Roofer Insurance in Texas
Texas has no state-mandated coverage for roofers on record, but the recommended coverages below still apply.
Texas is the rare state where workers' compensation is optional, which makes the coverage choices below a genuine decision for roofers rather than a box to tick.
The detail that sets Texas apart for anyone handling other people's animals is liability: the state follows a negligence standard when a dog bites, which is exactly why the coverage priorities below look a little different here than they would a state over.
How Texas regulates roofers
Workers' comp · Optional
Texas is the only state where workers' compensation is optional for most private employers. A pet-care business can legally operate as a “nonsubscriber,” but opting out forfeits comp's liability shield and exposes the owner personally to employee-injury lawsuits — a live risk when staff handle animals that bite, scratch, or bolt. Nonsubscribers must file annual notices with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation.
Dog-bite liability · Negligence (one-bite rule)
Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974)Texas has no dog-bite statute; liability follows common-law negligence and the “one-bite” rule. An owner or handler is generally liable only if they knew (or should have known) the animal was dangerous, or were negligent in restraining it. For a pet-care operator that raises the value of documented handling protocols and incident logs, since your own records can decide the negligence question.
Licensing & permits
Texas has no statewide license for pet sitters, dog walkers, or trainers. Dog and cat breeders with five or more adult intact female animals who breed them for sale must be licensed under the Texas Licensed Breeder Program (Occupations Code Ch. 802), administered by TDLR — a threshold lowered from eleven to five by SB 876, effective September 2023. Boarding kennels are regulated at the city/county level.
SOURCE · State statutes & regulators as cited · Last reviewed 2026-07
Texas coverage requirements
| Coverage | Required? | Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workers' Compensation | Optional | Statutory | Texas is the only state where workers' comp is optional for private employers. |
State regulator: Texas Department of Insurance
Coverage checklist
| Coverage | Requirement | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial AutoCA | Required | $1,456–$2,704/yr |
| General LiabilityGL | Required | $624–$1,560/yr |
| Workers' CompensationWC | Required | $4,160–$12,480/yr |
| Inland Marine / Tools & EquipmentIM | Recommended | $312–$1,040/yr |
| Business Owner's PolicyBOP | Optional | $728–$1,872/yr |
| Commercial PropertyCP | Optional | $728–$2,600/yr |
| Professional Liability / E&OPL/E&O | Optional | $624–$1,560/yr |
Cost breakdown
- ·Truck size
- ·Equipment
Required for work trucks hauling materials and ladders.
- ·Height of work
- ·Steep-slope vs. flat
- ·Crew size
- ·Revenue
Required by licenses and GCs; fall and property-damage exposure keeps premiums high.
- ·Payroll
- ·Slope/height
- ·Experience mod
Required once you have employees; roofing is among the most expensive WC classes codes due to fall risk.
- ·Tool value
Covers nail guns, air compressors, and ladders.
- ·Office/shop
If you lease an office or yard.
- ·Shop ownership
If you own/lease a yard or shop.
- ·Design work
Rare unless you design roof systems.
Best carriers for roofer
Roofer insurance in Texas — FAQ
Do roofers need workers' comp in Texas?+
In Texas, workers' comp is optional — you can legally run a roofer business without it. But going without ("nonsubscribing") drops the legal protections comp provides and lets injured employees sue you directly, so most owners with staff still carry it. Solo operators with no employees aren't required to.
If a dog in my care bites someone in Texas, am I liable?+
Texas has no dog-bite statute; liability follows common-law negligence and the “one-bite” rule. An owner or handler is generally liable only if they knew (or should have known) the animal was dangerous, or were negligent in restraining it. For a pet-care operator that raises the value of documented handling protocols and incident logs, since your own records can decide the negligence question. That's why general-liability and animal-bailee coverage are worth prioritizing for roofers working in Texas.
Do roofers need insurance?+
Yes. Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades. General liability and workers' comp are required by most licenses and contracts, and premiums reflect the fall and property-damage exposure.
Why is roofing insurance so expensive?+
Roofers have some of the highest workers' comp class codes because of fall injuries. General liability premiums are also elevated because a bad installation can damage an entire home or building.
Is workers' comp required for roofers?+
Yes, in nearly every state once you have employees. Texas is the only state where workers' comp is optional.
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