When most pilots receive an aircraft insurance quote, they assume it’s based on a few key factors: hull value, total flight hours, maybe claim history.
And while those elements are important, they only scratch the surface.
The truth? Underwriters evaluate over 30 different data points when determining your aircraft insurance rate.
Some are straightforward. Others are more nuanced. But together, they shape how underwriters assess your risk profile—and what you pay in premiums.
As aviation insurance specialists, we’ve seen time and time again that the better we can present your profile, the better rate you’ll receive.
In this post, we’ll break down what underwriters really look for, what pilots often get wrong, and how to improve your quote (without cutting coverage).
Why Underwriting Matters
Aircraft insurance isn’t like car insurance. There are no algorithms instantly spitting out quotes. Instead, trained underwriters evaluate each pilot and aircraft application by hand.
That means how your application is structured, how your experience is presented, and what details are emphasized can significantly affect your rate.
The 30+ Data Points That Shape Your Premium
Here are the most common underwriting factors:
1. Aircraft Information
- Make and model
- Year of manufacture
- Hull value
- Engine type and horsepower
- Modifications and STCs (like glass panels, floats, etc.)
- Use: pleasure, business, rental, flight school, commercial, etc.
2. Pilot Profile
- License level (Private, Commercial, ATP)
- Ratings (IFR, ME, SES, etc.)
- Total time
- Time in make and model
- Time in last 90 days and 12 months
- Age and medical certification
- Biennial Flight Review date
- Claims and violations history
3. Training and Safety Measures
- Completion of simulator-based training
- Recurrent flight training
- CSIP or Embark participation (for Cirrus pilots)
- Tailwheel or high-performance endorsements
- Insurance-approved schools
4. Storage and Airport Info
- Hangared vs. tied down
- Airport security and fencing
- Location-specific risks (coastal, remote, high elevation)
- Private vs. public-use airport
5. Policy Design
- Liability limits requested
- Passenger sublimits
- Deductibles
- Open pilot warranties
- Named pilot requirements
Each of these variables adds context—and risk modeling—to your quote.
What Pilots Often Get Wrong
Many pilots assume that once they’ve built a certain number of hours, they should get the best rates automatically.
But underwriters care deeply about recency and relevancy of experience.
Flying 500 hours in the past doesn’t help much if you haven’t flown in 8 months. And having 2,000 total time means less if you have only 10 hours in the aircraft you’re currently insuring.
Other common mistakes:
- Not updating training records with your broker
- Assuming tied-down aircraft are rated the same as hangared
- Using vague language to describe aircraft use (like “personal and occasional business”)
- Asking for unnecessary high liability limits without understanding cost implications
How to Use This to Your Advantage
At BWI, we help our clients use underwriting to their advantage. Here’s how:
1. We gather everything up front. That means current pilot logs, storage photos, training certificates, and detailed aircraft info.
2. We position you properly. If you’re low on hours in type but actively training, we highlight that. If you’ve completed an IPC or simulator course, we make sure it’s noted.
3. We quote across the entire market. Every carrier rates differently. One underwriter may penalize limited recency, while another may prioritize total time. We leverage those differences.
4. We re-shop if things change. New hangar? Just finished a CSIP? Your profile deserves a re-quote.
A Real Example
We recently worked with a Cessna 182 pilot who had:
- 2,000 total hours
- 50 hours in type
- No recent claims
- Hangared aircraft in Southern California
But his renewal quote came back at $3,400—higher than the previous year.
When we reviewed his application, we realized he had logged 30 hours in the last 90 days and had completed a G1000 transition course. His prior broker never submitted either update.
We re-submitted to three carriers. New quote: $2,450.
That’s nearly $1,000 saved by simply presenting his profile correctly.
Final Takeaway
Aircraft insurance is a human business. And in a human business, how you tell the story matters.
If your broker doesn’t understand the underwriting process, you’re at a disadvantage from the start.
At BWI, we understand the system inside and out. And we make sure our clients don’t just get a quote—they get every advantage available.
If you want us to review your pilot profile and help position it for the best possible rate, we’d be honored to help.
[Request a Pilot Profile Review Today]
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