COI requirements by trade / Roofing
Roofing COI requirements
Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades you'll hire. Falls, fires from torch-down work, and water intrusion claims that surface months after the job is done make roofing certificates worth a closer look than most.
What makes roofing risky
- Falls from height, which drive high workers' comp rates and frequent injury claims.
- Water intrusion and interior damage when a roof is left open or fails after completion.
- Fire from torch-applied membranes and hot work.
- Property damage from dropped materials and debris.
Coverage to require on the certificate
| Coverage | What's common, and what to check |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is a common floor; many GCs require more for roofing. Check for roofing, height, or residential exclusions, which are common on roofing policies. |
| Products-completed operations | Important for roofing, since leaks often show up after the job. Look for a completed operations aggregate and ask for a completed operations additional insured endorsement (such as CG 20 37). |
| Workers' compensation | Statutory limits, with employers' liability (often $1M/$1M/$1M). Roofing comp is expensive, so watch for subs who say they have no employees but bring a crew. |
| Umbrella / excess | Commonly required for roofing, often $1M to $5M depending on project size. |
| Commercial auto | $1M combined single limit is common, covering trucks and trailers hauling materials. |
On top of the coverage itself, most contracts also require additional insured status for you (and the owner, where applicable), a waiver of subrogation, and primary and noncontributory wording. Those come from endorsements, so ask for copies.
Red flags on roofing certificates
- A GL policy with a height limitation (for example, no work above two or three stories) on a taller building.
- Exclusions for hot work or torch-down when that's the method being used.
- Workers' comp exemption certificates from a sub who clearly has a crew.
- No completed operations coverage, or AI status that stops when the job ends.
Tip
Ask the agent directly whether the GL policy has any height, hot work, or residential exclusions. Those rarely show on the ACORD 25 itself.
Review checklist
- Insured name matches the company on your contract.
- Every coverage above that your contract requires is listed.
- Each limit meets your minimum.
- No policy expires before the job ends. Track each expiration date separately.
- ADDL INSD and SUBR WVD are marked, with endorsements on file.
- You've asked the agent about any roofing exclusions that matter.
New to reading certificates? Start with how to read an ACORD 25, grab the free COI checklist, or log dates in the free expiration tracker.
Common questions
What insurance should a roofing subcontractor carry?
Common requirements include general liability, products-completed operations, workers' compensation, umbrella / excess, and commercial auto. Your contracts and broker set the actual minimums.
Are these limits required by law?
Generally no. Insurance requirements for subcontractors and vendors are set by your contracts, your own insurer, and any owner, lender, or public agency on the job. Workers' compensation requirements are set by state law. The figures here describe common practice only.
Does the ACORD 25 show exclusions?
Usually not. A certificate summarizes policy types, limits, and dates. Exclusions like height limits, residential work, or pollution are in the policy itself, so ask the agent directly when they matter for the trade.
Who should issue the certificate?
Ask the sub's insurance agent or broker to issue it, not the sub. Agents issue certificates daily and can send the endorsements at the same time.
Done chasing certificates?
SubCover HQ collects, checks, and tracks your subs' and vendors' COIs for a flat $99/month. Cancel anytime.
By subscribing you agree to the Terms.
COI requirements for other trades
ElectricalPlumbingHVACLandscaping and tree servicePaintingConcrete and masonryFraming and carpentryDrywall and interior finishesExcavation and site workDemolitionJanitorial and cleaningSnow removalPest control