No. You do not need to be an AWS member to request a quote through the AWS Insurance Program. The program is open to current AWS members, prospective members, welding businesses considering AWS membership, individual certification holders, and companies employing certified welders and inspectors. We encourage non-members to request a quote and learn how AWS membership may further enhance their access to program benefits.

Yes. The Southern Agency is the endorsed insurance partner for the American Welding Society. The Southern Agency manages the AWS Insurance Program with dedicated support for member onboarding, coverage review, quote coordination, renewal planning, claims advocacy, and ongoing service. This is a formal endorsed program — not an informal referral arrangement.

The AWS Insurance Program is designed to serve the full range of welding industry businesses — including independent welders, fabrication shops, machine shops, mobile welders, welding contractors, bridge and structural steel builders, aerospace welding operations, pipe welders, industrial maintenance welders, robotic and resistance welding operations, testing and inspection businesses, educational institutions, and welding supply and service businesses. If your business performs, supports, or is connected to the welding industry, we want to help.

The most commonly required coverages in the welding industry are General Liability, Workers Compensation (if you have employees), Commercial Auto (if you use business vehicles), and Umbrella Liability for larger projects or higher-risk contracts. Contract-specific requirements vary significantly depending on the type of work, the client, and the project. Our team can help you understand what coverage your specific contracts or clients may require.

Yes. The AWS Insurance Program specifically supports Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and other AWS certification holders. We understand the unique insurance exposures of inspection professionals, including Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) for inspection reports and professional judgments, General Liability for field activities, and other relevant coverages. The program is designed for real welding industry professional roles — not generic contractor coverage.

Yes. The AWS Insurance Program can help CWIs, SCWIs, and other inspection and consulting professionals access Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) coverage. This coverage is specifically designed for professionals whose written reports, inspection findings, and professional recommendations create direct liability exposure. Coverage availability and terms vary based on underwriting, operations, experience, and state.

Absolutely. Mobile welders are a core part of the welding industry, and the AWS Insurance Program is designed to address their specific coverage needs — including General Liability for work performed at client locations, Commercial Auto for welding rigs and service vehicles, Tools & Equipment / Inland Marine for equipment in transit, and Umbrella Liability where contracts require higher limits. We understand mobile welding operations and can help you navigate the coverage requirements of the clients and industries you serve.

Yes. Fabrication shops and machine shops with welding operations are among the core businesses served by the AWS Insurance Program. We understand the property, workers compensation, products liability, and business interruption exposures unique to shop environments — and we help connect these businesses with markets that are comfortable with hot work operations and fabrication risks.

Yes. One of the most common needs of welding businesses is meeting specific contract insurance requirements — whether from a general contractor, industrial client, government agency, or project owner. The AWS Insurance Program team is experienced in helping welding businesses understand contract language, identify appropriate coverage, and structure policies that meet contract requirements. We can assist with certificate of insurance requests and the specific language often required in the welding industry.

No. Savings are not guaranteed. Results depend on underwriting, current coverage terms, loss history, operations, state, and carrier eligibility. The savings example shown on this site ($12,300 → $8,014, 35% savings) is based on an actual program opportunity. Individual results vary. The program's value is in providing access to coverage guidance, better market access, and a structured review process — not in guaranteeing a specific savings amount.

To request a quote, it helps to have: basic business information (name, address, business type), information about your operations (welding processes, number of employees, annual revenue, whether you have a shop location, whether you use business vehicles), your current insurance information (renewal date and current annual premium if available), and any specific coverage requirements from clients or contracts. You can also upload current policy declarations pages or loss runs if you have them. The more information you can share, the more complete a review we can provide.

No. The AWS Insurance Program is exclusively focused on insurance. It does not issue, verify, administer, or manage AWS certifications. It does not provide certification training, exam preparation, or credential verification. AWS certification, membership, education, examination, and credential services remain entirely separate from the insurance program. For certification information, visit AWS.org directly.

The Southern Agency manages the AWS Insurance Program and provides dedicated service for member onboarding, coverage review, quote coordination, renewal planning, and claims advocacy. When you work with the AWS Insurance Program, you are working with The Southern Agency — the endorsed insurance partner for AWS members. You can reach us at AWS@TheSouthernAgency.com or 800-777-1872.

The AWS Insurance Program is designed to support AWS members and welding businesses nationwide. Coverage availability, admitted carriers, and specific policy terms vary by state due to regulatory requirements and carrier eligibility. Our team can help determine what options are available for your specific state and operations. Contact us for state-specific information.

Yes. Non-members are welcome to request a quote and learn more about the program. You can still request a quote and explore how AWS membership may provide additional access to program benefits. If you're not yet an AWS member, we encourage you to learn more about the American Welding Society at AWS.org. Joining AWS may help you access this endorsed insurance program and the full range of member benefits the Society offers.