Roofers carry out an important job that is both physically demanding and prone to hazards. Working at heights on surfaces that may be damaged and uneven, combined with the use of heavy equipment and exposure to hazardous chemicals, makes roofing a risky job. It’s not uncommon for roofers to face hazards such as electrical injuries or falls, exposure to extreme temperatures, loss of tools or equipment when dropped, or damage to someone else’s property.
All of these hazards could impact a roofer’s business, either by way of financial cost or the time spent away from work unable to earn an income. With so many hazards and potential for things to go wrong, it’s imperative roofers protect their business – and themselves – with the right NZ insurance cover.
To protect roofers from financial loss for claims made against the business, it’s essential roofers acquire relevant and adequate insurance cover for roofing businesses. The following insurance policies provide the best coverage for common roofing risks:
Performing roof work exposes roofers to the potential risk of damage to other people’s property. If the roofer is deemed responsible for the accidental damage to the roof or property they are working on, the cost of repairs may be a significant financial burden to carry, a cost most roofers would struggle to cover. By protecting the roofer’s business with Public Liability Insurance, if there is any damage to a client’s property – or a third party is injured on site – the financial cost is taken care of.
A roofer inadvertently used sub-standard materials when replacing part of a client’s roof, which lead to water damage and flooding of the top floor of the home. As the roofer was deemed liable for damage, all costs for repairs and replacements had to be paid for by the roofer. The roofer lodged a claim for financial loss with their Public Liability Insurance which paid out for the cost of the damage incurred
When tradies or employees are injured in the line of their roofing work, the roofer may be held liable for reparation for things like medical bills, therapy, or surgery. These costs can easily amount to several thousands of dollars which the roofer would have to pay. By ensuring the business is adequately covered with NZ insurance for Employer’s Liability, the roofer can rest assured that these financial claims will be taken care of.
After possible exposure to asbestos, a tradie was referred to a specialist for testing and treatment, the cost of which was deemed the responsibility of the roofer. All medical costs were covered under the Employer’s Liability Insurance policy.
There may be instances where a roofer inadvertently violates a New Zealand law and is required to pay penalties or fines. When legal matters relating to a breach of law need to be settled in court, additional costs, such as defence costs and legal fees, may also need to be covered by the roofer. Statutory Liability Insurance protects roofers against a financial loss for claims that arise out of a breach of law, covering the cost of fines, penalties, and legal fees.
A roofer was held liable for damages incurred following a breach of contract claim by a client. All costs for defence, legal fees and reparation were covered under the roofer’s Statutory Liability Insurance policy.
When an accident or theft occurs and a roofer is left without their commercial vehicle, it could mean stopping work until repairs or a replacement can be arranged. Not having a vehicle means a roofer is unable to travel to work sites, or transport essential roofing tools and equipment needed to complete the job. Ultimately, it means not being able to earn an income. Ensure all vehicles used in a roofer’s business are protected against accidents, fire and theft with the right level of Commercial Vehicle Insurance cover.
On the way to a roofing job, a roofer was involved in an accident and the commercial van being driven was written off. Tools, equipment and supplies inside the van had to be replaced too as they were damaged beyond repair. Fortunately for the roofer, the van was insured with a Commercial Vehicle Insurance policy so a replacement vehicle and equipment was easily arranged.
Roofers face many hazards relating to equipment and tools used in the roofing business. From electrical damage to tools because of exposed wiring, to damage to equipment dropped from a height, to hazardous substances causing damage to tools; when tools and equipment used in a roofer’s business are damaged, lost or stolen, Business Assets Insurance helps the roofer replace these and get back to work right away.
Using a ladder that was not placed correctly resulted in a tradie stumbling and dropping an expensive power tool from the roof height. A claim was lodged against the roofer’s Business Assets Insurance policy which covered the cost of the replacement tool.
Being reliant on fine weather to work means roofers are often at the mercy of mother nature. From time to time extreme weather events may prevent roofers from completing a job because of safety concerns. When flooding, fire, or earthquake disrupts the roofer’s business, ongoing bills like wages, rent and equipment hire still need to be paid. That can feel like a huge burden for roofers when they are unable to earn an income. Business Interruption Insurance covers roofers against natural disasters that prevent the business from operating as normal.
When high winds and storm weather put a roofer’s business on hold, there was naturally some concern around meeting ongoing expenses and the drop in earnings. The roofer was able to claim for the loss of income under the Business Interruption Insurance cover and ongoing expenses were taken care of while the roofer was unable to work due to extreme weather conditions.
As a professional roofer, you know how important it is to protect you and your business against financial loss in the event of accidents, liability and employee injuries. Without the right NZ insurance, you could be held responsible for paying the costs associated with any of these hazards. Not only would that place significant financial stress on your business, but it could even mean the end of your business.
To find out more about the types of NZ insurance to fit a roofer’s business, contact a Max Insurances adviser today. Give us a call on 0800 ASK MAX (0800 275 629) to speak to a real person about your roofing business insurance needs.
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