Whether you’re a student pilot just starting your flight training or a CFI logging dual time with students, if you’re flying an aircraft you don’t own, you need renters insurance.
At BWI Aviation Insurance, we’ve helped thousands of pilots get fast, affordable non-owned aircraft insurance in under 5 minutes. We specialize in renters insurance for flight school students, private pilots, instructors, and weekend flyers.
Your FBO’s policy doesn’t protect you. But BWI does.
What Is Aircraft Renters Insurance?
Aircraft renters insurance, also known as non-owned aircraft insurance, covers individual pilots who fly aircraft they do not own. That includes:
- Flight school rentals (Cessna 172s, Piper Archers, etc.)
- Borrowed aircraft from friends or clubs
- CFIs flying student-owned aircraft
- Checkouts, endorsements, tailwheel time
- Multi-engine rentals or instruction
These policies are designed to cover your personal liability and optionally cover damage to the aircraft you’re flying.
If you don’t own the plane you’re flying, and something goes wrong, you’re not protected by the owner’s policy.
Why Flight School or FBO Insurance Isn’t Enough
Here’s what most renters don’t realize: FBO and flight school insurance protects the airplane, not you.
If you crash, cause damage, or someone sues you personally, you could be financially responsible, even if the aircraft is covered.
Here’s what flight school insurance typically doesn’t cover:
- Your liability to others on the ground
- Damage to hangars, fences, or other aircraft
- Damage you cause to the airplane (your deductible share)
- Injuries to your passengers
- Legal defense if you’re sued
- Damage to a non-owned airplane you’re flying off-rental
BWI renters insurance fills those gaps with comprehensive coverage designed just for pilots.
What Does Aircraft Renters Insurance Cover?
Our non-owned aircraft policies can include:
Liability Coverage
Protects you if your flying causes bodily injury or property damage. This includes:
- People on the ground
- Damage to airports or private property
- Other aircraft
- Legal defense fees
Coverage limits typically range from $250,000 to $1,000,000, depending on your needs and comfort level.
Damage to Non-Owned Aircraft (Optional)
Covers accidental damage to the aircraft you’re flying, even if the owner’s policy doesn’t.
- Covers aircraft you rent, borrow, or use for instruction
- Limit options from $5,000 to $200,000
- Can help pay the deductible or full repair
- Essential if the owner tries to recover costs from you
Medical Payments
Pays for passenger injuries, whether or not you’re at fault.
Legal Defense
Included with most policies. Covers attorney fees if you’re sued following an accident.
Real Renters Insurance Scenarios
Student Pilot Soloing a 172
A student forgets to extend flaps on final and lands fast, veering off the runway. Nose gear collapses. FBO repairs cost $27,000. Owner’s insurance pays, then seeks recovery from the student. BWI renters policy pays the owner’s deductible and protects the student’s assets.
CFI Flying a Student-Owned Cherokee
A CFI is instructing a low-time student. The student overcontrols during a landing, and the aircraft balloons and porpoises. Prop strike and nose damage. Renters insurance covers the instructor’s liability.
Private Pilot Flying a Friend’s Mooney
Pilot borrows a friend’s airplane for a weekend trip. Taxiing back, he clips a light pole with the wing. Renters insurance pays to repair the aircraft, and avoids a friendship-ending lawsuit.
What Does Aircraft Renters Insurance Cost?
Here are real examples of BWI client premiums:
Student Pilot | Liability Only
$250,000 liability limit
$84/year
Private Pilot | $1M Liability + $20,000 Damage Coverage
$295/year
CFI | $1M Liability + $50,000 Aircraft Damage
$425/year
Multi-Engine Instruction | $1M Liability + $100,000 Hull
$699/year
You choose the liability and hull limits that fit your flying, your budget, and your risk.
What Affects Aircraft Renters Insurance Cost?
Pricing depends on:
- Liability limit chosen
- Whether you add physical damage (hull) coverage
- Your pilot certificate level
- Use type: personal vs instructional
- Total time and time in make/model
- Number of aircraft types flown
- Multi-engine vs single-engine
- Flight location (e.g., Alaska vs Texas)
Most policies are billed annually, but some carriers offer 6-month or prorated options for short-term needs.
Who Should Carry Aircraft Renters Insurance?
Student pilots flying solo
CFIs instructing in student or rental aircraft
Private pilots renting club or school aircraft
Pilots flying borrowed airplanes
Pilots earning endorsements (tailwheel, complex, high performance)
Pilots working toward multi-engine ratings
Anyone who wants financial protection and peace of mind
If your name isn’t on the aircraft title, and you fly it, this insurance is for you.
Why Choose BWI for Renters Insurance
We’re not a portal or a form processor, we’re aviation insurance specialists. And we’ve been doing this since 1977.
Here’s why thousands of pilots trust BWI for their renters policies:
- Instant online quotes + fast bind
- Friendly, expert guidance by licensed agents
- Same-day certificates
- No hidden fees or cancellation penalties
- Customizable coverage limits
- Coverage for CFIs and advanced training
- Policies built for how real pilots fly
We help you understand what’s covered, what’s not, and how to fly with full confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need renters insurance to fly solo as a student?
Yes. Once you’re approved for solo, the risk is on you. Most flight schools and CFIs strongly recommend (or require) a renters policy before your first solo flight.
Will renters insurance pay if I damage the airplane?
Yes, if you’ve added the optional aircraft damage coverage. You can select a limit from $5,000 to $200,000.
Does flight school insurance cover me?
Usually not. It covers the aircraft, but not your liability, not your personal exposure, and not legal fees if someone sues you.
Can CFIs get covered too?
Absolutely. We insure CFIs every day. You can teach in rental aircraft or student-owned aircraft and protect yourself with one policy.
Can I cancel a renters policy mid-term?
Yes. Many policies are cancellable with pro-rated refunds. Just contact our team and we’ll handle it quickly.
Will this protect me during a tailwheel checkout or BFR?
Yes. As long as the aircraft is non-owned and flown under your license, your policy will follow you.
Does it cover glass panel or G1000-equipped aircraft?
Yes, as long as you have damage coverage selected and limits that match the hull value.
How to Get Aircraft Renters Insurance
Getting a policy only takes 5 minutes:
Step 1: Click “Get A Quote”
Step 2: Enter your pilot info and flying preferences
Step 3: Select your liability and damage limits
Step 4: Bind coverage instantly or speak with a BWI expert
Step 5: Receive proof of insurance via email, often within minutes
We’re fast, experienced, and here when you need us.
Helpful Pages You Might Also Like
- Aircraft Insurance
- Cessna 172 Insurance
- Experimental Aircraft Insurance
- Cirrus SR22 Insurance
- Drone Insurance
- Helicopter Insurance
- Alaska Aircraft Insurance
Not sure what limit to choose? Give us a call. We’ll walk you through it.
Trusted by 9,000+ Aircraft Owners and Pilots Since 1977
We’ve helped thousands of pilots fly protected, whether they rent once a month or five days a week. Whether you’re just starting your flight training or you’re a full-time CFI, BWI will help you get the coverage you need.
Licensed in all 50 states. Real humans. Fast service. Expert protection.
Get a Renters Insurance Quote Now or call us at 800.666.4359
