Top Insurance Risks For Roofing Contractors In Ireland

Given the dangerous nature of the work, there are numerous insurance risks for roofing contractors across Ireland.

From physical tasks like working at height and handling hazardous materials, to administrative responsibilities such as managing projects and tight deadlines, the job carries significant liability and exposure.

The key to safeguarding your business is to ensure your insurance is tailored to cover every eventuality. Let’s outline the key insurance risks facing individuals within the profession and discuss how the correct cover can protect your livelihood.

 

The biggest insurance risks for roofing contractors

 

1. Inadequate employers’ liability insurance

Roofing is a labour-intensive job. It involves working at height, often with sharp tools, which increases the likelihood of employee injury if the relevant regulations are not adhered to.

While it is not mandatory in Ireland, employers’ liability insurance is a practical necessity for business owners who employ staff, including those working as subcontractors or apprentices.

What’s the risk?

When it comes to employers’ liability insurance, the risk arises if your cover doesn’t match your actual staffing structure. In this instance, you may face denied claims or regulatory penalties that can be financially draining.

Don’t get caught out:

Ensure your policy reflects the full scope of your team, not just direct employees. Consult your insurance broker for advice on how to account for labour-only subcontractors and other roles often overlooked by generic policies.

 

2. Gaps in your public liability cover

Roofing contractors operate in high-risk environments where accidents can impact third parties. This could involve anything from falling debris damaging parked cars to passers-by sustaining injuries.

What’s the risk?

Standard public liability policies may not offer sufficient protection for the scope and severity of potential claims in roofing. If your cover limits are too low, you could be personally liable for significant legal and compensation costs.

Don’t get caught out:

To avoid these gaps, you must regularly review your public liability cover with your insurance broker, particularly if the scope and value of your projects are changing and increasing.

 

 

3. Outdated policy details

Construction projects regularly evolve during work, and your business operations must adapt to these changes. Insurance policies based on outdated information can leave you in a vulnerable position.

What’s the risk?

Inaccurate policy terms often lead to disputes during claims. For roofing contractors, common oversights include undeclared high-risk activities, like asbestos removal or hot works.

Don’t get caught out:

Update your broker, either on an annual basis or after significant business changes, so they can reassess your entire risk profile to keep your protection relevant.

 

4. Underestimating the importance of contractors’ all risks (CAR) insurance

Roofing projects often span weeks or months, and during this time, materials, equipment and works in progress are exposed to potential damage. This is where contractors’ all risks insurance comes to the fore.

What’s the risk?

Without CAR insurance, you will be responsible for covering the cost of repairing or replacing damaged works, tools or materials. Delays from these events can also cause costly penalties if contract terms are breached as a result.

Don’t get caught out:

Ask your insurance broker to review your contracts and project scope, so they can build a comprehensive CAR policy that includes cover for own plant, hired-in equipment and works in progress.

 

5. Insufficient professional indemnity cover

Many roofing contractors unknowingly take on design liability without suitable insurance. If you offer advice, specifications or design input, this can be a costly mistake.

What’s the risk?

Professional indemnity claims can arise from numerous incidents that range from faulty advice to incorrect material choices. Without PI cover, you could face substantial legal fees and rectification costs.

Don’t get caught out:

Don’t assume you’re immune just because you don’t personally provide design aspects of a project. If you sign off on plans or select materials, you will likely need fit-for-purpose professional indemnity insurance.

 

Why specialist advice matters

As a roofing contractor, you face unique risks in the context of insurance.

From project-based liability to weather-driven losses, your cover must reflect the real-world exposures of your trade.

Regulatory bodies such as the HSA expect full regulatory compliance, and underinsurance can lead to severe financial and legal consequences.

 

 

Avoid roofing risks for contractors with the help of ERM

At ERM Financial Services, we’ve supported contractors and trades across Ireland for over 30 years with comprehensive construction insurance.

We liaise directly with insurers, resolve claims quickly and tailor cover to suit your exact business model, whether you’re a sole trader or manage multiple crews.

Through our specialist insight, your work will be covered under the most important insurance umbrellas for your trade, including:

• Public liability insurance
• Employers’ liability insurance
• Contractors’ all risks insurance
• Professional indemnity insurance

Talk to our expert team today and get the clarity you need to keep building safely.