Roofing insurance that keeps the license active.
Workers' compensation, general liability, commercial auto and CSLB bonds for California roofers, placed with carriers that still write roofing work.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · En español · How this page is researched
Roofing is the hardest trade to insure
Falls, fire from torch-down work and water damage to finished interiors make roofing one of the classes carriers restrict most. Many standard markets won't write it at all, which is why roofers often end up with a single quote.
California also requires every C-39 roofing licensee to carry workers' compensation whether or not they have employees. I place roofing workers' comp and liability with carriers and specialty markets that accept the class, and keep the certificates your general contractors ask for coming.
- Workers' compRequired by CSLB for every C-39 license, even with no employees.
- General liabilityDamage to a customer's home and injuries to others, including completed work.
- Commercial autoTrucks and trailers that carry crews and materials.
- License bondThe contractor license bond CSLB requires to keep a license active.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- License: CSLB number and classifications.
- Work: residential, commercial, new or re-roof, and roof types.
- Methods: any hot, torch-down or tear-off work.
- Payroll: employees, payroll and subcontractor costs.
- Revenue: annual gross receipts.
- History: current policies and loss runs.
Roofing contractor insurance, answered
Do roofers need workers' comp in California if they have no employees?
Yes. CSLB requires C-39 roofing licensees to carry workers' compensation whether or not they have employees. Without it, the license is suspended.
Why is roofing insurance so expensive?
Roofing has high injury rates and costly property damage claims, so fewer carriers write it and workers' comp rates for the class are high. Accurate payroll and a clean loss history help.
Does general liability cover a roof leak after the job?
Liability can cover damage to other property caused by your completed work, such as ruined interiors. It typically doesn't pay to redo faulty work itself.
Can a new roofing company get insurance?
Yes, usually through specialty markets. Experience as a roofer before starting your company helps.
Do you offer roofing contractor insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send your license number. I'll shop it.
Your CSLB number, payroll and revenue are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.