Who This Is For

Welding operations serving the aerospace and defense industries — including precision TIG welding of titanium, Inconel, and aluminum aerospace alloys; structural aerospace component fabrication; aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) welding; space industry welding operations; and welding businesses working under AS9100, NADCAP, or FAA-regulated quality systems.

Risk Profile

Aerospace welding carries among the highest products liability exposure of any welding application. A component failure in flight or on a launch vehicle can generate catastrophic loss of life and property claims — and legal exposure can follow an aerospace welding operation for decades. Professional liability is relevant for operations providing engineering, inspection, or quality system services alongside their welding work. Property exposure for precision welding equipment, test fixtures, and specialized tooling is significant. Workers compensation addresses the physical demands and chemical exposure risks of precision welding in controlled environments. The highly regulated nature of aerospace work also creates compliance and documentation exposure.

Common Insurance Requirements

Aerospace prime contractors (OEMs), defense systems integrators, and aviation MRO facilities require welding suppliers to carry $5M–$25M in products liability and completed operations coverage, with tail coverage extending for the operational life of the aircraft or system. AS9100-registered and NADCAP-certified operations often face specific insurance requirements embedded in their quality management agreements. FAA repair stations may have regulatory insurance obligations. Some contracts require professional liability if engineering or inspection services are part of the scope.

Recommended Coverage

Why the AWS Insurance Program

Aerospace welding operations require specialty markets — most standard commercial insurers are not willing to write products liability for flight-critical welded components at any price. Without access to the right markets, aerospace welders either go without adequate coverage or pay market-distorting premiums for policies that may not respond correctly to a claim. The AWS Insurance Program connects aerospace welding businesses with experienced specialty insurers familiar with defense, aviation, and space industry risk. Program specialists understand the specific policy language, limits, and endorsement structures that aerospace prime contractors require, helping you secure coverage that satisfies your customer requirements and actually protects your business.