Roofers insurance · Exeter

Roofers insurance in Exeter

Reviewed by Matthew Bartlett, Director, Apex Insurance Brokers Limited · Published 16 July 2026

Exeter roofing is treated as high-risk by most insurers — working at height, heat and torch-on work, and liability for what happens below. Apex arranges cover that reflects how the trade works, placed by a named broker who'll get you covered rather than declined.

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Key covers for roofers

Public liability — injury or property damage from your work, including work at height — often £5m–£10m.
Employers liability — legally required for employed and labour-only sub-contractors.
Tools and equipment — theft of tools and plant from site, van or premises.
Contract works — work in progress against fire, storm and vandalism before hand-over.
Heat and 'hot works' — cover for torch-on felt and heat-based methods, subject to conditions.
Personal accident — optional cover if injury stops you working.

Exeter-specific considerations

Princesshay and city-centre retail.
Cathedral and tourism footfall.
University-linked research.
Professional and financial services.
Construction and trades.

Compliance considerations for roofers

Working at Height Regulations 2005 duties.

NFRC and CompetentRoofer scheme evidence where you're a member.

Hot-works permit and 60-minute fire-watch conditions from insurers.

CDM 2015 duties on larger contracts.

What can go wrong

Injury to occupier or passer-by from scaffold, materials, or falling debris — PL responds.

Damage to neighbouring property from party-wall work — PL responds.

Employee fall from height — EL responds; RIDDOR/HSE involvement likely.

Design-and-build fault causing latent defect — PI territory.

Site theft of materials or plant — contract works cover.

Frequently asked

Why are roofers refused cover?

Insurers see working at height and hot works as high-risk and many decline the trade outright. We place your cover with insurers who understand roofing rather than avoid it.

Is torch-on and hot work covered?

Yes, with sensible conditions — typically a hot-works permit and a fire-watch period after you finish. We make sure the wording matches how you actually work.

What about CDM 2015 duties?

On larger contracts you may carry principal-contractor or contractor duties under CDM 2015; your liability cover should reflect the work you take on.

Are my tools covered?

Tools and plant can be covered against theft from site, van or premises, with cover for hired-in plant added where needed.

Do I need employers liability?

Yes — it is legally required if you employ anyone, including labour-only sub-contractors working under your control.

Exeter commercial quote

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Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 724952. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. Trading address: QCS, 53 Queen Charlotte Street, Bristol BS1 4HQ · Serving tradespeople in Exeter and the wider region.

Speak to a broker

Get the right commercial cover, placed by a named broker

Tell us about your business and we’ll place it on the specialist market — or leave your number and a named broker calls you back, usually the same working day.

Get a commercial quote → or call 0117 325 0027