Business Details
Trusted Aviation & Aerospace Insurance Solutions
U S Aerospace Defense Group (USADG) is a Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business dedicated to delivering tailored risk management solutions for the aviation, aerospace, and defense industries. Our leadership team comprises distinguished veterans with over 150 years of combined experience in aviation insurance underwriting, brokerage, and claims handling. We specialize in designing bespoke insurance programs for aircraft hull and liability, aerospace products liability, defense base act coverage, and more. Our team of veteran professionals offers unparalleled service and support to insurance agents and brokers nationwide. We pride ourselves on strong relationships with top-tier insurance carriers, ensuring competitive and reliable coverage for clients.Our senior military advisors provide boots-on-the-ground expertise to assess risk and expand market impact through industry connections. USADG treats every client's business as our own, striving to exceed expectations for excellence and customer service. Our mission is to empower clients with knowledge and resources to protect assets and navigate aviation sector complexities. We are passionate about delivering the highest standards of service and expertise in every policy and connection. Your success is our top priority, and we are committed to aligning with your core values while reflecting positively on your organization.
Services
Aircraft Hull & Liability
Aerospace Products Liability
Aviation General Liability
Aviation Property Marine & Auto
Aviation Workers Compensation
Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance
Drones & UAVs
Helicopter Hull & Liability
Space & Satellite Insurance
Highlights and features
- We are a Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business with deep industry connections
- Our team has over 150 years of combined experience in aviation insurance underwriting and brokerage
- Senior military advisors provide field-tested risk assessment expertise
- We maintain partnerships with top-tier insurance carriers for competitive coverage options
- Our tailored programs address unique risks across aviation, aerospace, and defense sectors
Associations and certifications
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
Services
Aircraft Hull & Liability
We provide comprehensive coverage for aircraft physical damage and liability protection. Our policies address risks associated with aircraft ownership and operations, including passenger liability and third-party property damage. Our team tailors solutions for private, commercial, and government aircraft operators.
Aerospace Products Liability
Specialized coverage for aerospace manufacturers and suppliers against claims from defective products. Our policies protect against financial losses from faulty components or systems in aircraft and spacecraft. We offer customized solutions for manufacturers of all sizes.
Defense Base Act Insurance
Comprehensive workers' compensation insurance for defense contractors operating overseas. Our policies meet U.S. Department of Labor requirements for employees working on military bases or under government contracts abroad. We provide tailored solutions for contractors in conflict zones.
Space & Satellite Insurance
Risk management solutions for satellite launches and space operations. Our coverage includes pre-launch, launch, and in-orbit insurance for commercial and government space missions. We offer specialized policies for satellite manufacturers and operators.
Aviation Workers Compensation
Tailored workers' compensation insurance for aviation industry employees. Our policies cover flight crews, maintenance personnel, and ground staff with specialized provisions for unique aviation risks. We provide comprehensive protection for airlines and maintenance facilities.
People
Joel L. Smith
President
President and Founder with 23 years of aerospace/defense experience. Former military pilot and C-12 Tri-Service Contract leader. Managed $550M+ in annual sales. Holds MBA and Bachelor of Commercial Aviation degrees. Certified Lean Six Sigma Expert and C.A.S.E. auditor.
Michael J. Clark
Head of Brokerage
20+ years in aviation insurance with executive roles at QBE and Old Republic Aerospace. Led $50M+ specialty aerospace portfolio. Former U.S. Marine Corps officer. Aviation industry expert with extensive underwriting and brokerage experience.
General Stan Budraitis
Executive Vice President of Strategy
Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General with strategic leadership experience. Provides military perspective for risk assessment and market expansion. Decades of boots-on-the-ground experience in defense operations and industry partnerships.
David McKenzie
Senior Vice President
Seasoned insurance executive with specialized knowledge in aviation risk management. Brings extensive industry connections and underwriting expertise to support client coverage needs. Works closely with military advisors to assess operational risks.
James Wells
Senior Vice President
U.S. Army retired officer with deep understanding of defense contractor requirements. Focuses on expanding market impact through industry partnerships. Provides military perspective for risk assessment and insurance solutions.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We specialize in aviation, aerospace, and defense industry insurance solutions. Our expertise includes aircraft hull and liability, aerospace products liability, defense base act coverage, and space insurance programs.
Are you a veteran-owned business?
Yes, we are a Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business with leadership team members from the U.S. military aviation and defense sectors.
How do your military advisors benefit clients?
Our senior military advisors provide field-tested risk assessment expertise and industry connections that help lower risk ratings and expand market opportunities for our clients.
What types of aviation insurance do you offer?
We offer aircraft hull and liability, aviation general liability, aviation property marine and auto, aviation workers compensation, and helicopter-specific insurance programs.
Do you work with government contractors?
Yes, we provide specialized insurance solutions for government contractors including Defense Base Act coverage and tailored programs for aerospace manufacturers and defense industry partners.
