When shopping for airplane insurance, one name you’ll come across almost immediately is Avemco Insurance Company. Avemco is one of the best-known brands in aviation insurance, and for good reason.
They’ve been serving pilots and aircraft owners for decades, offering direct-to-consumer insurance policies. But as convenient as that sounds, Avemco’s model works very differently from how the rest of the aviation insurance industry operates.
Since 1977, BWI Aviation Insurance has worked with every major aviation underwriter in the U.S., helping more than 10,000 aircraft owners and pilots get the best coverage and price. With nearly 50 years of aviation-only expertise and 800+ five-star reviews, BWI takes a broader approach, shopping the entire market to give clients more choices, better rates, and personal service that Avemco simply can’t match.
This guide explains how Avemco’s direct model works, how it compares to traditional brokers like BWI, and how to decide which approach is right for you.
Who Is Avemco Insurance Company?
Founded in 1961, Avemco Insurance Company is one of the only aviation insurers in the United States that sells directly to pilots and aircraft owners, without using brokers.
Avemco is licensed in all 50 states and primarily serves:
– Private and recreational aircraft owners
– Flight instructors and CFIs
– Renters and student pilots
– Small businesses operating under Part 91
Their focus is general aviation, they don’t insure airlines or large commercial operators.
Avemco has a long reputation for simplicity and strong financial stability. They’re rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, which reflects their financial strength and claims-paying ability.
How Avemco’s Direct-to-Consumer Model Works
Avemco’s model is simple: you go directly to their website or call an agent, answer a few questions, and receive an insurance quote.
Because Avemco doesn’t use brokers, their agents work for the company, not for you.
That means:
– You get only one quote, from Avemco.
– You can’t compare pricing or coverage options from other underwriters.
– You must negotiate directly with Avemco’s sales representatives.
Avemco designs and issues its own policies, which can make the process fast and easy for standard risks (like common piston aircraft or low hull values).
However, pilots with unique aircraft, higher-value planes, or specialized operations may find Avemco’s options limited compared to a full-service aviation broker like BWI Aviation Insurance.
What Avemco Airplane Insurance Covers
Avemco offers most of the core coverages that aircraft owners need:
1. Aircraft Hull and Liability Coverage
Covers physical damage to your airplane and liability for injuries or property damage you cause.
Standard liability limits include:
– $1,000,000 per occurrence / $100,000 per passenger
– $1,000,000 “smooth” coverage (no sub-limits) for qualified pilots
Hull coverage is available on an Agreed Value basis, which ensures clear payouts in the event of a total loss.
2. Non-Owned / Renters Insurance
Avemco offers separate renters coverage for pilots flying non-owned aircraft.
These policies cover:
– Legal liability for injury or property damage
– Damage to the aircraft you rent or borrow
– Optional medical and additional expense protection
3. CFI and Instructional Coverage
Avemco sells instructor-specific policies for flight instructors teaching in non-owned aircraft.
This is a good fit for independent CFIs who don’t operate under a school’s commercial policy.
4. Specialty Coverages
Avemco also offers limited coverage options for:
– Experimental and homebuilt aircraft
– Aircraft under construction
– Light sport aircraft (LSA)
Advantages of Avemco Airplane Insurance
Avemco’s direct model has some clear advantages:
1. Simple Process: Get a quote online or by phone, no middleman.
2. Fast Approvals: Instant binding for many standard risks.
3. Flexible Pilot Training Credit: Discounts for FAA WINGS or approved safety courses.
4. Strong Reputation: Over 60 years in business with an A+ financial rating.
For low-complexity aircraft and straightforward flying, Avemco’s simplicity appeals to many owners.
Limitations of Avemco’s Direct Model
While Avemco is respected, its structure also limits choice and flexibility for aircraft owners.
1. Limited Market Access
Avemco sells only its own policies, you can’t compare quotes from other underwriters like Global Aerospace, Old Republic, or Starr.
With BWI, we shop every major carrier for you, ensuring you get the best coverage and price available across the entire aviation insurance market.
2. Narrow Coverage Options
Avemco focuses on general aviation. If you own a turbine, experimental, or commercial-use aircraft, you may find their coverage limited or unavailable.
BWI writes all types of policies, from piston to turbine, individual to fleet, and personal to commercial.
3. No Broker Advocacy
Because Avemco’s representatives work for the company, they represent Avemco’s interests, not yours.
When you work with BWI, your broker is your advocate, we handle claims communication, documentation, and negotiation directly with the underwriter to protect your interests.
4. Pricing Transparency
Avemco doesn’t disclose how its pricing compares to other underwriters, and because they operate in a closed system, you can’t independently verify whether you’re getting the best rate.
BWI provides multiple quotes side-by-side from top-rated companies, including Avemco’s competitors, so you always know you’re getting a fair deal.
BWI Aviation Insurance vs. Avemco
Feature | Avemco | BWI Aviation Insurance
Market Access | One insurer (Avemco only) | Every major U.S. underwriter
Quote Comparison | Single quote | Multiple quotes, side-by-side
Broker Advocacy | No — company sells direct | Yes — broker represents you
Claims Assistance | Limited | Full claims support and follow-up
Coverage Options | Primarily piston and GA | Piston, turbine, experimental, and commercial
Policy Customization | Standardized | Tailored to each aircraft and pilot
Expertise | 60+ years aviation only | 47+ years aviation-only broker experience
Average Pricing | Fixed within system | Competitive across full market
When Avemco Might Be a Good Fit
Avemco can be a convenient choice if:
– You own a single piston aircraft (e.g., Cessna 172 or Piper Archer).
– You want a simple, direct process.
– You’re comfortable with standardized policy limits and fewer options.
For most private pilots, Avemco provides reliable, quick coverage, but not necessarily the best deal.
When BWI Is the Better Choice
BWI Aviation Insurance is ideal if:
– You want to compare quotes from every major insurer.
– You need help meeting lender, hangar, or training requirements.
– You fly complex, turbine, or experimental aircraft.
– You want personalized service and advocacy during claims.
At BWI, our job is simple: find you the best coverage at the best price, every time.
“BWI got me three quotes in a single day and saved me over $600 on my renewal.” Cessna 182 Owner, Texas
“I switched from Avemco after realizing I was overpaying. BWI made it easy and explained every option.” Cirrus SR22 Pilot, Florida
Why Thousands of Pilots Choose BWI Over Avemco
1. We Shop the Market: Access to every underwriter means better pricing and more flexibility.
2. We Work for You: Brokers are client advocates, not company sales reps.
3. We Provide Expertise: 47 years of aviation-only experience means we understand your aircraft and your risks.
4. We Deliver Speed: Same-day quotes for most piston aircraft.
5. We Simplify Everything: From paperwork to claims, we make insurance easy.
BWI by the Numbers
– 10,000+ aircraft insured nationwide
– Nearly 50 years of aviation-only experience
– 800+ verified five-star reviews
– Offices in California and Alaska
– Access to every major underwriter
Conclusion
Avemco has earned its place in aviation insurance history, but in today’s marketplace, aircraft owners deserve choice, competition, and advocacy.
With access to every major aviation underwriter, fast same-day quotes, and personalized service from a team that works for you, BWI Aviation Insurance provides a smarter, simpler, and often more affordable alternative.
Before you renew or buy your next policy, get a quote from BWI Aviation Insurance, and see why thousands of pilots choose us over Avemco every year.
Visit www.bwifly.com or call 800-666-4359 for your personalized quote today.
BWI Aviation Insurance, protecting pilots, aircraft, and peace of mind since 1977.
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