Who This Is For

Manufacturers using resistance welding processes — including spot welding, seam welding, projection welding, and flash welding — primarily in automotive body assembly, electronics and appliance manufacturing, metal parts production, and consumer goods manufacturing. Resistance welding businesses range from dedicated resistance welding job shops to in-house production departments at larger manufacturers.

Risk Profile

Resistance welding operations face a production-focused risk profile dominated by products and completed operations liability for high-volume welded assemblies. Automotive body panels, appliance enclosures, and metal components with resistance weld joints that fail in the field can trigger large-scale product recall and warranty claims. Property exposure for specialized resistance welding machines — some of which are purpose-built and expensive to replace — is significant. Workers compensation is relevant for employees working with high-energy electrical systems and heavy welding machines, including risks from electrical shock, repetitive strain, and ergonomic exposures from high-cycle production welding. Equipment floater coverage addresses mobile resistance welding equipment used across multiple production locations.

Common Insurance Requirements

Automotive Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, electronics manufacturers, and appliance producers require resistance welding suppliers to carry $2M–$5M in products liability coverage with completed operations, and often impose supplier qualification requirements that include insurance verification. Some automotive contracts require extended products liability coverage tied to vehicle model production lifespans.

Recommended Coverage

Why the AWS Insurance Program

Resistance welding is a distinct and often underserved segment of the welding industry — operations that don't fit neatly into fabrication shop programs or standard manufacturing policies, but have significant insurance needs tied to high-volume production and demanding OEM supply chain requirements. The AWS Insurance Program recognizes resistance welding as a full member of the welding industry and provides access to markets familiar with these processes and their specific liability profile. Program specialists can help resistance welding operations build coverage that satisfies automotive and industrial OEM requirements without forcing you into programs designed for different manufacturing processes.