Commercial Umbrella Insurance for Residential Roofing Contractors
Commercial umbrella insurance provides an additional layer of liability coverage above your general liability, auto liability, and employers liability limits. Residential roofing involves inherent risks where a single catastrophic injury can exceed standard $1M policy limits. An umbrella policy closes that gap.
What It Covers
An umbrella policy kicks in when your underlying general liability, commercial auto, or employers liability limits are exhausted. If a worker falls through a roof deck and lands on a homeowner causing permanent injury, and the judgment exceeds your $1M GL limit, the umbrella pays the difference up to its limit. It covers the same types of claims as your underlying policies but at higher limits, typically $1M to $10M in additional coverage.
What It Does Not Cover
Umbrella policies do not cover claims excluded by your underlying policies. They do not cover intentional acts, contractual liability beyond insured contracts, professional liability, or pollution. Workers compensation claims are not covered by umbrella policies. If your underlying policy has a coverage gap, the umbrella will not fill it.
Real Claim Examples
A catastrophic roof collapse during a tear-off injures the homeowner and two family members, resulting in a $2.8M judgment that exceeds the contractor's $1M GL limit. A roofing truck causes a multi-vehicle accident with $1.6M in total injuries, exceeding the $1M auto liability limit. A worker falls and sustains a traumatic brain injury, and the employers liability claim exceeds the $500K limit.
How Much It Costs
Residential roofers pay between $2,500 and $8,000 per year for a $1M umbrella policy. Each additional $1M in coverage typically adds $1,500 to $3,500. Pricing depends heavily on your underlying limits, claims history, annual revenue, and crew size. Contractors doing over $2M in revenue should carry at minimum a $2M umbrella.
Why Work With Us for This Coverage
Many umbrella carriers refuse to write over roofing operations, leaving general agents scrambling at renewal. We maintain relationships with the limited number of carriers that actively write roofing umbrellas, ensuring continuity and competitive pricing year over year.
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