The cost of airplane insurance depends on more than the model. The aircraft’s insured value, pilots, use, limits and deductibles all affect the offer. An average price is hard to apply when those facts are missing.
Use aircraft type to organize your questions. Then ask for a quote based on the airplane and flying you actually plan.
Compare quotes on the same facts
Give each agency the same aircraft details, insured value, pilot records, use and start date. Ask each one to show the limits, deductibles, conditions and total quoted charges.
A lower premium may come with a different passenger limit or training requirement. Keep those differences beside the price. BWI’s quote comparison worksheet can help.
Questions by aircraft type
| Aircraft type | Details to include in a quote request |
|---|---|
| Trainer or fixed-gear piston | Exact model, value, pilot experience and any instruction or rental use. |
| High-performance or complex piston | Systems, equipment, time in type and planned transition training. |
| Turbine aircraft | Pilot roles, training, operation, territory and requested limits. |
| Tailwheel aircraft | Tailwheel experience, time in type, gear and planned landing sites. |
| Float or amphibious aircraft | Configuration, water operations, storage and relevant pilot training. |
| Experimental aircraft | Design, build and modification details, flight status and intended use. |
These are starting points for a review. They do not establish a rate or guarantee that an insurer will offer cover.
Review the hull value
Explain how you arrived at the proposed aircraft value. Include equipment and material changes. The purchase price and loan balance may differ from the amount proposed for insurance.
Ask how the policy would settle a partial loss or total loss and what you would pay. Review this with the deductible rather than treating the hull value as a separate price comparison.
Review liability limits separately
Compare the total limit and any lower limit for each passenger or person. Check the defense provisions and the activities covered.
Ask for the price of each available option. Read our liability-limit guide for questions to discuss with BWI.
Include training and use
Supply current pilot experience and planned training. If an offer requires instruction, ask which course or instructor is accepted and what evidence is needed.
Describe personal trips, business travel, instruction, rental and flights for compensation. Include the base, storage and operating area. A quote for one use may not fit another.
Ask what changed at renewal
Compare the new offer with the expiring policy. Check values, limits, deductibles, pilots, use and any added conditions before attributing a price change to the market alone.
Ask the agency to explain differences. Updated experience can be relevant to the review, but it does not guarantee a lower premium.
Get a price for your aircraft
Request a quote from BWI with the aircraft details, proposed value, pilot information and flying plans. Call 800-666-4359 if you need help preparing the request.
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