If you’re an Arizona roofing contractor, you might believe that having insurance means you’re fully protected. I once shared that belief—until I faced a harsh reality.
Before founding Prime Risk Insurance, I worked as a contractor in Arizona. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I lost my job in the contracting industry. That moment changed everything for me. It made me realize how critical the right insurance coverage is—not just for legal compliance, but for protecting everything you’ve worked hard to build.
Now, I help Arizona contractors and roofers avoid costly mistakes by ensuring they have the right policies before disaster strikes.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
If you’re a roofing contractor in Arizona, you probably have questions like:
- What insurance do I actually need?
- How much does roofing insurance cost?
- What common mistakes do contractors make when buying coverage?
This guide answers those questions and provides real-world insights to protect your business, employees, and assets.
What Insurance Do Arizona Roofers Need?
Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades in construction. One accident, lawsuit, or uncovered claim could wipe out your business overnight.
These are the four essential types of insurance every Arizona roofer should have:
General Liability Insurance: Your Business Lifeline
- Covers third-party property damage and bodily injury claims
- Protects against customer lawsuits
- Typical cost: $500 – $2,500 per year
Example: If a worker accidentally damages a client’s roof, general liability covers repair costs instead of you paying out of pocket.
Workers’ Compensation: The Insurance You Must Have
- Covers employee medical bills and lost wages from work-related injuries
- Legally required for Arizona businesses with employees
- Typical cost: $1,000 – $5,000 per year
Example: If an employee falls off a ladder, workers’ compensation pays for medical expenses and lost wages. Without it, you could face a lawsuit or fines.
Learn more about workers’ compensation requirements in Arizona
Builder’s Risk Insurance: Protection During Construction
- Covers materials, tools, and unfinished work from theft or weather damage
- Ideal for large residential and commercial roofing projects
- Cost varies based on project size
Example: If a storm damages an unfinished roof, builder’s risk covers repair costs so you don’t lose money before the job is done.
Commercial Auto Insurance: Coverage for Your Work Trucks
- Covers damages, accidents, and theft for business vehicles
- Protects you if an employee gets in a work-related accident
- Typical cost: $600 – $3,000 per year
Example: If your truck gets rear-ended on the way to a job site, commercial auto insurance covers repairs and medical costs.
Discover how to save money on contractor insurance
How Much Does Roofing Insurance Cost?
The cost of insurance depends on:
- Business size – More employees means higher workers’ compensation costs
- Project type – Residential roofing has different risks than commercial projects
- Claims history – If you’ve had claims in the past, your rates may increase
- Safety record – Fewer injuries result in lower premiums
Average Costs for Arizona Roofing Insurance
| Insurance Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| General Liability | $500 – $2,500 per year |
| Workers’ Compensation | $1,000 – $5,000 per year |
| Builder’s Risk | Varies by project |
| Commercial Auto | $600 – $3,000 per year |
Three Common Insurance Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands
Most contractors think they’re covered—until an accident proves them wrong. Here are the biggest insurance mistakes Arizona roofers make and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Policy Without Reading the Fine Print
Cheap policies often exclude high-risk roofing work, leaving you uncovered when you need protection most.
Fix: Always ask, “Does this policy cover all the roofing services I provide?”
Mistake #2: Not Having Enough Coverage for Large Lawsuits
A single injury lawsuit can cost $50,000 or more in legal fees. If your coverage limit is too low, you could be forced to pay the rest out of pocket.
Fix: Make sure your General Liability policy covers at least $1 million per claim.
Mistake #3: Forgetting to List Subcontractors on Your Policy
If a subcontractor gets injured and isn’t covered by your policy, you could be responsible for their medical bills.
Fix: Make sure every subcontractor is listed under your workers’ compensation policy or carries their own.
Learn more about insurance policy exclusions
How to Choose the Right Insurance Provider for Your Roofing Business
Not all insurance providers understand the unique risks of roofing. Here’s how to find the right coverage:
- Industry Expertise – Do they specialize in roofing and contractor insurance?
- Fast Claims Process – Will they handle claims quickly when you need them?
- Flexible Payment Plans – Can you pay monthly instead of all at once?
Check out Prime Risk Insurance services
Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Roofing insurance isn’t just about staying legal—it’s about protecting your business, your workers, and your livelihood.
I’ve seen too many contractors lose everything because they thought they were covered—only to find out their policy had loopholes that left them exposed.
Your next step? Let’s go over your current policy together. I’ll help you find the gaps before they cost you thousands.
Schedule a free roofing insurance review today. Let’s make sure you’re covered before you actually need it.
