TL;DR
Comprehensive cover for roofing professionals in the UK Your trade is one of the most vital, yet physically demanding, in the country. Every day, you're working at height, exposed to the elements, and handling heavy materials to keep British homes and businesses secure and watertight. While you focus on protecting properties from the outside world, have you given enough thought to protecting yourself and your family from financial uncertainty?
Key takeaways
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: The constant lifting of heavy tiles, rolls of felt, and tools, often in awkward or contorted positions, takes a significant toll. Back, shoulder, and knee injuries are incredibly common and can lead to long periods off work.
- Exposure to the Elements: Day in, day out, you're exposed to wind, rain, and cold, which can exacerbate joint problems. Crucially, you're also exposed to high levels of UV radiation from the sun. Outdoor workers have a higher risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer.
- Hazardous Materials: Depending on the age and type of building, you may encounter asbestos, lead, or chemical fumes from sealants and adhesives, all of which pose long-term health risks.
- Use of Equipment: Working with power tools, nail guns, and heat-application tools for flat roofing carries an inherent risk of accidents and injuries.
- Mortgage and Rent: How long could you continue paying your housing costs without an income?
Comprehensive cover for roofing professionals in the UK
Your trade is one of the most vital, yet physically demanding, in the country. Every day, you're working at height, exposed to the elements, and handling heavy materials to keep British homes and businesses secure and watertight. While you focus on protecting properties from the outside world, have you given enough thought to protecting yourself and your family from financial uncertainty?
For roofing professionals, standard, off-the-shelf insurance often doesn't cut it. The unique risks of your job—from falls and injuries to long-term health issues—mean you need specialised financial protection. This is not a luxury; it's the foundation of a secure future for you and your loved ones.
This guide is designed specifically for you: the UK's roofing professionals. We'll break down everything you need to know about Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection, helping you navigate the market to find cover that genuinely understands and supports your trade.
Why Do Roofers Need Specialised Insurance?
The nature of your work places you in a higher-risk category from an insurer's perspective. Understanding these risks is the first step to appreciating why tailored protection is so crucial.
The Risks of the Trade
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the construction industry remains one of the most dangerous sectors. Falls from height are consistently the leading cause of fatal accidents for workers. In 2022/23, falls from height accounted for 40 fatalities in the workplace across Great Britain, with a significant portion occurring in the construction sector.
Beyond the immediate danger of falls, roofers face a range of occupational hazards:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: The constant lifting of heavy tiles, rolls of felt, and tools, often in awkward or contorted positions, takes a significant toll. Back, shoulder, and knee injuries are incredibly common and can lead to long periods off work.
- Exposure to the Elements: Day in, day out, you're exposed to wind, rain, and cold, which can exacerbate joint problems. Crucially, you're also exposed to high levels of UV radiation from the sun. Outdoor workers have a higher risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer.
- Hazardous Materials: Depending on the age and type of building, you may encounter asbestos, lead, or chemical fumes from sealants and adhesives, all of which pose long-term health risks.
- Use of Equipment: Working with power tools, nail guns, and heat-application tools for flat roofing carries an inherent risk of accidents and injuries.
The Financial Implications of Being Unable to Work
For a self-employed roofer, an accident or serious illness can be financially devastating. With no work, there's no income. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is not an option, and even if you are employed, SSP provides only a minimal safety net (£116.75 per week as of 2024/25) that is unlikely to cover your mortgage, bills, and family living costs. (illustrative estimate)
Consider the ripple effect:
- Mortgage and Rent: How long could you continue paying your housing costs without an income?
- Bills and Debts: Utility bills, council tax, car payments, and credit card debts don't stop when you're unwell.
- Family Security: Your income provides for your partner and children. Its sudden loss can create immense stress and force difficult choices.
This is where protection insurance steps in, acting as your financial scaffolding when your health and ability to earn are compromised.
