Hiring a roof painter is a significant investment, and knowing what insurance they should carry gives you peace of mind and protects your property. In New Zealand, while there is no single law that mandates every type of insurance for painters, reputable professionals will hold several key policies as standard practice. If a contractor cannot show you proof of insurance, that is a serious red flag.
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance is the most important policy to ask about. It covers damage to your property or injury to third parties (including you) caused by the painter's work or negligence. For example, if a ladder slips and damages your spouting, or paint overspray lands on your neighbour's car, public liability insurance covers the cost of putting things right.
For roof painting work, look for a minimum cover of $1 million, though many reputable contractors carry $2 million or more. Always ask to see a current certificate of currency — a genuine professional will provide this without hesitation.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Professional indemnity insurance covers claims arising from advice or recommendations the painter gives you — for example, if they recommend a coating system that turns out to be unsuitable for your roof type and causes damage. While this is more commonly associated with consultants, painting contractors who specify products and systems benefit from carrying it.
This is particularly relevant in New Zealand where roof coatings must be compatible with the substrate (concrete tiles, Colorsteel, Zincalume, or membrane roofing) and must meet the requirements of the NZ Building Code — especially clauses relating to weathertightness.
Statutory Liability Insurance
Statutory liability insurance protects the business if they unintentionally breach a New Zealand statute — such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Roof painting is classified as height work under WorkSafe NZ guidelines, and contractors have strict obligations around fall prevention, scaffolding, and safe work plans. Statutory liability cover means that if an accidental regulatory breach occurs, the contractor is not personally ruined by fines.
Employer's Liability and ACC Considerations
If the roof painter employs staff or uses subcontractors, they should also carry employer's liability insurance. In New Zealand, ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covers work-related injuries, but ACC does not cover everything — employer's liability fills the gaps, such as covering claims for loss of earnings beyond what ACC provides.
As a homeowner, it is worth confirming that any workers on your roof are covered, because if an uninsured subcontractor is injured on your property, you could potentially face complications. Ask the contractor directly whether all workers on your job are covered.
Tools and Equipment Insurance
While this protects the contractor rather than you directly, a professional who carries tools and equipment insurance is less likely to abandon your job mid-way if their spray equipment is stolen or damaged. It signals a well-run business.
What to Ask Before Signing a Contract
Before any work begins, ask your roof painter for the following:
- A certificate of currency for public liability insurance (check the expiry date)
- Confirmation of the cover amount (minimum $1 million recommended)
- Whether they hold professional indemnity and statutory liability cover
- Proof that any subcontractors are also covered
A simple table to guide your checks:
| Insurance Type | Who It Protects | Minimum to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Public Liability | You and your property | $1–2 million |
| Professional Indemnity | You (from bad advice) | Varies |
| Statutory Liability | Contractor (regulatory breaches) | Standard policy |
| Employer's Liability | Workers on your site | Standard policy |
| Tools & Equipment | Contractor's business continuity | Optional but good sign |
Height Work and Health & Safety Obligations
Roof painting is inherently high-risk. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, contractors must manage fall hazards — typically through scaffolding, edge protection, or harness systems. WorkSafe NZ provides detailed guidance on working at height. A contractor without adequate insurance is also unlikely to be meeting their health and safety obligations, which puts workers — and potentially you — at risk.
For further context on what constitutes safe practice, BRANZ publishes research and guidance relevant to roof coatings and maintenance in the New Zealand climate.
When to Call a Professional
Roof painting is not a DIY job for most homeowners — working at height carries serious injury risk, and applying the wrong coating to your roof can void manufacturer warranties and cause weathertightness failures. Always hire a qualified, insured roof painter. You can find vetted local professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
If you are unsure whether a contractor's insurance is adequate, Consumer NZ has general guidance on hiring tradespeople and what to look for in contracts.
Master Painters NZ member
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
Roofing Association of NZ (RANZ)
