Experimental aircraft insurance guide
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)
Review how the policy would respond
Before you choose a policy, review the insured value, deductible, permitted uses, pilot requirements and exclusions. A claim outcome depends on the facts and the policy terms; an example is not a promise of payment.
Compare quotes for your experimental aircraft
Ask for a quote based on your aircraft and flying plans. A completed homebuilt, a project still under construction and an aircraft entering flight testing can present different questions for an underwriter.
Provide the make and model, build status, requested hull value, pilot experience and intended use. Compare the premium alongside deductibles, limits, pilot requirements and the quoted scope of coverage.
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
- Aircraft Insurance
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- Cirrus SR22 Insurance
- Cessna 172 Insurance
- Alaska Aircraft Insurance
- Renters Insurance
- Drone Insurance
- Helicopter Insurance
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
