium costs with your willingness to cover small losses yourself.

Consider your total equipment value when selecting a limit. Include all hand tools, power tools, safety equipment, and specialist roofing gear. Don't underestimate—it's easy to accumulate £10,000+ in tools over time.

Protecting Your Tools: Best Practices

While insurance covers losses, prevention is better than cure:

• Keep tools in a secure locked vehicle or storage facility overnight

• Use GPS trackers on expensive equipment

• Maintain an inventory with photos and serial numbers

• Mark tools with your company name or ID

• Install alarms or CCTV on storage areas

• Avoid leaving tools unattended on site

Contract All Risks (CAR) Insurance

What Is CAR Insurance?

Contract All Risks (CAR) insurance protects the work you're doing and materials you're using on a specific project. It covers damage to the roof, materials, and temporary structures during the contract period—from when you start work until the project is completed and handed over to the client.

CAR insurance is particularly important for larger roofing projects, new builds, or high-value work where the financial exposure is significant.

What Does CAR Insurance Cover?

A comprehensive CAR policy typically covers:

• Damage to the roof structure during installation or repair

• Damage to materials and components on site

• Weather damage (storms, heavy rain, snow) during the contract period

• Accidental damage caused by your work

• Theft of materials from the site

• Damage to temporary structures, scaffolding, or protective coverings

• Professional indemnity elements (design errors, defective workmanship)

• Third-party liability (similar to public liability but specific to the contract)

When Is CAR Insurance Essential?

CAR insurance becomes increasingly important for:

• New build projects or major renovations

• High-value roofing contracts (£50,000+)

• Complex projects with extended timelines

• Projects involving multiple contractors

• Work on listed buildings or heritage properties

• Commercial or industrial roofing projects

• Projects with strict client requirements or contractual obligations

Many clients and architects now require CAR insurance as a contractual condition. It protects both you and the client from financial loss if something goes wrong during the work.

CAR Insurance vs. Public Liability

While related, these are distinct coverages:

• Public Liability: Protects against injury to third parties or damage to their property

• CAR Insurance: Protects the work itself and materials during the contract period

You need both. Public liability covers ongoing risk to the public; CAR covers the specific project and its contents.

Employers Liability Insurance

If you employ staff, employers liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. It covers compensation and legal costs if an employee is injured or becomes ill due to your work.

For roofers, this is critical. Your employees face the same height-related risks you do. A fall, injury from falling materials, or heat exhaustion could result in significant claims. Employers liability insurance protects your business and your employees.

Minimum cover is typically £6 million, though many clients require £10 million or more.

Professional Indemnity Insurance for Roofers

If you provide design advice, structural assessments, or recommendations to clients, professional indemnity insurance protects you against claims of negligence or poor advice.

For example, if you recommend a particular roofing material or design that later fails, a client could claim you provided inadequate advice. Professional indemnity insurance covers your legal defence and any compensation awarded.

Choosing the Right Coverage Levels

Assessing Your Risk

The right coverage depends on your specific circumstances:

• Business size: Solo traders need different coverage than companies with multiple employees

• Project types: Residential repairs differ from commercial new builds

• Contract requirements: Check what clients require in their terms

• Location: Urban work with more pedestrians carries higher liability risk than rural projects

• Equipment value: More expensive tools require higher coverage limits

Recommended Minimum Coverage

As a guide, most roofers should consider:

• Public Liability: £1-10 million (depending on project scale)

• Tools Insurance: £5,000-£25,000 (based on equipment value)

• CAR Insurance: Project-specific, typically £50,000-£500,000+

• Employers Liability: £6-10 million (if you have employees)

• Professional Indemnity: £1-2 million (if you provide design services)

These are starting points. Your actual needs may be higher, especially if you work on large commercial projects or in high-risk areas.

Cost Factors and Saving Money

What Affects Your Premiums?

Insurance costs vary based on:

• Experience and qualifications: Certified roofers often pay less

• Safety record: Previous claims increase premiums

• Team size: More employees mean higher employers liability costs

• Project types: Specialist work (slate, lead, heritage) may cost more

• Coverage limits: Higher limits mean higher premiums

• Location: Urban areas with more pedestrians cost more

• Excess levels: Higher excess reduces premiums

Ways to Reduce Insurance Costs

Consider these strategies:

• Increase your excess to reduce premiums (if you can afford it)

• Bundle policies with one insurer for multi-policy discounts

• Invest in safety training and certifications

• Maintain a claims-free history

• Install security measures for tools and equipment

• Review coverage annually—your needs may change

• Compare quotes from multiple specialist insurers

• Consider group schemes if you're part of a trade association

Common Exclusions and Gaps in Coverage

Understanding what insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does:

• Gradual wear and tear: Insurance covers sudden damage, not deterioration over time

• Inadequate workmanship: If your poor work causes damage, liability may not apply

• Unqualified work: Working outside your qualifications may void coverage

• Unlicensed employees: Using uninsured subcontractors can create gaps

• Contractual liability: Some contracts impose liability you're not insured for

• Environmental damage: Pollution or environmental harm may not be covered

• Intentional damage: Deliberate acts aren't covered

Always read your policy carefully and discuss any concerns with your insurer.

Compliance and Legal Requirements

Several legal requirements apply to roofers:

• Employers Liability: Legally required if you employ anyone (even family members)

• Public Liability: Not legally required but contractually required by most clients

• Working at Height Regulations: You must comply with safety standards; insurance doesn't replace this

• COSHH Regulations: Proper handling of hazardous materials; insurance doesn't replace compliance

• Health and Safety at Work Act: You must maintain safe working practices

Insurance protects you financially if something goes wrong despite your compliance efforts, but it doesn't replace the need for proper safety practices.

Choosing an Insurance Provider

What to Look For

When selecting roofer insurance, consider:

• Specialist experience: Insurers familiar with roofing understand your risks

• Flexible policies: Can they customize coverage to your needs?

• Claims support: Do they have a dedicated claims team?

• Competitive pricing: Compare quotes from multiple providers

• Financial stability: Check the insurer's ratings and reputation

• Customer reviews: Read feedback from other roofers

• Policy flexibility: Can you adjust coverage as your business grows?

Questions to Ask Your Insurer

Before committing, ask:

• What specific roofing work is covered?

• Are there any exclusions relevant to my business?

• What's the process for making a claim?

• How quickly are claims typically settled?

• Can I increase coverage if I take on larger projects?

• Are there discounts for safety training or certifications?

• What happens if my business circumstances change?

Conclusion

Protecting your roofing business with comprehensive insurance is one of the smartest investments you can make. Public liability insurance protects you from third-party claims, tools insurance safeguards your equipment investment, and CAR insurance covers your work on specific projects.

Together, these policies create a safety net that allows you to focus on delivering quality roofing work without worrying about financial disaster if something goes wrong. Combined with proper safety practices, compliance with regulations, and professional workmanship, the right insurance gives you confidence to grow your business.

Don't leave your roofing business exposed. Review your current coverage, identify any gaps, and speak with a specialist insurance provider to ensure you have the protection you need. Your business—and your peace of mind—depend on it.