What is roofing public liability insurance, and why should your roofer have it?
What general liability covers
Roofing is messy, heavy work done above your home. General liability responds when the contractor's work damages property or injures someone who is not an employee, for example:
- A bundle of shingles slides off and cracks a skylight or a car windshield.
- A storm hits mid tear off and an inadequate tarp lets water into the attic and ceilings.
- A neighbor or delivery driver is hurt by falling debris.
Why workers' compensation matters too
Falls are among the most serious hazards in construction. Workers' compensation covers a roofer injured on your job. If a crew has no coverage, an injured worker may look to other sources, and that can pull the homeowner into the dispute. Georgia generally requires businesses with three or more employees to carry workers' compensation, but crews that rely on subcontractors may claim they are exempt, so ask how every person on your roof is covered.
How to verify
- Ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from the roofer's insurance agent, not a photocopy.
- Check the policy dates, the coverage limits and the business name against the contract.
- Call the agent listed and confirm the policy is active.
- Keep the certificate with your contract.
Uninsured crews are common after big storms. For other screening steps, see storm chaser roofing scams in Georgia, and if the roof is open when weather hits, review your duty to protect the property.