Your aircraft is more than a machine — it’s a major investment, a passion, and in many cases, a livelihood. Protecting it properly means choosing the right insurance partner — not just the cheapest premium.
Unlike car or home insurance, aviation insurance is highly specialized. It requires underwriters, brokers, and claims teams who understand aircraft operations, FAA regulations, pilot experience, maintenance standards, and the nuances of risk in aviation.
That’s why selecting the right aircraft insurance company — or more accurately, the right team of aviation professionals — is one of the most important decisions any aircraft owner can make.
At BWI Aviation Insurance, we’ve spent more than 45 years building relationships with every major aviation underwriter in the United States. This guide breaks down exactly how aircraft insurance companies operate, who the key players are, and how to evaluate them — so you can make a confident, informed choice.
1. Understanding How Aircraft Insurance Companies Work
An aircraft insurance company (also known as an underwriter or carrier) is the entity that assumes the financial risk of your policy. They review your pilot experience, aircraft type, usage, and operating environment to determine what level of risk they’re willing to cover — and at what price.
These companies use specialized teams that include underwriters, claims specialists, actuaries, and compliance experts. However, aircraft owners almost never deal directly with these underwriters. Instead, policies are accessed through aviation insurance brokers like BWI that represent multiple insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf.
2. The Role of a Broker vs. an Underwriter
| Role | What They Do | Example |
| Broker / Agency | Represents you (the aircraft owner), shops the market, compares coverage, and negotiates the best terms. | BWI Aviation Insurance |
| Underwriter / Carrier | Provides the actual insurance contract, assumes the risk, and pays claims. | AIG Aerospace, Global Aerospace, Old Republic, Starr Aviation |
In short: The broker works for you. The underwriter works for the insurance company.
3. The Major Aircraft Insurance Companies in the U.S.
The U.S. aviation insurance market is concentrated among a small group of highly specialized underwriters. Each company has its own strengths:
| Company | Overview & Strengths |
| Global Aerospace | One of the world’s oldest and largest aviation insurers, offering broad coverage, strong financial stability, and excellent claims handling. |
| AIG Aerospace | Known for financial strength, flexibility, and worldwide reach. Offers tailored coverage for turbine aircraft and flight schools. |
| Old Republic Aerospace | Highly respected for general aviation and piston aircraft, with competitive rates for experienced pilots. |
| Allianz Aviation | Strong international presence with excellent support for corporate and commercial fleets. |
| QBE Aviation | Specializes in customized policies for flight schools, FBOs, and unique risks. |
| USAIG | Legacy provider with a strong focus on corporate and turbine aircraft, and outstanding safety partnerships. |
| Starr Aviation | Competitive pricing for turbine and jet aircraft, and expanding in general aviation. |
| Core Specialty / Star Aviation | Focused on piston and light turbine aircraft with responsive quoting and renewals. |
These companies represent over 90% of the U.S. aviation insurance market. BWI maintains direct relationships with all of them.
4. What Makes a Great Aircraft Insurance Company
- Financial Strength – Look for carriers rated A or higher by A.M. Best or Standard & Poor’s.
- Claims Reputation – Top companies handle claims quickly and fairly.
- Aviation Expertise – The best insurers employ pilots, mechanics, and risk managers who understand aviation.
- Customization – Policies should be flexible on hull value, limits, and pilot warranties.
- Broker Collaboration – Strong broker-underwriter relationships often lead to better service and rates.
5. The BWI Advantage: How We Work with Every Major Underwriter
- Collect aircraft and pilot details.
- Submit a market request to all eligible underwriters.
- Receive multiple quotes with varying limits and rates.
- Analyze coverage and compare side-by-side.
- Recommend the best combination of coverage, service, and price.
Because of our 45+ years of relationships, BWI clients often receive better pricing and faster approvals.
Get Your Aircraft Insurance Quote Today>>
6. Example: Comparing Quotes from Multiple Companies
| Underwriter | Liability | Hull Value | Premium | Notes |
| Global Aerospace | $1M CSL | $550k | $3,420 | Excellent coverage and claims service |
| AIG Aerospace | $1M CSL | $550k | $3,590 | Flexible pilot requirements |
| Old Republic Aerospace | $1M CSL | $550k | $3,275 | Strong for piston aircraft |
| Star Aviation | $1M CSL | $550k | $3,150 | Fast turnaround time |
7. How to Evaluate an Aircraft Insurance Quote
- Liability limit (combined single limit vs. per-person).
- Agreed hull value and replacement terms.
- Deductibles for ground and in-flight damage.
- Pilot warranty and training requirements.
- Territory and usage clauses.
- Optional coverages such as medical payments or hangar protection.
8. The Importance of Claims Handling
A claim is the true test of an aircraft insurance company. Top-tier carriers assign aviation-trained adjusters who understand aircraft repair, maintenance, and FAA processes. They typically provide quick response, transparent communication, and fair settlements. BWI’s long-standing relationships ensure our clients’ claims are handled efficiently.
9. How to Switch Aircraft Insurance Companies
- Start 30–45 days before renewal.
- Ask your broker to shop new quotes from multiple carriers.
- Compare differences in coverage, not just premium.
- Bind new coverage before cancelling the old policy.
BWI coordinates the process to ensure no lapse in coverage.
10. Why Thousands of Aircraft Owners Choose BWI
- 45+ years specializing exclusively in aviation insurance.
- Over 10,000 active aircraft insurance customers nationwide.
- 800+ five-star Google reviews.
- Access to every major aviation underwriter.
- 24-hour quoting for piston aircraft and 2–3 days for turbines/jets.
- Dedicated account managers and full claims support.
11. The Future of Aircraft Insurance Companies
As aviation evolves, insurance companies are adapting. New technologies like electric propulsion, eVTOL aircraft, and drones are reshaping aviation risk. Insurers are leveraging AI, big data, and digital claims systems to improve accuracy and speed. BWI continues to lead innovation by collaborating with underwriters on next-generation insurance products.
12. The Bottom Line
Choosing the right aircraft insurance company affects not only your premium but also your peace of mind. Work with a broker who understands aviation, represents multiple underwriters, and can guide you through every step of coverage and claims. BWI Aviation Insurance brings 45 years of expertise and partnerships with every major underwriter to provide the best options available.
Protect your aircraft and your future. Get a quote today at www.bwifly.com.
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