ROOFING
WORKERS COMP
INSURANCE
Roofing is the most dangerous trade in construction. Falls are the number one cause of construction fatalities. Your crew shows up every day and trusts you to protect them. Workers compensation is how you do it.
WHY ROOFING WC IS DIFFERENT
Workers compensation for roofers is not the same as WC for an office contractor or a landscaper. The roofing industry carries some of the highest workers comp class code rates in the country — and for good reason. Falls from heights account for the majority of roofing fatalities and serious injuries.
OSHA requires fall protection for work at heights of six feet or more in construction — and in roofing, nearly every task happens at height. Proper WC coverage is not just a legal requirement; it is the financial backstop for when OSHA-required safety equipment fails or is not used properly in the field.
When you have a workers comp policy written by a carrier who understands roofing class codes, you get:
- Correct NCCI class code 5551 classification
- Proper payroll audit procedures for seasonal crews
- Loss control resources specific to roofing operations
- Claims adjusters who understand how roofing jobs work
Getting WC from a generalist carrier who misclassifies your payroll might save you money upfront — until they audit and hit you with a bill, or until a claim comes in and the classification dispute delays payment to your injured worker.
WHAT WC PAYS FOR
STATE REQUIREMENTS — KNOW YOURS
All 50 states require workers comp if you have employees, though thresholds vary. Texas is the only state where WC is technically optional for private employers — but even Texas GCs require it by contract. In Florida, any contractor with more than 1 employee must carry WC. California requires it for any employee. Get this wrong and you face fines, license suspension, and personal liability for all injury costs.
REDUCING YOUR ROOFING WC COSTS
SAFETY PROGRAM
A documented OSHA-compliant safety program with toolbox talks can qualify you for safety discounts and directly reduces your e-mod over time.
PROPER EQUIPMENT
Fall protection systems, harnesses, guardrails, and personal protective equipment reduce injuries and keep your claims low.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING
Drug testing and background checks reduce the likelihood of preventable accidents and fraudulent claims.
RETURN-TO-WORK PROGRAM
Light-duty roles for recovering workers reduce lost-time claims severity, which is the biggest driver of WC premiums.
ACCURATE PAYROLL REPORTING
Accurate subcontractor certificates and payroll classification prevent audit surprises and ensure you are not paying for exposures you do not have.
CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
Report injuries promptly and manage the claims process actively. Delayed reporting and passive claim handling drives up costs.
ROOFING WC FAQ
WHAT CLASS CODE IS USED FOR ROOFING WORKERS COMPENSATION?
Roofing work typically falls under NCCI class code 5551 (Roofing — all kinds and drivers). This is one of the highest-rate class codes in workers comp, reflecting the significant fall risk. Some states use their own classification systems. We make sure your payroll is classified correctly to avoid audits and coverage gaps.
DO I NEED WORKERS COMP FOR SUBCONTRACTORS?
It depends on your state and the actual working relationship. If you pay subs on a 1099 but control when, where, and how they work, many states will reclassify them as employees in a dispute. We recommend requiring subs to carry their own WC and obtaining certificates of insurance from them. We can help you structure this.
HOW IS ROOFING WORKERS COMP PREMIUM CALCULATED?
Premium is calculated as a rate per $100 of payroll, multiplied by the class code rate. Roofing rates are among the highest in construction — typically $15-$35 per $100 of payroll depending on state and your experience modification factor (e-mod). A clean loss history can dramatically lower your rate.
WHAT IS AN EXPERIENCE MODIFICATION FACTOR?
Your e-mod compares your actual claims history to what carriers expect for your size and trade. An e-mod of 1.0 is average. Below 1.0 means fewer claims than average — you get a discount. Above 1.0 means more claims — you pay a surcharge. Keeping your crews safe directly lowers your WC cost.
WHAT INJURIES DOES ROOFING WORKERS COMP COVER?
All work-related injuries: falls from heights, nail gun injuries, heat exhaustion, repetitive strain injuries, cuts, lacerations, and occupational illness. It covers medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wage replacement, and death benefits to dependents in fatal accidents.
CAN I GET WORKERS COMP IF I HAVE HAD PRIOR CLAIMS?
Yes, though it may require placement in the assigned risk pool (state plan of last resort) or a specialty surplus lines carrier. Prior claims history affects your e-mod and rate but rarely prevents you from getting coverage. We work with multiple markets including assigned risk.
PROTECT YOUR CREW. PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS.
Your crew trusts you. Get them proper workers comp coverage from a carrier who understands the roofing trade.