If you rent or borrow an aircraft, you’re taking on more than just the thrill of flying, you’re taking on legal and financial responsibility for that aircraft every time you take off. Many pilots assume the flight school’s or flying club’s insurance will protect them. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. Most owners’ or clubs’ insurance policies protect the aircraft owner, not the pilot renting it.
That’s where aircraft rental insurance (also known as non-owned aircraft insurance) comes in.
At BWI Aviation Insurance, we’ve helped thousands of pilots, from student flyers to CFIs and corporate aviators, secure the protection they need. This guide explains what aircraft rental insurance covers, how much it costs, who needs it, and how to get covered before your next flight.
1. What Is Aircraft Rental Insurance?
Aircraft rental insurance is a policy that protects a pilot when flying an aircraft they do not own. It covers you, the person operating the aircraft, against damage, legal liability, and injuries that may occur during the flight.
In most cases, rental or flying club insurance will cover damage to the aircraft itself but can still hold you, the pilot, financially responsible for deductibles or uncovered losses. Aircraft rental insurance ensures you’re protected personally from those costs.
The Two Main Components:
- Liability Coverage – Protects you if you injure someone or cause property damage while flying.
- Hull (Physical Damage) Coverage – Covers repairs or replacement of the aircraft you rent.
2. Why You Need Aircraft Rental Insurance
Even when flying for pleasure or training, you can still be held personally liable for accidents, injuries, or aircraft damage. Here’s why every renter pilot should carry their own policy:
- The aircraft owner’s insurance protects the owner, not you.
- You may still owe for damage to the aircraft.
- You could be sued for injury or property damage.
- Even if the owner’s insurance pays, they can seek reimbursement (subrogation) from you.
- Flight schools often require renter’s insurance before solo flight.
Example: You’re renting a Cessna 172 from a local FBO and accidentally damage the propeller and wingtip during taxi. The flight school’s insurance pays for the repair but sends you the $12,000 bill for the deductible. If you have a renter’s policy, that cost is covered.
Get Your Aircraft Rental Insurance Quote Today>>
3. What Aircraft Rental Insurance Covers
| Coverage Type | Description | Typical Limit |
| Liability to Others | Covers bodily injury or property damage you cause. | $250,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Damage to Non-Owned Aircraft | Covers damage to the aircraft itself. | $5,000 – $200,000 |
| Medical Payments | Pays for injuries to passengers or others. | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Legal Defense | Covers attorney fees and court costs. | Included automatically |
4. Who Needs Aircraft Rental Insurance?
Anyone flying an aircraft they don’t own should carry renter’s coverage, including:
- Student pilots renting aircraft for lessons or solo flights.
- Private pilots renting for recreational flying.
- Flying club members operating shared aircraft.
- Flight instructors teaching in non-owned aircraft.
- Commercial or corporate pilots occasionally flying borrowed planes.
Even if you rent just a few times a year, the financial exposure from one accident can far outweigh the annual premium.
5. How Much Does Aircraft Rental Insurance Cost?
| Coverage | Annual Premium Range |
| Liability Only ($250k–$1M) | $75 – $175 |
| Liability + $25k Hull | $175 – $275 |
| Liability + $50k Hull | $250 – $375 |
| Liability + $100k Hull | $400 – $650 |
| High Hull Coverage ($150k–$200k) | $700 – $900 |
6. Factors That Influence Your Rate
- Total flight hours and time in make/model.
- License type and ratings.
- Flying frequency.
- Aircraft value and type.
- Claims or accident history.
- Geographic location.
- Intended use (training, instruction, business).
7. Common Misconceptions About Aircraft Rental Insurance
The flight school’s insurance covers me. No, it protects the aircraft owner or school, not you.
I only fly occasionally, so I don’t need it. Even one incident can cause thousands in damage or legal fees.
It’s expensive. It’s not. Most renters pay less than the cost of a single flight hour per year.
My credit card or personal insurance covers rentals. It doesn’t. Aviation is excluded from all standard credit card or auto insurance policies.
8. BWI Real-World Example
A 180-hour private pilot in Arizona rented a 2007 Piper Archer valued at $150,000. He purchased a $1M liability / $50,000 hull policy through BWI for $289 annually. During taxi, he struck a taxiway light and another aircraft’s wingtip, causing $19,400 in total damage. His BWI policy paid for the repairs in full, with only a $250 deductible out-of-pocket.
9. How to Get Aircraft Rental Insurance
- Visit www.bwifly.com.
- Select ‘Renter / Non-Owned Aircraft Insurance.’
- Enter your pilot details and desired coverage.
- Review your quote and bind coverage instantly.
- Receive proof of insurance immediately via email.
10. Why Choose BWI Aviation Insurance
- 45+ years exclusively in aviation insurance.
- 10,000+ active policies nationwide.
- 800+ five-star reviews.
- Access to every major aviation underwriter.
- Fast quoting and instant proof of coverage.
- Dedicated aviation specialists who understand your flying needs.
11. How to Lower Your Aircraft Rental Insurance Cost
- Complete FAA WINGS or recurrent training programs.
- Maintain a clean accident and violation record.
- Choose realistic hull values for the aircraft you fly.
- Increase your deductible slightly if you can afford it.
- Combine coverage if you own and rent aircraft.
12. The Bottom Line
If you rent or borrow aircraft, you need aircraft rental insurance. It’s affordable, fast to set up, and essential to protect yourself from financial loss.
At BWI Aviation Insurance, we make it easy to get covered with instant online quotes, digital proof of insurance, and dedicated support every step of the way.
Don’t take off without protection. Get your aircraft rental insurance quote today at www.bwifly.com.
Continue Reading
