Review your aircraft owners insurance before renewal and when your flying plans change. Check that the policy describes the aircraft, owners, pilots and activities you have today.
This checklist helps you prepare for that review. For a broader introduction, see our aircraft insurance overview.
Start with the people and businesses involved
Check the named insured against the legal ownership records. Tell BWI about a change to an LLC, partnership, trust or lease. Explain who manages the aircraft and who pays its expenses.
If a lender, airport or other party asks to be listed on the policy, provide its exact name and the written requirement. Ask what the proposed endorsement gives that party.
Check the aircraft details and value
- Is the registration, make and model correct?
- Have you added avionics or other equipment?
- Does the proposed hull value reflect the aircraft?
- What deductible applies to each type of loss?
- How does the policy treat repairs and a total loss?
Provide facts that support a value change. The purchase price, loan balance and insured value can be different amounts.
Compare liability terms
Read the total limit and any limit for each passenger or person. Ask how those limits apply together. Also review the legal-defense terms and any separate limits or exclusions.
Keep a copy of airport, lease and finance requirements. Compare them with the actual quote. If you need a different limit, ask what is available and what it costs.
Review every pilot and training requirement
Update each pilot’s flight hours, ratings, training and recent experience. Check that all intended pilots meet the policy’s conditions.
Discuss a move to a different aircraft type before the first flight. Ask which instructor, course or sign-off the insurer requires. Keep written confirmation with the policy.
Explain changes in use
Tell BWI about business travel, instruction, rental, shared use and flights for compensation. Describe the actual arrangement, even if it happens only occasionally.
Review the operating area and any plans to travel abroad. Do not assume that a previous flight or an airport’s permission settles the insurance question.
Keep owner and renter risks separate
Tell your insurance contact if you also rent or borrow aircraft. Ask whether your owner policy provides any relevant protection and whether you need separate non-owned cover.
Shared aircraft and flying clubs need their own review. Read the agreement for deductibles, damage, loss of use and each member’s responsibilities. See our non-owned aircraft insurance information.
Review maintenance, storage and open claims
Report major modifications, a new base or extended storage. Keep maintenance records and discuss technical issues with your maintenance provider. Our maintenance insurance guide covers related policy questions.
Give accurate claims information when asked. If a loss is still under review, keep claim communications separate from your request for future cover.
Keep the documents you agree to
Check the start and end dates, premium, payment terms and outstanding conditions. Read the issued policy and endorsements when they arrive. Raise any difference from the accepted quote promptly.
Ask BWI for an aircraft insurance review. Have your current policy, aircraft details and planned changes ready. You can also call 800-666-4359.
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