Roofer Insurance Wisconsin | Roofing Contractor Coverage
- Scott Johanek
- Jun 15
- 2 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Roofing is consistently ranked as one of the most hazardous trades in construction. Insurance companies treat roofing contractors accordingly - premiums are higher, exclusions are more common, and not every carrier will even write a roofing policy. That is why Wisconsin roofers need an independent agent who knows the market and can find carriers that actually cover your work.
Required Insurance for Wisconsin Roofing Contractors
To protect your roofing business and satisfy the requirements of GCs, municipalities, and large property owners, you typically need:
General Liability Insurance - roofing GL policies must specifically cover work at height and roofing operations. Many standard GL policies exclude roofing work. Make sure yours does not.
Workers Compensation - required by Wisconsin state law for any roofing business with employees. Falls are the leading cause of death in roofing, making this coverage critical.
Commercial Auto Insurance - covers your trucks, trailers, and any vehicles driven for work purposes.
Tools and Equipment / Inland Marine - protects nail guns, safety equipment, ladders, and other gear from theft or damage.
Umbrella Liability - given the injury exposure in roofing, an umbrella policy is strongly recommended.
Storm Work and Hail Season in Wisconsin
Wisconsin gets significant hail and wind damage every year, which means roofers often see a surge of work after major storms. Make sure your policy covers storm-related emergency repairs and that your coverage limits are high enough to handle the increased revenue during busy storm seasons. Some carriers will adjust your policy mid-year if your revenue spikes significantly.
Subcontractors: Know Your Exposure
If you hire subcontractors to help with roofing work, you need to verify they carry their own insurance. Always collect certificates of insurance before subs step on a job site. MM Insurance can help you set up a COI collection process and advise on whether your policy extends any coverage to uninsured subs (and what that costs you).
What Does Roofing Insurance Cost in Wisconsin?
Roofing is a high-risk class, so premiums are higher than most trades. A small residential roofing crew can expect to pay $3,000 to $8,000+ per year for general liability alone, depending on payroll, revenue, and the types of roofs you work on. Commercial roofing contractors or those doing flat/EPDM/TPO work may pay more. Getting multiple proposals from an independent agent is the best way to find competitive pricing.
Related Wisconsin Contractor Insurance Guides
Comparing coverage across skilled trades? Read our guide to electrician insurance in Wisconsin to see how electrical contractor liability, tools, commercial auto, workers compensation, and bonding fit together.
MM Insurance Associates - Wisconsin Roofer Coverage
We have worked with roofing contractors throughout Wisconsin for nearly 30 years. We shop your coverage across multiple carriers that are willing to write roofing accounts and find you real protection - not a policy full of roofing exclusions. Call us at (262) 754-4736, Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM, to get a proposal.

