Protect Your Roofing Business with Workers' Compensation in Virginia
Part of our guide to roofers insurance in Virginia.
Workers' Compensation Insurance for roofers in Virginia covers medical bills and lost wages when employees are injured on the job, but it does not cover damage to your equipment or vehicles. In fact, it's a distinct coverage from General Liability and Commercial Auto, which you may also need. You'll need Workers' Compensation once you have 3 or more employees. Without it, you risk paying out of pocket for employee injuries, which can be devastating to your business. In Virginia, the risk of employee injuries is heightened by the state's coastal flooding and hurricane risk in Hampton Roads and the Northern Neck, as well as winter ice storms causing widespread property damage and vehicle accidents in inland areas. As a roofer, you're likely working on high-demand projects in Northern Virginia's competitive business environment, where general contractors and commercial property owners require roofing subcontractors to carry Workers' Compensation before allowing anyone on a roof.
Workers' Compensation cost for roofers in Virginia
Illustrative monthly workers comp estimate for a small roofer operation in Virginia. Actual pricing depends on revenue, payroll, coverage limits, claims history, and carrier. Get a personalized quote to see your real price.

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What Workers' Compensation Covers for Roofers in Virginia
Workers' Compensation Insurance for roofers in Virginia covers medical bills and lost wages when employees are injured on the job, such as falls from roofs or injuries from power tools. For example, if an employee falls off a roof in Virginia Beach and suffers a broken leg, Workers' Compensation would cover their medical bills and lost wages. However, it does not cover damage to your equipment or vehicles, which would be covered under a different policy. Additionally, Workers' Compensation does not cover injuries that occur while an employee is commuting to or from work. In contrast, General Liability would cover damages to third-party property, while Commercial Auto would cover vehicle accidents. By understanding what Workers' Compensation covers, you can ensure you have the right protection for your roofing business in Virginia.
Do Roofers in Virginia Need Workers' Compensation?
In Virginia, workers' compensation is generally required once you have 3 or more employees. This means that if you have a small roofing business with only 2 employees, you may not need Workers' Compensation. However, as soon as you hire your third employee, you'll need to get this coverage to comply with state regulations. Without Workers' Compensation, you risk paying out of pocket for employee injuries, which can be devastating to your business. Furthermore, general contractors and commercial property owners in Virginia often require roofing subcontractors to carry Workers' Compensation before allowing them to work on a project. By having Workers' Compensation, you can protect your business and ensure you can continue to work on projects without interruption.
A Real Workers' Compensation Claim a Roofer Could Face
John, the owner of a roofing business in Richmond, hired a new employee, Alex, to help with a large project. While working on the project, Alex fell off a roof and suffered a broken arm. Workers' Compensation covered Alex's medical bills, which totaled $10,000, and lost wages, which totaled $5,000. Without Workers' Compensation, John would have had to pay these costs out of pocket, which could have been devastating to his business. Instead, John's Workers' Compensation policy covered the costs, and he was able to continue working on the project without interruption.
What Workers' Compensation Costs for Roofers in Virginia
The cost of Workers' Compensation for roofers in Virginia varies based on several factors, including revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. For example, a roofer with a high revenue and large payroll may pay more for Workers' Compensation than a smaller roofer with fewer employees. Additionally, roofers who work in high-risk areas, such as coastal regions prone to hurricanes, may pay more for Workers' Compensation than those who work in lower-risk areas. Estimated premiums for Workers' Compensation in Virginia range from $55-$215/month. By maintaining a safe work environment and reducing claims history, you can lower your Workers' Compensation premium and save money on your insurance costs.
How to Get Workers' Compensation in Virginia
To get Workers' Compensation in Virginia, you'll need to gather some information about your business, including your revenue, payroll, and coverage limits. You'll also need to decide on a deductible and coverage limits that are right for your business. It's a good idea to compare rates from different insurance providers to find the best option for your business. In Virginia Beach, for example, you may be able to find a provider that offers competitive rates and excellent customer service. By bundling Workers' Compensation with your other core policies, such as General Liability and Commercial Auto, you may be able to lower your total insurance costs. Get your quote today and ensure you have the protection you need for your roofing business in Virginia.
Frequently asked questions
Will my Workers' Compensation premium jump after one claim?+
Yes. Your premium may increase after a claim, depending on the severity of the injury and the cost of the claim. However, many insurance providers offer programs to help you reduce your premium after a claim, such as safety training and return-to-work programs. For example, some providers offer a 10% discount on premiums for businesses that implement a safety training program.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?+
Yes. Many insurance providers offer same-day COIs for Workers' Compensation. However, you'll need to provide some information about your business, including your revenue, payroll, and coverage limits. Some providers may also require additional documentation, such as a copy of your business license or proof of workers' compensation coverage.
Does a sole proprietor need Workers' Compensation?+
No. Sole proprietors are not required to carry Workers' Compensation in Virginia. However, if you have employees, you'll need to get Workers' Compensation to comply with state regulations. Additionally, even if you don't have employees, you may still want to consider getting Workers' Compensation to protect yourself in case of an injury.
What's not covered by Workers' Compensation?+
Workers' Compensation does not cover damage to your equipment or vehicles, injuries that occur while an employee is commuting to or from work, or intentional acts. For example, if an employee intentionally injures themselves or someone else, Workers' Compensation would not cover the costs. However, General Liability or other policies may cover these types of incidents.
Can I cancel my Workers' Compensation policy at any time?+
Yes. You can cancel your Workers' Compensation policy at any time, but you may be subject to a penalty or fee. It's also important to note that if you cancel your policy and still have employees, you may be in violation of state regulations and subject to fines or other penalties.

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Other coverages roofers in Virginia should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Virginia change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Virginia Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.