Commercial roofing Insurance essentials

By Jonny Suchor. 

A roofing insurance expert breaks down critical information for roofing contractors, from selecting the right policies to understanding premium variables. 

The President and Senior Sales Executive Seth Pietsch of Integrity Insurance & Bonding Inc., delivered an informative presentation on "Commercial Insurance for Roofing Contractors" for ARC of Oregon and Washington last year. The presentation spotlighted the often-overlooked aspects of insurance policies for the industry. 

Seth steered the session towards a better understanding of insurance intricacies. Established in 2018, his agency has grown to a dedicated team of  16 employees offering a suite of commercial and personal lines through 20+ carriers. 

Seth’s agenda was structured to educate roofing contractors on five critical areas: 

• Essential policies: He emphasized the importance of having comprehensive coverage beyond the basics. Many roofing contractors lack coverage for Pollution, Employment Practices Liability, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist, Excess Liability and Professional Liability. 
• Risky endorsements: Seth advised caution regarding specific endorsements. He highlighted the ones contractors should be wary of, including the New Residential and Open Roof Exclusions, which could leave contractors vulnerable. 
• Claims filing nuances: Understanding when to file a claim can be as important as the policy itself. Seth outlined scenarios warranting claims, such as bodily injury risks, class action lawsuits, and substantial financial thresholds.  
• Factors affecting premiums: He demystified why premiums increase, pointing to loss ratios, industry trends, market conditions and broader economic indicators, including pandemics, wars and political unrest.  
• Premium reduction strategies: Seth provided actionable strategies for roofing contractors to lower their premiums. Effective measures include reducing the Experience Modification Rate (EMR), implementing written safety plans, ensuring proper insurance for subcontractors and adopting fleet safety programs. 

Seth’s expertise gave attendees the tools to build a more secure and cost-effective future for their businesses.