When you buy or operate an airplane, one of the most important decisions you’ll make, beyond choosing the aircraft itself—is selecting the right airplane insurance company. The aviation insurance market is small, specialized, and constantly evolving. Unlike auto or home insurance, there are only a handful of dedicated carriers that understand the unique risks of flight operations, maintenance, and ownership.
For aircraft owners, business operators, and pilots, the difference between choosing the right company and the wrong one can mean thousands of dollars in premiums, or worse, an uncovered claim when you need it most.
This guide breaks down the leading airplane insurance companies in the United States, explains what makes a good aviation insurer, and shows how working with a broker like BWI Aviation Insurance can save time, money, and frustration when shopping for coverage.
Understanding the Aviation Insurance Market
The aviation insurance market is not like typical personal lines insurance. There are fewer underwriters, stricter guidelines, and highly customized policies. Each carrier employs specialized aviation underwriters who assess risk based on aircraft type, usage, pilot experience, and loss history.
Most of the aviation insurers in the United States operate through licensed brokers, they don’t sell directly to consumers. That means your broker is your access point to the market, and choosing a broker who knows which company fits your needs is critical.
A strong airplane insurance company will have:
- Financial stability (A.M. Best “A” or higher rating)
- Decades of experience in aviation risks
- Responsive claims management
- Flexible underwriting guidelines
- Specialized programs for different aircraft categories (piston, turbine, helicopter, drones, etc.)
Top Airplane Insurance Companies in the United States
Below are the major underwriters and carriers that dominate the U.S. general aviation insurance market. These are the names you’ll often hear when working with brokers like BWI.
- Global Aerospace
One of the oldest and most respected names in aviation insurance, Global Aerospace has been in operation since 1924. The company insures everything from small piston aircraft to commercial fleets and aerospace manufacturers.
Strengths:
- Exceptional claims service
- Global reach and reinsurance strength
- Competitive rates for qualified pilots
- Specialized programs for business and commercial operators
Ideal for: Corporate aircraft owners, high-value piston and turbine aircraft, and business aviation operations.
- Starr Aviation
Starr is known for innovation and flexibility. They are particularly strong in personal and business general aviation, offering competitive premiums for experienced pilots. Starr also underwrites many experimental and light-sport aircraft, a category some insurers avoid.
Strengths:
- Broad appetite for different aircraft types
- Digital quoting and e-policy issuance
- Fair underwriting and responsive customer support
Ideal for: Private aircraft owners, light-sport and experimental aircraft, small flight departments, and commercial aviation such as Part 135.
- Old Republic Aerospace
Old Republic is a long-standing, financially strong aviation underwriter with a reputation for stability. They tend to focus on quality over quantity and are selective about the risks they accept.
Strengths:
- Excellent claims handling reputation
- Comprehensive coverage forms
- Long relationships with flight schools and FBOs
Ideal for: Cessna, Piper, and Cirrus owners with clean flying histories; commercial piston and turbine operators.
- USAIG (United States Aircraft Insurance Group)
Founded in 1928, USAIG is one of the largest aviation underwriters in the world. They are known for insuring major corporate fleets and offering personalized programs for turbine and jet aircraft owners.
Strengths:
- Unmatched financial strength
- Unique safety rewards programs (Performance Vector)
- Large claims network across North America
Ideal for: Corporate jet owners, turbine aircraft, and professional flight departments.
- AIG Aerospace
AIG Aerospace is part of one of the largest global insurance organizations. They specialize in corporate and general aviation, aerospace manufacturing, and air charter operations.
Strengths:
- Broad coverage capabilities
- Flexible programs for international operations
- Solid claims management infrastructure
Ideal for: Jet and turbine aircraft, commercial operations, and international flying.
6. Aerospace Insurance Managers (AIM)
AIM is a smaller managing general agent (MGA) with strong support from major reinsurers. They cater primarily to light aircraft and niche aviation businesses, including helicopter and agricultural operations.
Strengths:
- Flexible underwriting
- Willingness to insure non-standard risks
- Personal relationships with brokers and clients
Ideal for: Specialty operations like crop dusting, helicopters, or unique aircraft types.
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What to Look for When Comparing Airplane Insurance Companies
While the companies above are reputable, not all are right for every aircraft owner. Here’s how to evaluate which one fits your needs:
- Financial Stability
Only work with carriers rated “A” (Excellent) or higher by A.M. Best. Aviation losses can be large, and you want an insurer with the resources to pay claims quickly.