Understanding the Main Types of Protection Insurance for Roofers
Navigating the world of insurance can feel complex, but the core products are designed to solve specific problems. For a roofer, the three pillars of protection are Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection.
| Insurance Type | What it Pays | When it Pays | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Insurance | A tax-free lump sum or regular income. | On your death (or diagnosis of a terminal illness). | To pay off a mortgage, cover debts, and provide for your family's future. |
| Critical Illness Cover | A tax-free lump sum. | On diagnosis of a specified serious illness (e.g., heart attack, cancer, stroke). | To cover major costs during recovery, such as medical bills or home adaptations. |
| Income Protection | A regular, tax-free monthly income. | When you're unable to work due to any illness or injury after a set waiting period. | To replace your lost earnings and cover your ongoing living expenses. |
Let's delve deeper into each of these essential covers.
Life Insurance
Life insurance is the cornerstone of financial planning for anyone with dependents or a mortgage. It’s designed to provide peace of mind that your family will be financially secure if you are no longer around.
- Term Life Insurance: This is the most common and affordable type. It covers you for a fixed period (the 'term'), such as the length of your mortgage.
- Level Term: The payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term. Ideal for providing a lump sum for your family to live on and covering interest-only mortgages.
- Decreasing Term: The payout amount reduces over time, usually in line with a repayment mortgage. This makes it a cheaper option, specifically designed to clear a shrinking debt.
- Family Income Benefit: A variation of term insurance that pays a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income to your family upon your death, rather than a single lump sum. This can be easier to manage and replaces your lost salary more directly.
- Whole of Life Insurance: This policy covers you for your entire life and guarantees a payout whenever you die. It's more expensive and often used for covering funeral costs or for inheritance tax planning.
Example: David, a 42-year-old roofer, has a £250,000 mortgage and two young children. He takes out a 25-year decreasing term life insurance policy to match his mortgage. If he were to pass away during this term, the policy would pay out a lump sum sufficient to clear the outstanding mortgage, ensuring his family keeps their home.
Critical Illness Cover (CIC)
While life insurance covers death, Critical Illness Cover is designed for survival. It pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific, serious medical conditions defined in the policy.
For a roofer, this could be vital. While a bad back might not trigger a payout, a serious condition like a heart attack, stroke, or certain types of cancer would. Given the links between sun exposure and skin cancer, and the physical strain of the job potentially contributing to cardiovascular issues, CIC is highly relevant.
The lump sum can be used however you see fit:
- To clear your mortgage or other debts.
- To pay for private medical treatment or specialist therapies.
- To adapt your home (e.g., installing a ramp or a stairlift).
- To bridge the financial gap while you recover, allowing you to focus on your health without financial worry.
Many people combine Life and Critical Illness Cover into a single policy.
Income Protection (IP): The Roofer's Essential Safety Net
If there is one policy that every self-employed tradesperson should consider essential, it's Income Protection. It's your own personal sick pay scheme.
IP pays you a regular monthly income (typically 50-65% of your gross earnings) if you're unable to work due to any injury or illness. Unlike CIC, it's not limited to a specific list of conditions. A debilitating back injury that stops you from climbing ladders and lifting materials would be a valid reason for a claim, as would stress, depression, or recovery from an operation.
When choosing an Income Protection policy, three key elements are crucial for a roofer:
-
The Definition of Incapacity: This is the most important part of the policy. You must insist on an 'Own Occupation' definition. This means the policy will pay out if you are unable to perform the specific duties of your job as a roofer. Less comprehensive definitions like 'Suited Occupation' (unable to do a job you're qualified for) or 'Any Occupation' (unable to do any work at all) could see a claim denied if the insurer believes you could, for example, work in a call centre or a supermarket. For a skilled manual worker, 'Own Occupation' is non-negotiable.
-
The Deferment Period: This is the waiting period between when you stop working and when the policy starts paying out. It can range from 1 week to 12 months. A shorter deferment period means a higher premium, but you get paid sooner. A good strategy is to align your deferment period with any savings you have. If you have enough cash to cover 3 months of expenses, a 3-month deferment period could be a good balance.
-
The Benefit Amount and Term: You choose how much income you need per month and how long the policy will pay out for (e.g., for 2 years, 5 years, or right up to retirement age). A long-term policy offers the most comprehensive protection.
How Do Insurers Assess Risk for Roofers?
