August 27, 2026
What Insurance Should a Roofing Contractor Have in Texas?
A roofing contractor should carry general liability coverage and workers' compensation, and you should verify both with a certificate of insurance sent straight from their agent. Proof of coverage is the strongest screening tool a North Dallas homeowner has.
Key Takeaways
- Ask every roofer for general liability and workers' compensation, then verify the policies with the insurance agent, not the salesperson.
- A certificate of insurance emailed directly by the agent is the only proof worth trusting.
- Coverage and local references carry the most weight when you compare contractors.
- Commercial auto and tools coverage matter less to you, but they signal a company that runs a real business.
- Get the coverage question answered before anyone climbs on your roof, not after.
Why Coverage Matters More in Texas
Anyone with a truck and a ladder can print business cards after a hailstorm in Farmersville or McKinney, and plenty of them do.
That puts the screening job on you. Insurance is the practical starting point, because a carrier already reviewed the business before writing the policy.
What Goes Wrong Without Coverage
- A crew member falls and the medical bills land in a lawsuit against the property owner.
- A tear off damages siding, windows, or a neighbor's fence and nobody pays for it.
- An open deck takes rain overnight and interior repairs come out of your pocket.
- A supplier or injured worker files a lien against your home over unpaid amounts.
The Two Policies That Actually Protect You
Not every policy on a certificate protects the homeowner. Two of them do most of the work.
General Liability
General liability responds when the contractor's work damages your property. Think a dropped bundle through a skylight, a cracked driveway, or water intrusion after a deck was left open. For residential work in North Texas, one million dollars per occurrence is the common limit.
Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation covers medical care and lost wages for an injured crew member. Texas does not force private employers to carry it, which is exactly why you should ask. When it is missing, an injured roofer's path to payment can run through your homeowners policy.
| Coverage Type | What It Pays For | Who It Protects |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | Damage to your home during the job | You |
| Workers' Compensation | Injuries to crew on your roof | The worker and you |
| Commercial Auto | Accidents involving company vehicles | The public |
| Tools and Equipment | Materials and gear on the job | The contractor |
Before you sign anything, it helps to have a written scope in hand. Book a free roof inspection and get the condition of your roof documented with photos.
How to Verify Coverage in Five Steps
- Ask for the legal business name and the insurance agency name in writing.
- Request a certificate of insurance sent by the agent directly to your email.
- Confirm the policy dates cover your full project window, not just the sale date.
- Check that the policy type matches the work, meaning residential roofing, not general handyman.
- Ask whether subcontracted crews are covered under the same policy or their own.
Red Flags to Walk Away From
- A photo or PDF of a certificate that comes only from the salesperson.
- A policy that expires in the middle of your scheduled install.
- Any pressure to sign today before you can verify anything.
- A company with no permanent local address or a phone number that changes.
Insurance Versus Warranty
Homeowners often blend the two together. They cover different failures.
| Question | Insurance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| What does it cover? | Accidents and injuries during work | Defects in materials or installation |
| When does it apply? | While the job is underway | After the job is complete |
| Who issues it? | An insurance carrier | The manufacturer or the contractor |
Quick Rule
Insurance protects you during the project. A workmanship warranty protects you after it. Ask for both in writing.
What This Looks Like in North Dallas
Steep pitches, tall two story elevations, and hail season all raise the risk on a North Dallas roof. Farmersville, Princeton, Melissa, and Plano see the same storm cycles, and after every big hail event the number of door knockers spikes.
Local companies stay reachable when a question comes up two years later. If you want to see how a local team documents a roof, read our guide on how to get multiple roofing estimates or browse our roof replacement service page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I verify before hiring a roofer in Texas?
Confirm general liability and workers compensation coverage directly with the carrier, get a written itemized estimate, and ask for recent local references.
What is a certificate of insurance?
It is a one page summary from the insurance agency listing policy types, limits, and effective dates. Ask the agent to send it to you directly so you know it is current.
How much liability coverage is normal?
One million dollars per occurrence is the common figure for residential roofing work in North Texas.
Can I ask to be added as a certificate holder?
Yes. Being listed as a certificate holder means the agency notifies you if the policy is canceled during your project.
Does my homeowners policy cover a roofer's accident?
Possibly, and that is the problem. If the contractor has no coverage, an injury claim can be pushed toward your policy, which can raise your premium.
Want a written scope you can compare line by line? Contact Flying Cow Roofing and we will document your roof and put the details in writing.
A note on insurance: This article is educational. Flying Cow Roofing does not file, negotiate, or adjust insurance claims for homeowners, and nothing here describes our own policies. Your carrier and your policy decide what is covered, and a licensed public adjuster can represent you on the claim itself. We inspect the roof, document what we find, and give you a written estimate you can share with anyone. gov/)