Roofing liability insurance Quebec 2026

ROOFERS & ROOFING

Liability insurance for roofers

Residential, commercial or industrial roofing: protect your business with an operating liability + completed work liability + tool coverage that complies with the requirements of the RBQ.

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Starting at $1,800

Annual premium

$2M to $5M

RC Limits

RBQ

Compliant

AMF

Certified brokers

Roofers are among the contractors with the highest loss rate in Quebec: falls, water damage during work, blowtorch fires, damage to neighbouring properties, customer complaints for leaks after work. The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) requires proof of civil liability insurance of at least $2 million to obtain and maintain a roofer’s licence. Our brokers work with specialized insurers who accept roofing risks, including hot roofing and membrane roofing.

IN BRIEF

Liability for roofing contractors

Roofers are among the most at-risk professions in insurance : falls, structural damage, post-installation water infiltration, loss of equipment by the wind. General liability must reach a minimum of $2 to $5 million .

RBQ compliance: valid RBQ license, CNESST prevention program at height, and own claims history are required by insurers. A suspended license cancels coverage instantly.

What does roofer liability insurance cover

Operating liability

Injury to a third party or damage to the property of others during the work. Usual limit: $2 million to $5 million.

RC work completed

Claims that arise after the end of the work: roof leakage, infiltration, defect in workmanship.

Equipment and tools

Cranes, scaffolding, nailing hammers, torches, commercial vehicles, trailers.

Transported goods

Materials on site or in transit: shingles, membranes, insulation, equipment.

Torch fire

Specific coverage for hot work (bituminous membrane) — required by most insurers.

Errors & Omissions

Incorrect load calculation, error in evaluating a roof to be redone, inadequate choice of materials.

💡 Broker’s advice

Hot work (bituminous roof with a blowtorch) requires a specific declaration to the insurer and, often, compliance with the NFPA 51B code (hot work permit, fire round 30 to 60 minutes after the work). A fire caused without following these procedures can be ruled out — even if the operating liability is in effect. Document each round of fire to protect your cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RC limit does the RBQ require for a roofer?

The RBQ requires a minimum of $2 million in operating liability to maintain a roofer’s licence. Many contractors (general builders, home insurers who require repairs) are asking for $5 million. A limit of $10 million is possible for large commercial contracts.

How much does roofing company insurance cost in Quebec?

For a company of 2 to 6 roofers with a turnover of $500,000 to $1.5 million: between $1,800 and $6,500 per year for a liability of $2 million. Hot roofing or work at height (>15 m) increases the premium by 25 to 50%.

Are my employees covered for falls?

Employee injuries are the responsibility of the CNESST, not your commercial insurance. Your civil liability covers injuries to third parties (customer, neighbour, passer-by). Make sure you have an up-to-date CNESST file and compliant fall protection equipment.

Are leaks after the end of the work covered?

Yes, via the civil liability guarantee for completed work (also known as “products and completed operations”). Please note: non-accidental defects in workmanship (poor installation, inadequate materials knowingly used) can be excluded. An E&O (errors and omissions) policy completes the coverage.

A customer refuses to pay on the grounds of a default — what does the insurance cover?

Civil liability insurance does not cover contractual disputes or claims to reimburse work. It only covers physical damage caused by your negligence. An E&O endorsement or legal protection is required for contractual disputes.

Are my construction truck and equipment covered?

Your fleet requires separate commercial auto insurance . Fixed equipment (scaffolding, nailers, compressors) is covered by the company’s property insurance. Mobile equipment of value (over $5,000/unit) must be listed individually.

What to do in the event of a fire caused by a blowtorch on a construction site?

Notify the firefighters immediately, secure the scene, preserve the evidence (hot work permit, fire patrol log). Contact your broker within 24 hours. An investigator will be appointed. Fires where the fire patrol has not been carried out may be excluded.

Are all work at height or on sloping roofs covered?

Yes, if your RBQ licence and policy mention these activities. Flat roofs over 15 m high, roofs of public buildings and work with a cherry picker may require specific amendments. Declare them when you take out the policy.

Am I covered if I subcontract part of the site?

You remain responsible to your customer even if you are a subcontractor. Your policy must include subcontractors’ collateral liability and you must require subcontractors to provide proof of $2 million in liability insurance with you as an additional insured.

Roofing companies throughout Quebec

Assur360 supports businesses throughout Quebec: Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières and Saguenay. From residential renovations in Saint-Hubert to commercial roofs in Laval, our brokers know the requirements of the RBQ, municipalities and builders. We cover specialized roofers: asphalt shingles, metal, tiles, EPDM/TPO/bituminous membranes.

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