Roofing and scaffolding are trades where physical risk is part of the job. From unstable ladders to falling tools, the nature of working at height presents more hazards than many other professions. In these trades, one incident could lead to an expensive claim, business interruption or injury. Specialist roofer insurance can help protect against the financial consequences of these risks.
Whether operating solo or managing a team, having the right insurance in place could offer vital support if things go wrong.
Common On-Site Risks Faced by Roofers
We understand that roofers and scaffolders encounter a wide range of risks on each job. These could include:
- Injury from falls or unstable platforms
- Property damage caused by dropped tools or materials
- Accidental damage to client premises
- Third-party injury, such as a pedestrian struck by debris
- Tool theft, especially from unattended vans or work sites
These incidents are not always predictable. That’s why public liability insurance for roofers is often considered a core element of protection.
Key Types of Insurance for Roofers and Scaffolders
Here are six types of cover that roofers and scaffolders might consider when reviewing their business protection needs:
1. Public Liability Insurance
This cover could help with legal costs and compensation if someone claims they were injured or their property was damaged due to your work.
2. Employers’ Liability Insurance
If you employ others, even on a casual basis, this type of insurance is usually a legal requirement. It could help protect you if an employee suffers a work-related injury or illness.
3. Tools and Equipment Cover
Essential tools are often costly to replace. This type of cover can help protect against theft or damage of essential gear, whether stored in a van or on-site.
4. Contract Works Insurance
For jobs in progress, contract works cover could help if materials or partially completed work is damaged due to fire, theft or weather.
5. Personal Accident Cover
This protection could offer financial support if you are injured and unable to work for a period of time.
6. Professional Indemnity Insurance
Although less common for manual trades, some roofers involved in design, consultancy or structural advice may benefit from this cover.
Do Self-Employed Roofers Still Need Insurance?
Even if you work alone, roofer insurance for self-employed contractors remains important. Public liability cover could be required by clients before work begins, and tools cover may be essential if you rely on expensive equipment.
Insurance is not just for large firms. It is also there to support sole traders managing risk independently.
What Can Happen Without Proper Cover
Without adequate insurance, roofers could face:
- Legal costs from injury or damage claims
- Lost income if tools are stolen
- Project delays due to site accidents
- Reputational damage if clients are affected
In a high-risk trade like roofing, the financial and legal consequences of working without cover could be far-reaching.
How We Support Roofing Professionals
We help roofing and scaffolding professionals across the UK find insurance solutions suited to the unique risks they face. From sourcing public liability insurance for scaffolders to arranging cover for tool theft, our role is to match each business with policies that reflect their real-world needs.