Welding is hot work, and many carriers won’t write it. We place mobile welders, fabrication shops and ornamental iron and gate contractors with carriers that understand the trade, including the higher liability limits that general contractors and industrial customers often require.
Start a welding & fabrication quote or call 888-391-5981.
Common risks
- A spark or slag starts a fire at a customer’s site
- A gate, railing or fabricated part fails after it’s installed
- An employee is burned or injured lifting heavy stock
- A welding truck is in an accident
- Welders, generators and tools are stolen from a truck or job site
Coverage most welding & fabrication need
| Coverage | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| General liability | Including products and completed operations for the work you fabricate and install. |
| Workers compensation | Required as soon as you have an employee, and for all licensed contractors starting January 1, 2028. |
| Excess / umbrella liability | Industrial and GC contracts often require $2 million to $5 million in total limits. |
| Commercial auto | Welding rigs and work trucks, including heavy pickups and flatbeds. |
| Tools & equipment (inland marine) | Welders, generators and tools on the truck and at the job. |
| Contractor bond | The $25,000 CSLB bond for C-60 welding or C-23 ornamental metal licensees. |
California requirements & what to know
California welding contractors are licensed by CSLB as C-60 (welding) or C-23 (ornamental metal). Both need the $25,000 contractor bond, and under SB 216 as amended, every licensed contractor must carry workers compensation starting January 1, 2028. See what the 2028 rule means for you.
Why business owners work with Pierce
- We’re an independent agency with access to standard carriers and specialty (surplus lines) markets, so we can place risks many agents turn down.
- A licensed agent handles your account from quote to renewal.
- Certificates of insurance, additional insureds and policy changes are handled fast. Request a COI.
- Local offices in San Dimas and Monrovia.
Related: Contractors · Manufacturers & products · Painters & coatings · 2028 contractor workers comp rule
Frequently asked questions
Why is welding insurance harder to place?
Hot work causes fires, so many standard carriers exclude it or decline it. We work with specialty carriers that write welding and fabrication every day.
Can you get me $5 million in limits?
Yes. We regularly pair a general liability policy with an excess liability policy to meet $4 million and $5 million contract requirements.
Do you insure fabrication shops that don’t install?
Yes. Shop-only fabricators need product liability and property coverage for the building, machinery and stock.