Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades in Australia - with falls from height, weather exposure, and accidental property damage among the daily hazards. The right business insurance protects your livelihood, your team, and your clients. Compare cover options from Australia's leading business insurance providers below.
BizCover is one of Australia's leading online business insurance providers, offering fast quotes and flexible cover options tailored to trades businesses. Popular with roofers for its straightforward online process and competitive pricing.
Roofing is consistently ranked among the most dangerous trades in Australia, with working at height being the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the construction sector. Whether you specialise in long-run metal roofing, concrete tiles, membrane systems, or roof repairs, the right insurance cover is essential to protect against the significant financial risks of the trade.
The most common insurance claims from roofing businesses relate to falls from height, accidental property damage, and defective workmanship. A roof that leaks after installation can cause tens of thousands of dollars in interior damage, while a single fall-from-height incident can trigger Safe Work Australia investigations and potential prosecutions with fines exceeding $500,000.
Beyond liability, roofers face risks including tool and equipment theft, vehicle damage, scaffolding collapse, weather-related project delays, and business interruption. Most building contracts require roofers to hold current insurance, and main contractors increasingly demand certificates of currency before allowing subcontractors on site.
All major Australian business insurance providers offer policies suited to roofing businesses. See our full Australian business insurance comparison for provider details.
Understanding which cover types are essential, and which are optional, helps you build the right insurance package without paying for cover you don't need.
| Cover Type | Relevance | Why It Matters | Typical Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Liability | Essential | Covers damage to a client's property and third-party injury. Roofers work at height above occupied buildings where falling tools, debris, and materials can injure people or damage property below. Most contracts require this cover. | $2M - $10M |
| Statutory Liability | Essential | Covers fines and legal defence costs if you are prosecuted under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Roofing is a high-priority sector for WorkSafe enforcement due to the frequency and severity of fall-from-height injuries. | $500K - $1M |
| Tools & Equipment | Essential | Covers theft, loss, or damage to your tools and equipment - nail guns, roll formers, scaffolding, safety harnesses, and general hand tools. Specialist roofing equipment is expensive to replace, and theft from sites and vehicles is common. | $10K - $50K |
| Commercial Vehicle | Essential | Your ute or truck carries tools, materials, and scaffolding between sites. Commercial vehicle insurance covers accident damage, theft, and third-party liability. Standard personal car insurance does not cover vehicles used primarily for business. | Market or agreed value |
| Employer's Liability | Essential | If you employ staff, this covers claims from employees for workplace injury beyond what workers compensation provides. Roofing has one of the highest workplace injury rates in Australia. Employees can sue for exemplary damages in serious injury situations. | $1M - $2M |
| Contract Works | Recommended | Covers the roofing project itself against damage from storm, vandalism, or accidental damage during installation. Protects materials and work in progress. Essential for larger re-roofing projects where materials are on site. | Project value |
| Business Interruption | Recommended | Replaces lost income if your business is unable to operate due to an insured event - major equipment theft, vehicle accident, or injury. Weather delays are not typically covered, but other interruptions may be. | 12 months revenue |
| Professional Indemnity | Optional | Covers claims arising from faulty advice or specification errors - for example, specifying the wrong roofing material for a coastal environment. More relevant for roofers who provide design or consultancy services. | $250K - $1M |
Disclaimer: Cover types and limits shown are general guidance based on typical roofing business needs. Your specific requirements depend on your business size, services offered, contract obligations, and risk profile. Always discuss your needs with your insurer or broker.
These Australian business insurance providers offer policies suited to roofing businesses.
One of Australia's leading online business insurance providers. BizCover offers fast online quotes and policies tailored for trades businesses including roofers. Known for competitive pricing and a straightforward digital process.
One of Australia's oldest and largest commercial insurers, part of the IAG group. NZI has extensive experience with construction and roofing businesses, offering comprehensive packages through brokers.
