Connecticut Roofer Insurance Requirements: What Homeowners Need to Know

 

 

When hiring a roofing contractor in Connecticut, one of the most important questions to ask is: “Are you properly insured?” Roofing is a high-risk trade, and state law requires specific insurance coverage. But not all policies are created equal, and some liability policies exclude roofing work entirely. Here’s what every homeowner and roofing professional should know.

 

Roofing Contractor Insurance Requirements in Connecticut

To legally operate, roofers in Connecticut must register with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) as Home Improvement Contractors. Registration requires proof of general liability insurance with at least $20,000 in coverage.

While that’s the bare minimum, most professional roofing contractors carry much higher limits—typically $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate—to protect against the significant risks roofing work involves.

 

Common Types of Insurance for Roofing Contractors

•           General Liability Insurance – Required by law; protects against property damage and third-party injuries.

•           Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Mandatory if a roofing company has employees. Covers medical costs and lost wages due to jobsite injuries.

•           Commercial Auto Insurance – Covers company vehicles, crews, and equipment while in transit.

•           Builder’s Risk Insurance – Protects materials and partially completed roofing projects from theft, fire, or weather damage.

•           Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) – Covers claims of faulty installation or negligence.

•           Tools & Equipment Insurance – Ensures roofing equipment is covered if stolen or damaged.

•           Umbrella Liability Insurance – Provides an added layer of protection beyond primary policy limits.

 

Why Many Insurance Policies Exclude Roofing

Here’s the catch: many general contractor liability policies contain roofing exclusions. That means even if a contractor has insurance, it might not cover roofing work at all.

Common Roofing Exclusions You’ll See

 

•           Height restrictions (work above 2–3 stories not covered).

•           Torch-down or hot tar roofing exclusions due to fire hazards.

•           Residential vs. commercial exclusions—some policies cover one but exclude the other.

•           Roofing operations exclusions—some policies exclude roofing entirely if it’s the contractor’s main trade.

This is why specialty roofing liability insurance is essential. These policies are designed for the roofing trade and provide full coverage without broad exclusions.

 

Why Insurance Matters for Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner, hiring a roofer without proper insurance could leave you financially responsible for:

•           Jobsite accidents or worker injuries.

•           Property damage caused by roofing work.

•           Lawsuits stemming from incomplete or faulty work.

To protect yourself, always request:

1.         Proof of Connecticut contractor registration.

2.         Certificate of liability insurance that specifically covers roofing.

3.         Proof of workers’ compensation coverage if employees are on your property.

 

Choose an Insured Roofing Contractor in Connecticut

Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in construction, which is why Connecticut requires roofers to carry insurance. However, not all insurance policies actually cover roofing work.

 

At Brown Roofing, we exceed state requirements by carrying comprehensive roofing-specific liability insurance, workers’ comp, and commercial auto coverage. When you choose us, you can rest easy knowing you’re fully protected from liability and risk—just one more reason why homeowners across Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven County trust us with their roofs, gutters, and chimneys.

 

Ready for a roof inspection? Schedule your free estimate today at BrownRoofingInspection.com or call 1-203-723-1372.