Experimental Aircraft Insurance | BWI Aviation Insurance

Building or flying your own aircraft is a bold and rewarding achievement. Whether you’re flying a Vans RV-10, a Kitfox on floats, a Zenith 750, or a Sonex, owning an experimental aircraft comes with freedom, and a unique set of risks.

At BWI Aviation Insurance, we’ve been insuring experimental aircraft and homebuilt airplanes since 1977. From first flights to final paint, we’ll help you find the right insurance policy to protect your investment, your liability, and your mission.

What Is Experimental Aircraft Insurance?

Experimental aircraft insurance is designed to protect owners and pilots of aircraft that fall outside the FAA’s standard category, typically homebuilt, kit-built, or non-certified aircraft.

That includes:

E-AB (Experimental – Amateur-Built)
E-LSA (Experimental – Light Sport Aircraft)
Modified or one-of-a-kind designs

Unlike factory-built certified aircraft, experimentals are either assembled by the owner or constructed by a kit manufacturer and completed by an amateur builder. These aircraft are incredibly diverse, and so are their risks.

That’s why experimental aircraft require specialized underwriting. Not every insurance company will quote them, and not every agent understands how to present them.

At BWI, we’ve insured everything from plans-built Bearhawks to turbine-powered Lancairs. And we know how to get you covered.

What Does Experimental Aircraft Insurance Cover?

Like certified aircraft policies, most experimental aircraft insurance includes:

Liability Coverage

This covers bodily injury or property damage to others if your aircraft causes an accident. Most policies offer:

$1,000,000 in total liability
Either a $100,000 per passenger sublimit or “smooth” (no per-passenger cap) liability

Hull Coverage

Covers your aircraft itself if damaged or destroyed due to accident, fire, theft, or weather. You’ll select your hull value based on aircraft worth, recent upgrades, or market comps.

Hull can be written as:

Ground not-in-motion (for stored or project aircraft)
Ground in-motion (taxi only)
Full flight (all-risk including in-flight)

Medical Payments

Pays for passenger injuries regardless of fault, typically $3,000–$10,000.

Optional Endorsements

Hangar and tiedown location coverage
Spare parts and tools
Loss of use
Search and rescue reimbursement
Deductible waivers
Project aircraft storage (in some cases)

Real-Life Example:

A first-time RV-10 owner lands long on a remote strip. The nosewheel hits a rock and flips the plane. The aircraft is destroyed. The pilot is uninjured, but the hull is totaled. Hull coverage pays out $200,000. The pilot pays a $500 deductible. No legal issues follow, but if there were, liability would’ve covered it.

Real Experimental Insurance Quotes from BWI Clients

These are actual quotes we’ve written for real BWI customers:

Vans RV-10 | $210,000 hull | Private Use

$1M smooth liability

$2,250/year

Kitfox S7 | $95,000 hull | Personal Use | Floats

$1M liability with $100k/passenger

$2,050/year

Zenith CH750 STOL | $75,000 hull | Off-airport ops

$1M with sublimit

$1,650/year

Sonex Waiex-B | Liability Only | Day VFR

$1M liability with sublimit

$975/year

Bearhawk Patrol | $145,000 hull | Backcountry Use

$1M smooth liability

$2,400/year

Premiums vary based on hull value, engine type, flying location, and pilot profile, but we’ll help you get the best quote available.

What Affects the Cost of Experimental Aircraft Insurance?

Experimental aircraft premiums are highly variable because no two builds are alike. Here’s what underwriters look at:

Aircraft type and build quality
Hull value and avionics
Engine type (certified vs. auto conversion)
Builder vs. factory assist
Pilot time in type
Time in tailwheel, retractable, or high-performance aircraft
Location (rural vs metro, Alaska vs California)
Storage (hangar or tiedown)
Use type (personal only vs. airshow or demo)
Transition training (especially for RVs and Lancairs)

Want to reduce your premium?

Get transition training from a CFI experienced in your make/model
Log at least 10–15 hours annually in type
Keep your build documentation organized
Store your aircraft in a hangar
Ask us about deductibles and smooth liability eligibility

Can You Insure a Kit That Isn’t Flying Yet?

Yes, in some cases.

We can often insure project aircraft in storage or under active construction for theft, fire, or damage to stored parts (as long as they’re not yet airworthy). You may be able to get a ground not-in-motion policy to protect your investment during the final stages of the build.

Call us before your first engine start or taxi test. We’ll time your policy activation to match FAA sign-off and Phase I testing.

Why BWI Is the Top Choice for Experimental Aircraft Insurance

Not every broker understands experimental risks. At BWI, we’ve been quoting kit planes, homebuilts, and STC’d hybrids for decades.

We know the underwriters, we speak the language, and we help present your aircraft in the best possible light.

Here’s what makes us different:

Over 45 years of aviation-only insurance experience
Specialists in Vans RV, Zenith, Sonex, RANS, Bearhawk, CubCrafters, and more
Quotes from 7+ A-rated aviation carriers
Fast turnaround, usually within 24 hours
Dedicated account managers with real aircraft experience
Friendly to first-time builders and low-time experimental owners
Licensed in all 50 states

Whether your airplane was built in a hangar, a garage, or a factory assist program, we can help you protect it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is experimental aircraft insurance required by law?

No, but nearly every airport, hangar, lender, and common sense says you should have it. Flying uninsured is a massive risk.

Can I get smooth liability coverage?

Yes, depending on your pilot profile, aircraft type, and carrier appetite. We’ll help you qualify if possible.

Do I need to be the builder to get coverage?

No. We insure owner-purchased experimental aircraft all the time. Whether you built it or bought it, we can get it covered.

What if I’m still in Phase I flight testing?

We’ll structure your policy accordingly and help you get through Phase I safely and covered.

Can I insure a non-certified engine or prop?

Yes. We’ve worked with aircraft running everything from Lycoming IO-540s to Rotax 915s to Subaru conversions. Just be ready to document condition and hours.

What if I’m new to experimentals?

No problem. We regularly place coverage for pilots new to RVs, Kitfoxes, Sonex, and others. If needed, we’ll help you find a CFI for transition time.

How to Get an Experimental Aircraft Insurance Quote

Getting covered is easier than building a wing rib:

Step 1: Click “Get A Quote” and fill out your pilot and aircraft info

Step 2: A BWI experimental aircraft insurance specialist will contact you

Step 3: We’ll shop your profile to the best aviation underwriters

Step 4: You bind your policy and fly with peace of mind

Want a quote before your first flight? Let’s talk.

Helpful Pages You Might Also Like

Have a complex build? Just shoot us the details, we’ll walk you through it.

Trusted by 9,000+ Aircraft Owners Since 1977

At BWI, we’re proud to support the experimental community. Whether you built it, bought it, or are about to log your first flight, we’ll help you get covered quickly, clearly, and correctly.

We’ve been doing this for over 45 years. We insure passion projects, performance machines, and everything in between.

Get an Experimental Aircraft Insurance Quote Now or call us at 800.666.4359

Experimental Aircraft Insurance – Trusted Coverage for Vans, Kitfox, Zenith & More