Do welders need insurance?

Yes. welders typically need general liability, workers' comp, and commercial auto. Most states require some or all of these policies to operate legally or by contract.

A typical welder can expect to pay general liability runs $520–$1040 per year, professional liability $500–$1200, workers' comp $1950–$5200 depending on payroll, and commercial auto $1100–$2600 per vehicle. Total annual premiums for a small operation usually range from $1,500 to $8,000 depending on coverage choices, revenue, and number of employees.

Yes, in nearly every state — once you have W-2 employees. Texas is the only state where workers' comp is optional. Even sole-proprietor welders often carry it because the physical nature of trades work makes injuries common.

General liability covers third-party bodily injury and property damage — for example, if a customer is injured on site or you accidentally damage a client's property. It does not cover your own injuries or professional errors (those need workers' comp and professional liability).

In many cases, yes — professional liability covers claims that a mistake or omission in your work caused a client financial harm. It's worth considering if you have contracts with defined deliverables.

No — personal auto policies typically exclude business use. If you drive a vehicle for work (transporting equipment, visiting clients, making deliveries), you need a commercial auto policy.