Major Australian commercial insurer (part of Suncorp Group) with strong presence in the construction sector. Offers flexible packages that can be tailored to roofing businesses of all sizes.
International insurer with a dedicated Australian commercial division. QBE specialises in construction insurance, with strong underwriting expertise for roofing and height-work businesses.
Global insurance leader with Australian operations. Chubb offers premium commercial insurance products suited to established roofing companies handling larger commercial and industrial projects.
Well-known Australian insurer offering small business insurance packages. AA Insurance provides straightforward cover options suited to sole traders and small roofing businesses.
Disclaimer: Provider information, features, and pricing are based on publicly available data as of early 2026 and may change without notice. Coverage limits, exclusions, and terms vary between policy tiers - always read the policy wording before purchasing. Compare.com.au may earn referral fees from some providers listed above.
Several factors influence how much you'll pay for business insurance as a roofer.
Residential re-roofing is generally lower risk than commercial or industrial roofing, multi-storey work, or work involving asbestos removal. The height of the structures you work on significantly affects your premium.
Insurers use your annual turnover as a key pricing factor. Higher revenue means more projects and greater exposure. Roofing is inherently high-risk, so premiums tend to be higher than for many other trades.
More employees means greater employer's liability exposure. Each additional worker at height increases your risk profile significantly. Your safety record and training programmes are closely assessed.
A clean claims history is particularly important for roofers due to the high-risk nature of the work. Fall-from-height claims and leaking roof claims will significantly increase your premium at renewal.
Insurers look at your health and safety systems, training records, and safety equipment. Roofers with documented safety plans, fall arrest systems, and regular training may access better premiums.
Where you operate affects your premium. Roofers in high-wind areas (Wellington, exposed coastal regions) or areas with frequent severe weather events may face higher premiums.
These common scenarios illustrate why the right insurance matters for roofing businesses.
An employee steps on a fragile roof section during a re-roofing job and falls through into the room below, suffering serious injuries requiring hospital admission and months of rehabilitation.
Six months after a re-roofing job, the homeowner discovers extensive water damage to ceilings, walls, and carpet. Investigation reveals a flashing installation error.
A storm hits overnight and damages roofing materials stored on a client's property. Metal roofing sheets are blown off the site and damage a neighbour's fence and car.
Practical tips to help you get the right cover at a fair price.
Proper fall arrest systems, edge protection, and scaffolding are not just legal requirements - they can reduce your insurance premiums. Safe Work Australia actively targets roofing businesses for height-safety compliance.
Roofing contracts often require higher liability limits than other trades due to the risk profile. Commercial projects commonly require $5M - $10M public liability. Check your contract requirements and adjust cover accordingly.
Keep detailed records of all safety training, toolbox talks, site-specific safety plans, and equipment inspections. Good documentation demonstrates due diligence and strengthens your position if a claim or WorkSafe investigation occurs.
Roofing materials stored on site are vulnerable to theft and storm damage. Secure materials properly, use tie-downs in windy conditions, and consider contract works cover for larger jobs where significant materials are on site.
If you take on a project significantly larger than your usual work - particularly multi-storey commercial jobs - check that your insurance limits and cover types are adequate. Notify your insurer of significant changes in project scope.
Membership of the Roofing Association of Australia (RANZ) adds credibility, provides industry support, and some insurers may offer favourable terms to members of recognised trade associations.
Common questions about business insurance for roofers in Australia.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, insurance, or legal advice. All pricing shown is indicative and based on publicly available data as of early 2026. Actual premiums will vary based on your business size, revenue, staff numbers, type of work, claims history, and chosen cover levels. These figures are not quotes - always obtain a personalised quote directly from the provider. Compare.com.au may earn referral fees from some providers featured on this page. This does not affect the completeness or order of our comparisons. For personalised financial guidance, consider consulting a licensed financial adviser.
Compare business insurance from Australia's top providers. Find the right cover for your roofing business - it's 100% free.
Compare Estimates