What to Keep on File for Your Roofing Business
If someone asks for proof you have insurance, you need to show a certificate. This certificate proves your business has workers' compensation coverage. A roofer needs regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy, because roof work is work at height and work above 15 feet can't be covered by this program. Your policy itself needs to match what you do and who you cover.
- Keep a copy of your policy documents. These show the rules of your coverage and who is included.
- Save the latest certificate of insurance. This is what you hand to the person who asked for proof. It shows the limits, the carrier, and the dates.
- Write down the type of work you do, so you can match it to your class code. Your insurance company will confirm the right code for your state. Class codes set the price but not the coverage itself.
- Keep a list of any changes you've made to your policy, like a new type of roofing work or a new person. This helps you remember what you told the insurance company.
- Store a copy of the policy number and the dates it is active. This helps when you need to send a certificate or talk to someone about your coverage.
When to Check and Update Your Policy
As a roofer, your work and your business can change. Your insurance needs to match that work.
- Every time you get a new job, check if the work you're doing matches what you told the insurer. If you start doing different work, like installing solar panels instead of shingles, you need to update your policy. Your class code might change, and that affects your price.
- When you get a new certificate request, make sure the name and address on the certificate match the person asking. If not, you need to update the certificate. The person who asked for it needs to see their name and details on the certificate.
- At the end of each renewal period, look at your policy again. Check if your work has changed. Your insurance company will give you the right price based on the work you do.
When Hiring Changes Everything
If you hire your first helper, your insurance needs to change too. A ghost policy is for the owner only, with no employees and no subcontractors of any kind, and it can't cover roof work anyway. If anyone else works for you, you need regular workers' comp, so make sure that person is covered by your policy. This is true even for a one-person business that adds one helper.
- If you hire someone, make sure your regular workers' comp policy is in place before they start. Your state decides what is required for hiring workers. A ghost policy is never an option once anyone else works for you.
- Check that your policy is not a ghost policy. A ghost policy does not cover the owner or any employees — it is for proving coverage exists to give a certificate. A roofer, or anyone with help, needs regular workers' comp.
What to Re-Check Each Renewal
Renewing your policy is your chance to make sure everything is still correct.
- Confirm the type of work you do still matches your class code. Your insurance company will show you the right code for your state. If your work has changed, your code might have changed too.
- Check who your policy covers, including whether it covers you, the owner. A 👻Ghost Policy never covers the owner; if you want coverage for yourself, you need regular workers' comp.
- Make sure any new people you've hired are still covered. If not, update your policy. Your state might require you to include them in your coverage.
- Review the certificate to see if it has the right names and addresses. If not, update it before the next certificate request. The certificate must match the person who asked for it.
- Check if your policy still matches your current business. If you changed tools, added new work, or hired someone, your policy should reflect that. If it does not, your coverage might not work the way you need it to.
The One Rule You Must Never Forget
A ghost policy does NOT cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy one, so it pays no medical or wage benefits to you. A ghost policy is not for you — it is for proving your business has coverage so you can hand over a certificate, and it can't cover work above 15 feet. Roof work is work at height, so a roofer needs regular workers' comp. Always double-check your policy to see who is covered and who is not.
What to Do If You Need a Certificate Now
If someone asks for a certificate and you don't have one, you need regular workers' comp, because a ghost policy can't cover roof work. Ask your insurance company for the policy documents and the certificate you need to hand over. Just make sure the certificate has the right name and address. Once you have the policy, send the certificate to the person who asked for it.