- Claims Handling Reputation
Ask your broker about real-world claims experiences. The best insurer is not just the one with the lowest premium, but the one that stands by you after a loss.
BWI’s experience with multiple carriers gives insight into which companies resolve claims fastest and which offer the best repair shop support.
- Underwriting Flexibility
Some insurers have strict pilot requirements, such as minimum hours or recurrent training mandates. Others are more flexible and will accept a pilot’s total experience or recent flight training as a credit.
Choose a carrier that fits your profile as a pilot, not one that penalizes you for reasonable experience gaps.
- Coverage Options and Endorsements
Look for policies that can include add-ons like:
- Non-owned aircraft coverage (for rental use)
- Hangar insurance
- Spare parts coverage
- Loss of use protection
Flexibility matters, especially for pilots who fly multiple aircraft or operate under unique conditions (mountain airports, grass strips, Alaska operations, etc.).
- Service and Communication
Insurance isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about support. Companies that communicate clearly, respond to claims promptly, and work hand-in-hand with your broker add immense value.
This is where having a dedicated broker like BWI makes the difference. We handle communication, quotes, renewals, and claims—so you don’t have to chase underwriters or claims adjusters yourself.
Why the Broker Matters More Than the Company
Many pilots assume that choosing the right insurance company is the main objective. In reality, working with the right broker determines which insurance companies you even have access to, and how well your coverage is tailored.
Because most aviation insurers don’t sell directly to the public, your broker acts as the intermediary and advocate. A strong broker:
- Knows which insurers specialize in your aircraft type
- Can compare rates across multiple carriers
- Negotiates pilot endorsements and warranties
- Provides claims assistance and renewal reviews
BWI Aviation Insurance works with every major aviation underwriter in the United States. Our team understands each company’s strengths, rate structure, and underwriting appetite—allowing us to match you with the insurer that best fits your needs and budget.
The BWI Advantage
Since 1977, BWI Aviation Insurance has been a trusted partner for pilots and aircraft owners nationwide. With offices in California and Alaska, we provide policies through every major aviation underwriter, including Global Aerospace, Old Republic, Starr, and USAIG.
What sets BWI apart:
- Access to all top-rated aviation insurers
- Fast, same-day quotes for piston aircraft
- Personalized service with dedicated account managers
- Over 10,000 aircraft insured nationwide
- More than 800 five-star reviews from pilots and operators
Whether you’re insuring a Cessna 172, a Cirrus Vision Jet, or a fleet of turbine aircraft, BWI finds the best combination of coverage and cost from the industry’s top-rated companies.
Trends in Airplane Insurance Companies for 2025 and Beyond
The aviation insurance industry is changing. Several trends are shaping the next few years:
- More Data-Driven Pricing – Underwriters increasingly use flight data, training history, and maintenance tracking to price risk.
- Greater Emphasis on Training – Pilots who complete simulator or recurrent training programs receive premium discounts.
- Technology Integration – Brokers and insurers are investing in platforms that streamline quoting and renewals.
- Market Stabilization – After several years of rising premiums, rates have begun to level as more carriers re-enter the market.
- Expansion of Specialty Programs – Expect more options for drone operations, agricultural aviation, and fractional ownership.
These developments are positive for aircraft owners—competition among insurers means more choice, better pricing, and faster service.
How to Get a Quote
To compare airplane insurance companies effectively, gather this information before contacting your broker:
- Aircraft make, model, year, and hull value
- Pilot total hours and time in make/model
- Intended use (personal, business, flight training, charter)
- Home airport and hangar location
- Prior claims or incidents
- Desired coverage limits
With these details, a broker like BWI can provide multiple quotes side by side, often within 24 hours. You’ll see premium comparisons, liability limits, deductibles, and policy features from each insurer.
Conclusion
The best airplane insurance company is not simply the one with the lowest rate, it’s the one that combines strong financial stability, fair underwriting, responsive claims service, and a broker who advocates for you.
Choosing wisely ensures that your aircraft, your passengers, and your financial future are protected.
With nearly 50 years of experience and 800 five-star reviews, BWI Aviation Insurance connects you directly with the industry’s top underwriters, offering the best blend of coverage, cost, and confidence available in aviation insurance today.
To compare quotes from the nation’s leading airplane insurance companies, visit www.bwifly.com or call 800-666-4359to speak with a licensed aviation insurance professional.
BWI Aviation Insurance — the trusted name in aircraft protection since 1977.
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