Airplane insurance guide

Airplane insurance should be matched to the aircraft, pilots and the way it will be used. This guide introduces the coverage questions and information to discuss with an aviation insurance professional.

Use your quote, declarations, policy and endorsements for the terms that actually apply. General examples are not a coverage determination or a promise of a premium.

What does airplane insurance cover?

• Discuss liability protection for covered claims involving bodily injury or property damage, and physical-damage coverage for the aircraft itself.
• Confirm which people and entities are insured, which pilots may fly, the permitted uses, exclusions and any medical-expense provisions.
• Do not assume that a policy covers every accident, every occupant or every operation. Ask BWI to explain the actual documents.

A historical specimen aircraft policy illustrates how definitions and conditions shape coverage. It is not your current policy or a quote.

What are the typical liability limits on an airplane insurance policy?

Review the total liability limit together with any passenger or per-person sublimit. Ask how the policy treats bodily injury, property damage and defense costs. A sublimit is part of the contract and cannot be interpreted just by dividing a total among the seats.

Request the limits you need and review what the insurer offers for your aircraft, pilots and operation. Availability is determined by the submission; this guide does not promise a universal limit.

What does airplane hull insurance cover?

Physical-damage or hull coverage addresses covered damage to the aircraft subject to the issued terms. Review the insured value, deductible, covered risks, exclusions and loss-settlement provisions.

Provide an accurate equipment list and requested value. If the aircraft has floats, amphibious equipment or other removable items, ask how they are described and insured both when installed and when detached. Do not assume a quote creates separate coverage or a guaranteed payment for each item.

What are the steps to getting an airplane insurance policy in place?

1. Contact BWI, a family-owned aviation insurance brokerage serving customers since 1977.
2. Provide the aircraft registration, model, requested value, equipment, home airport, use and desired effective date. Include pilot qualifications, experience, training and loss history.
3. Review available quotes with your aviation insurance professional, including limits, deductibles, exclusions, pilot requirements and requested documents.
4. Confirm the quote expiration, policy term and any conditions. Ask for written confirmation that coverage is bound before relying on it.

What does an Airplane Liability Only Insurance Policy typically cost?

The cost of liability-only coverage needs a current quote for the aircraft, pilots, use and requested limits. Review the offered terms and premium with BWI rather than budgeting from an undated range.

What is the cost to add hull coverage to my airplane insurance policy?

Ask for a current quote showing the requested hull value, deductible and premium. Aircraft details, pilots, use and coverage choices affect the proposal. There is no universal hull rate stated in this guide.

If an insurer expresses a rate as a percentage, confirm how it applies to the insured value and whether other premium components or charges are included. Compare the complete quote, not a percentage alone.

Why should I choose BWI as my Airplane Insurance risk manager?

BWI has specialized in aviation insurance since 1977. Our family-owned team combines personal service with technology to help you organize aircraft information, discuss coverage and review the options available for your submission.

Ask us about your aircraft, planned operation and policy wording. We can help with the next steps without promising that every insurer will quote, that every loss will be covered or that a particular price will be the lowest.

How do I get an Airplane Insurance quote?

Start an aircraft insurance quote request or call BWI at 800-666-4359. Have your aircraft, pilots and preferred effective date ready. Coverage is not in force until BWI confirms binding in writing.