Because roofing is considered a higher-risk occupation, insurers will ask more detailed questions during the application process. This is known as underwriting. Their goal is to build an accurate picture of the specific risks your individual job entails. Honesty and accuracy here are paramount.
The Application: Key Questions for Roofers
Be prepared to provide detailed information about your work:
- Working at Height: This is the primary concern for insurers.
- What is the maximum height you work at? (e.g., under 10 metres, 10-20 metres, over 20 metres).
- What percentage of your time is spent working at height?
- Do you work on domestic (e.g., two-storey houses) or commercial/industrial buildings (e.g., high-rise offices, factories)?
- What safety equipment do you consistently use? (e.g., scaffolding, harnesses, edge protection).
- Type of Roofing:
- Do you work on pitched or flat roofs?
- Do you use heat? (e.g., blowtorches for bitumen on flat roofs). 'Hot works' can sometimes attract higher premiums with certain insurers.
- Your Role:
- Are you a hands-on roofer, or do you have a more supervisory role? A director who spends most of their time in the office will be viewed differently from someone on the tools every day.
The Impact on Your Premiums
Based on your answers, an insurer may apply a 'loading' to your premium, which is an increase on the standard price to reflect the higher risk. For example, a roofer who works on single-storey domestic properties and uses full safety equipment will likely pay significantly less than one who works on high-rise commercial buildings.
This is where an expert broker, like WeCovr, becomes invaluable. We know the underwriting appetites of different insurers. Some are more lenient on height limits, while others may not add extra cost for 'hot works'. By approaching the right insurer first, we can secure you the best possible terms without you having to go through multiple applications.
Specialised Insurance for Roofing Business Owners
If you're a director of a limited company or run a roofing business with employees, your protection needs extend beyond your personal finances to the health of your business itself.
Key Person Insurance
Who is the most important person in your business? Is it you, your business partner, or your top project manager? If their death or critical illness would cause a significant financial loss to the company, you should consider Key Person Insurance.
- How it works: The business takes out and pays for a policy on the 'key person'.
- The payout: If that person dies or suffers a critical illness, the policy pays a lump sum directly to the business.
- The purpose: The funds can be used to cover lost profits, recruit and train a replacement, or reassure clients and lenders that the business can continue to operate.
Executive Income Protection
This is an Income Protection policy owned and paid for by your limited company for an employee or director. It's a highly tax-efficient way to provide a sick pay benefit.
- Tax Efficiency: The premiums are typically considered an allowable business expense, reducing your corporation tax bill.
- Benefit: It provides a replacement income to the employee if they're off work long-term, allowing the business to support them without draining company cash reserves.
Relevant Life Cover
This is a tax-efficient death-in-service benefit for directors and employees, paid for by the company. The premiums are usually an allowable business expense, and the benefits are paid tax-free to the employee's family via a trust. It's an excellent way to provide high-value life cover without it being treated as a P11D benefit-in-kind.
Gift Inter Vivos Insurance
For successful business owners planning their estate, Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be a major concern. If you gift an asset (like company shares or a large cash sum) to a loved one, it may still be liable for IHT if you die within seven years. A Gift Inter Vivos policy is a special type of life insurance designed to pay out a lump sum to cover this potential tax bill, ensuring your beneficiaries receive the full value of the gift.
Wellness & Health Tips for Roofing Professionals
Protecting your finances with insurance is one half of the equation; protecting your health is the other. A proactive approach to wellness can reduce your risk of injury and illness, helping you stay on the tools for longer.
Protect Your Body on the Job
- Manual Handling: Always use correct lifting techniques—bend your knees, keep your back straight, and keep the load close to your body. Use mechanical aids like hoists whenever possible for heavy materials.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This is non-negotiable. Always wear appropriate footwear with good grip, a hard hat, gloves, and a safety harness when required.
- Warm-up and Stretch: Treat your work like an athletic event. A few minutes of stretching your back, shoulders, and legs before you start can significantly reduce the risk of strains and sprains.
Sun Safety: A Roofer's Priority
According to Cancer Research UK, rates of melanoma skin cancer have shown a long-term increasing trend in the UK. As an outdoor worker, you are in a high-risk group.
