When aircraft owners start shopping for airplane insurance, one of the first questions they ask is, “Which airplane insurance company is the best?”
It’s a great question, but it’s also one that’s often misunderstood.
Unlike car or home insurance, where you buy directly from a single company like GEICO or State Farm, aviation insurance works through a network of underwriters and brokers.
Your broker (like BWI Aviation Insurance) doesn’t create the policy, they shop the market among multiple airplane insurance companies (called underwriters) to find you the best price and protection for your specific aircraft, pilot profile, and use.
Since 1977, BWI Aviation Insurance has worked with every major underwriter in the United States, helping more than 10,000 aircraft owners get the right coverage, at the right rate, with expert support.
This guide breaks down how airplane insurance companies operate, who the top players are, how they differ, and why working with the right broker ensures you always get the best coverage and price.
Role | Who They Are | What They Do
Underwriter (Insurance Company) | The company that provides and funds the actual policy. | Evaluates risk, sets rates, issues coverage, and pays claims.
Broker (BWI Aviation Insurance) | Your representative in the insurance market. | Shops multiple underwriters, negotiates pricing, explains coverage, and advocates for you.
Policyholder (You) | The aircraft owner, operator, or renter. | Provides flight time, aircraft details, and decides which policy to bind.
In other words:
– Underwriters create policies.
– Brokers like BWI find you the best one.
– You choose the right fit.
Here are the leading names BWI works with daily, all of them rated A or better for financial stability by A.M. Best:
– One of the largest and oldest aviation underwriters in the world (founded in 1924).
– Strong reputation for insuring both general aviation and corporate aircraft.
– Known for excellent claims handling and worldwide coverage capabilities.
Best for: Personal and business aircraft, flight departments, and turbine owners.
– A highly respected carrier specializing in general aviation.
– Offers competitive rates for piston aircraft, flight schools, and commercial operations.
– Excellent for owner-pilots, student pilots, and renters.
Best for: Single-engine and light twin owners, and Part 91 operations.
– A major aviation-focused division of Starr Insurance Companies
– Known for flexibility with newer pilots and complex aircraft types.
– Excellent training credits and underwriting programs.
Best for: New aircraft owners, student pilots, and high-performance piston aircraft.
– One of the oldest aviation insurers (since 1928) with global capabilities.
– Focuses on business and turbine aircraft, including jets and corporate fleets.
– Outstanding reputation for professionalism and claims management.
Best for: Corporate aircraft, turbine owners, and charter operations.
– The aviation division of American International Group (AIG).
– Offers broad coverage and strong claims support for both general and commercial aviation.
– Highly respected in the corporate and airline segments.
Best for: Larger aircraft, commercial operations, and flight departments.
– A flexible underwriter that specializes in light aircraft and niche aviation risks.
– Often competitive for flight schools, experimental aircraft, and hangar coverage.
Best for: Flight schools, instruction, and special-use aircraft.
– A European-based insurer with a strong U.S. presence.
– Focused on high-value business jets and international risks.
Best for: Turbine and international aircraft operations.
– Technically both a broker and underwriting partner for AOPA member policies.
– Works with multiple carriers but primarily serves AOPA’s member base.
Best for: Pilots seeking basic coverage through AOPA partnerships.
– Pilot experience and ratings.
– Aircraft make and model.
– Geographic location.
– Intended use (personal, business, instruction, or commercial).
That’s why your broker matters as much as the company itself.
For example:
– A new Cirrus owner may get the best rate from Starr or Old Republic.
– A King Air operator may get a better quote from Global Aerospace or USAIG.
– A CFI or flight school might save the most with Phoenix Aviation.
At BWI, our job is to compare all these options side by side, finding the right balance between price, protection, and service.
Underwriters don’t sell directly to the public, they rely exclusively on brokers like BWI to distribute their policies.
Even when direct-to-consumer options exist (like Avemco), they limit your ability to compare rates across the full market, meaning you could pay more for less coverage.
Bottom line: Going through a broker doesn’t cost more, it gets you better options and better support.
That means:
– We shop the entire market for you.
– We negotiate directly with underwriters to secure better terms.
– We explain your options clearly, without jargon.
– We handle all documentation and renewals.
– We support you through every claim.
Our partnerships ensure that BWI clients always have access to the best pricing, policy features, and response times in the industry.
Experience: Nearly 50 years specializing in aviation.
Access: Every major underwriter in the U.S. market.
Service: Dedicated account managers, not call centers.
Speed: Same-day quotes for most piston aircraft.
Support: Fast, fair claims advocacy when you need it most.
“BWI shops every carrier, explains everything clearly, and makes insurance easy.” Cessna 182 Owner, California
“I got my quote the same day, and they saved me nearly $800 a year.” Cirrus SR22 Owner, Texas
A or better rating from A.M. Best.
Fast, fair, and accessible support.
Flexible for your pilot experience and aircraft type.
Trusted by other pilots and operators.
Ability for your broker to communicate directly with underwriters.
All the carriers BWI works with meet or exceed these standards, which is why we only partner with the best in aviation.
We believe pilots deserve:
– Clarity, not confusion.
– Fair rates, not inflated renewals.
– Real people who know aviation, not call center scripts.
That’s why thousands of pilots and aircraft owners trust BWI Aviation Insurance year after year.
BWI by the Numbers
– 10,000+ aircraft owners insured nationwide
– Nearly 50 years of aviation-only experience
– 800+ five-star reviews
– Offices in California and Alaska
– Access to every major aviation underwriter
Aviation insurance companies create the coverage.
BWI Aviation Insurance makes sure you get the right one, fast, fairly priced, and fully explained.
With nearly 50 years of experience, access to every major underwriter, and a proven reputation for excellence, BWI remains the nation’s trusted aviation insurance partner.
Visit www.bwifly.com or call 800-666-4359 today to get your quote from every leading airplane insurance company, all through one trusted source.
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