Roofing ranks among the highest-risk trades in Australia - falls from height, severe weather exposure and accidental property damage are everyday hazards on the job. The right business insurance shields your livelihood, your crew and your clients. Explore cover options from leading Australian insurers below.
BizCover is the preferred online platform for Australian roofers who need public liability, tools cover and statutory liability sorted fast. Their multi-insurer comparison process means you can weigh options and secure cover without climbing down from the roof. Over 290,000 businesses insured nationwide.
Roofing is consistently ranked among Australia's most dangerous trades. Safe Work Australia data shows that falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the construction sector. Whether you specialise in metal roofing, concrete tiles, membrane systems or roof restoration, the right insurance cover is essential to manage 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-through incident can trigger a state WHS regulator investigation and potential prosecution with penalties exceeding $500,000.
Beyond liability, roofers face tool and equipment theft, vehicle damage, scaffolding collapse, storm damage to on-site materials and business interruption. Most building contracts require current insurance, and head contractors increasingly demand certificates of currency before allowing any subcontractor on site. State-based builder licensing bodies - such as QBCC and VBA - may also require evidence of insurance.
All leading Australian business insurers offer policies suited to roofing businesses. See our full Australian business insurance comparison for provider details.
Knowing which policies are essential and which are optional lets you build an insurance package that fits your roofing operation.
| 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. Nearly every contract demands this cover. | $10M - $20M |
| Workers Compensation | Essential | Mandatory in every state for businesses with employees. Roofing has one of the highest workplace injury rates of any trade in Australia. Workers compensation covers medical costs, rehabilitation and lost wages when an employee is injured on the job. | Statutory |
| Tools & Equipment | Essential | Covers theft, loss or damage to your gear - nail guns, metal shears, 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 motor insurance covers collision damage, theft and third-party liability. Standard personal car insurance does not cover vehicles used primarily for trade purposes. | Market or agreed value |
| Statutory Liability | Essential | Covers fines and legal defence costs if you are prosecuted under WHS legislation. Roofing is a high-priority sector for state regulators due to the frequency and severity of fall-from-height injuries. | $500K - $1M |
| Contract Works | Recommended | Covers the roofing project itself against damage from storm, vandalism or accident during installation. Protects materials and work in progress. Essential for larger re-roofing projects where significant materials are stored on site. | Project value |
| Business Interruption | Recommended | Replaces lost income when an insured event - major equipment theft, vehicle accident or injury - prevents you from trading. 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 an unsuitable roofing material for a coastal environment. More relevant for roofers who provide design or consultancy services alongside installation. | $250K - $1M |
Disclaimer: Cover types and limits shown are general guidance based on typical roofing business needs. Your specific requirements depend on business size, services offered, contract obligations and risk profile. Always discuss your needs with your insurer or broker.
These Australian insurers offer policies suited to roofing businesses.
Australia's leading online business insurance provider. BizCover compares public liability, tools cover and statutory liability policies from multiple underwriters in a single process. Over 290,000 businesses insured and Product Review Award winner seven years running.
IAG-underwritten with 165-plus years of heritage, CGU has deep experience insuring construction and roofing businesses. Their tradesperson packages are available through a wide broker network.
An ASX-listed insurer with strong construction and trades credentials, QBE serves roofers through its FastFlow small business portal with streamlined underwriting for height-work businesses.
A global insurer covering 600-plus occupations in Australia, Chubb is suited to established roofing companies handling larger commercial and industrial projects that require high-limit cover.
A professional indemnity specialist with global reach, Allianz also provides robust public liability and statutory liability products suited to roofing contractors across residential and commercial sectors.
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 Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing. InsuranceCompared.com.au may earn referral fees from some providers listed above.
Several variables influence how much you pay for business insurance as a roofer.
Single-storey residential re-roofing is generally rated lower than multi-storey commercial or industrial work. Jobs involving asbestos removal, extreme heights or hazardous environments attract higher premiums.
Turnover is a primary rating 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 at comparable revenue levels.
Each additional worker at height increases your risk profile significantly. Your documented safety record and formal training programs are closely assessed by underwriters.
A clean claims record is especially valuable for roofers given the trade's high-risk classification. Fall-from-height claims and leaking roof claims will substantially increase your premium at renewal.
Insurers evaluate your height-safety systems, training records and safety equipment. Roofers with documented safe work method statements, fall arrest systems and regular toolbox talks may access better rates.
Where you operate affects pricing. Roofers in cyclone-prone regions (northern Queensland, northern WA) or areas with frequent severe storms may face higher premiums due to increased weather-related claims.
These common situations illustrate why appropriate 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 hospitalisation 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 strikes overnight and damages roofing materials stored on a client's property. Metal sheets are blown off the site and damage a neighbour's fence and car.
Practical pointers to help you secure the right cover at a competitive price.
Proper fall arrest systems, edge protection and scaffolding are not just legal requirements - they can reduce your insurance premiums. State WHS regulators actively target roofing businesses for height-safety compliance, and a documented safety program demonstrates due diligence.
Roofing contracts often require higher liability limits than other trades due to the elevated risk profile. Commercial projects commonly demand $10M to $20M public liability. Check your contract requirements and adjust cover accordingly.
Maintain detailed records of all safety training, toolbox talks, site-specific safe work method statements and equipment inspections. Thorough documentation demonstrates due diligence and strengthens your position if a claim or regulator 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 projects where significant materials are at risk.
If you take on a project substantially larger than your usual work - particularly multi-storey commercial jobs - verify that your insurance limits and cover types are adequate. Notify your insurer of significant changes in project scope.
Membership of recognised roofing industry associations adds credibility and provides industry support. Some insurers may offer favourable terms to members of established 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. InsuranceCompared.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.
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