Roofing Contractors Insurance Requirements in Washington
What Washington property managers should require from roofing contractors vendors
GL Minimum: $1,000,000/$2,000,000WA override
Workers Comp: Required
State License Required
If you manage properties in Washington and hire roofing contractors contractors, verifying their insurance coverage is not optional. Washington law requires workers compensation for employers with 1+ employees, and commercial property owners are expected to verify adequate general liability coverage before allowing any contractor on site.
Washington-Specific Note
Washington's monopolistic WC fund means contractors cannot shop for private WC — rates are set by L&I classification. This can be significantly more expensive for roofers. Earthquake exposure in western WA adds GL risk.
Roofing Contractors Insurance Requirements in Washington
| Coverage Type | Recommended Minimum |
|---|---|
General Liability | $1,000,000 / $2,000,000 |
Workers Compensation | Required (1+ employees) |
Commercial General Liability | $2,000,000 / $4,000,000 |
Workers' Compensation | Statutory limits |
Umbrella / Excess Liability | $2,000,000 |
Commercial Auto | $1,000,000 combined single limit |
Builder's Risk / Installation Floater | Project value |
Washington-Specific Risks for Roofing Contractors
Earthquake exposure (Cascadia Subduction Zone)
Heavy rainfall and moisture-related claims
Moss/algae growth roof damage claims
Required Endorsements in Washington
- Earthquake endorsement (western WA)
- Volcanic ashfall rider (Cascade Range proximity)
National Guide
Roofing Contractors Insurance Requirements
State Guide
Washington Insurance Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do roofing contractors need higher GL limits than other trades?▼
Roofing combines multiple high-severity risks: falls from height, fire from torch-applied systems, and the potential for water intrusion damage affecting the entire building below. A single roofing defect on a multi-story building can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in water damage to multiple floors. The $2M/$4M GL minimum reflects this compounded risk profile.
What is an Experience Modification Rate and why should I check it?▼
The Experience Modification Rate (EMR) is a multiplier applied to a company's workers' compensation premium based on their actual loss history compared to industry averages. An EMR of 1.0 means average claims history; below 1.0 means better than average. For roofing contractors, an EMR above 1.2 indicates a poor safety record and significantly increases the risk of injuries on your property.
How long should completed operations coverage last for roofing work?▼
Roofing defects can take years to manifest, particularly slow leaks that develop at flashing points or membrane seams. Request that the roofing contractor maintain completed operations coverage for a minimum of 5 years after project completion. Most commercial roofing warranties run 10–20 years, but insurance coverage is separate from the manufacturer's warranty.
Should I require a roofing contractor to carry builder's risk insurance?▼
For large re-roofing projects, a builder's risk or installation floater policy is recommended. This covers materials stored on-site and work in progress against weather damage, theft, and vandalism during construction. If a partially completed roof is damaged by a storm, builder's risk covers the cost of materials and labor to repair the work, which standard GL does not cover.
What fire prevention requirements should I include in roofing contracts?▼
Require a hot work permit program compliant with NFPA 51B for any torch-applied or hot-tar roofing work. The contract should mandate fire extinguishers on the roof, a fire watch for at least one hour after hot work ceases, and a designated hot work safety supervisor. Verify that the contractor's GL policy specifically covers fire damage from hot work operations.
Do roofing contractors in Washington need a license?▼
Must register as a contractor with L&I under RCW 18.27. Roofing contractors need a general or specialty contractor license. Must carry a surety bond ($12,000 general / $6,000 specialty).
What happens if my roofing contractors's insurance expires in Washington?▼
In Washington, you as the property manager could be held liable for injuries or damages caused by an uninsured roofing contractors on your property. Washington courts have consistently ruled that property owners have a duty to verify contractor insurance before allowing work to begin.
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