- Cover Up: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved tops and trousers. A wide-brimmed hat that covers your ears and neck is essential.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply a high-factor (SPF 30+, but ideally 50+), broad-spectrum sunscreen to all exposed skin 20 minutes before going out. Reapply every two hours, or more if you're sweating heavily.
- Seek Shade: Take your breaks in the shade, especially between 11 am and 3 pm when UV rays are strongest.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration and heatstroke.
Nutrition and Wellbeing
The physical demands of your job require significant energy. Fuelling your body correctly is vital.
- Focus on a balanced diet with complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, lean protein for muscle repair, and plenty of fruit and vegetables.
- Managing your diet and calorie intake can be a challenge with a busy, physical job. This is one of the reasons we at WeCovr provide all our clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It’s a simple tool to help you stay on top of your health goals, showing that we care about your wellbeing beyond just the policy.
Case Study: How Income Protection Saved Mark, a Self-Employed Roofer
To understand the real-world impact of this type of insurance, let's look at a typical scenario.
The Client: Mark, a 38-year-old self-employed roofer from Manchester. He's the main earner, married with two young children and a £1,500/month mortgage payment. (illustrative estimate)
The Policy: Two years ago, on the advice of a broker, Mark took out an 'Own Occupation' Income Protection policy. He chose a benefit of £2,500 per month, set to pay out until age 65, with an 8-week deferment period. His premium was £45 per month. (illustrative estimate)
The Incident: While repairing a slate roof on a two-storey house, Mark slipped on a wet patch. He didn't fall from the roof, but he slid awkwardly and twisted his knee, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The Aftermath: The injury required surgery and extensive physiotherapy. His consultant told him he would be unable to kneel, climb ladders, or carry heavy loads for at least nine months.
The Financial Impact: Without an income, Mark and his family faced an immediate crisis. Their savings would cover the mortgage for two months, but after that, they would be in serious trouble.
The Solution: Mark contacted his insurer to make a claim. After the 8-week deferment period passed, his Income Protection policy kicked in. For the next nine months, he received £2,500 tax-free into his bank account every month. (illustrative estimate)
This income allowed his family to:
- Keep up with mortgage payments, avoiding arrears.
- Pay all their household bills on time.
- Buy groceries and cover school costs without worry.
Most importantly, it removed the immense financial pressure, allowing Mark to focus fully on his recovery. He didn't have to rush back to work before he was physically ready, which could have led to a more serious, career-ending re-injury. For Mark, his £45 monthly premium was the best investment he ever made. (illustrative estimate)
How WeCovr Can Help You Secure the Right Cover
Finding the right insurance as a roofer can be challenging. Many online comparison sites use simplified question sets that don't capture the nuances of your trade, which can lead to inaccurate quotes or even declined applications.
This is where specialist advice makes all the difference.
At WeCovr, we are experts in protection insurance for tradespeople, including roofing professionals. We understand the questions insurers will ask and we know which providers are most favourable to your occupation.
Our process is simple and effective:
- We Listen: We start by having a detailed, no-obligation conversation to understand your personal circumstances, your work, and your financial goals.
- We Research: We use our expert knowledge to search the entire market, including specialist insurers, to find the policies that offer the best terms and definitions for a roofer. We prioritise 'Own Occupation' cover for Income Protection.
- We Advise: We present you with clear, jargon-free options, explaining the pros and cons of each. We handle all the paperwork and guide you through the application process, ensuring it is completed accurately to give you the best chance of success.
- We Support: Our service doesn't end when the policy is in place. We're here to help you review your cover as your circumstances change and, crucially, we'll be there to support you if you ever need to make a claim.
Your work is tough enough. Let us take the stress out of securing your financial future.
Will my premiums be very expensive because I'm a roofer?
Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance?
What if I only work at a low height, like on bungalows and single-storey extensions?
I'm self-employed. Is Income Protection better for me than Critical Illness Cover?
Can I get cover if I use heat/hot works in my job?
What happens if I change my career and stop being a roofer?
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
