Renting or borrowing an aircraft is one of the best ways to stay current, continue training, or enjoy aviation without the expense of ownership. But when you fly someone else’s airplane, you’re taking on real financial risk, and that’s where aircraft renters insurance comes in.
Also called non-owned aircraft insurance, this coverage protects you from paying out of pocket for damage, liability, or loss of use if something goes wrong.
Since 1977, BWI Aviation Insurance has helped thousands of student pilots, CFIs, and private owners secure affordable renters coverage. With nearly 50 years of aviation-only experience and 800+ five-star reviews, BWI makes it easy to understand what renters insurance costs, what affects pricing, and how to get the best protection at the lowest rate.
This guide explains how much renters insurance costs, what drives your premium, and how to choose the right limits for your flying habits.
What Is Aircraft Renters Insurance?
Aircraft renters insurance protects you when flying aircraft you don’t own, whether it’s a flight school airplane, a flying club rental, or a borrowed aircraft from another pilot.
Your flight school or FBO’s insurance protects their airplane, not you. If an incident occurs, you could be personally responsible for:
– Repairing the aircraft
– Paying the owner’s deductible
– Reimbursing for “loss of use” while the plane is grounded
– Legal or medical liability if you injure someone or damage property
Renters insurance ensures you’re covered for all of it.
How Much Does Aircraft Renters Insurance Cost?
Renters insurance is one of the most affordable types of aviation coverage, and a must-have for anyone renting or instructing.
Here’s what most pilots pay annually:
Coverage Type | Annual Premium Range | Best For
Liability Only | $80 – $120 | Pilots who rent occasionally
Liability + $5,000 Hull | $150 – $200 | Students and renters flying basic trainers
Liability + $50,000 Hull | $250 – $350 | Private pilots renting newer aircraft
Liability + $100,000 Hull | $400 – $500 | CFIs or frequent renters
Liability + $200,000 Hull | $600 – $900 | Complex or high-value aircraft rentals
Average cost: $250–$400 per year for most private pilots.
Factors That Affect Aircraft Renters Insurance Cost
While renters insurance is relatively inexpensive, several factors determine your premium.
1. Pilot Experience
The more time you have, the lower your rate.
Underwriters evaluate:
– Total flight hours
– Time in make/model
– Certificates and ratings
– Recency (hours in the last 12 months)
Example:
– Student pilot: $180 for $50K hull coverage
– 1,000-hour pilot: $250 for the same coverage
2. Aircraft Value
The more expensive the aircraft you fly, the higher the hull portion of your premium.
Example:
– $50,000 aircraft = ~$250–$300/year
– $150,000 aircraft = ~$450–$600/year
Always choose a hull value close to the aircraft you rent most often.
3. Type of Aircraft
Complex and high-performance airplanes carry higher risk.
Aircraft Type | Hull Value | Typical Annual Premium
Cessna 172 | $100,000 | $250 – $300
Piper Archer | $150,000 | $300 – $350
Cirrus SR20 | $250,000 | $350 – $450
Cirrus SR22 | $450,000 | $450 – $600
4. Coverage Limits
Liability and hull values directly affect cost.
– More liability = higher cost, but far more protection.
– Hull coverage is optional but highly recommended.
5. Usage
– Pleasure or training: Standard rate
– Instruction: Slightly higher rate due to dual operations
– Commercial training: Must meet higher liability minimums
6. Claims or Violation History
A clean record means lower premiums. Past accidents or FAA violations can raise rates for 3–5 years.
What’s Included in a Renters Policy
Most renters policies combine several key protections:
1. Liability Coverage
Protects you from lawsuits, injury claims, or property damage caused while flying.
Includes legal defense and settlement costs.
2. Damage to Non-Owned Aircraft (Hull Coverage)
Covers the aircraft you rent, including:
– Repairs or replacement after an accident
– The owner’s deductible
– Loss of use reimbursement
3. Medical Payments
Pays small amounts for passenger injuries, typically $5,000–$25,000 per person.
4. Optional Add-Ons
– Search & rescue
– Extra medical coverage
– CFI endorsements
Sample Renters Policy Scenarios
Pilot Type | Aircraft | Coverage | Annual Premium
Student Pilot | Cessna 172 | $250K liability / $5K hull | $180
Private Pilot | Piper Archer | $1M liability / $50K hull | $290
CFI | Cirrus SR20 | $1M liability / $100K hull | $430
Business Traveler | SR22T | $1M smooth / $100K hull | $490
Most renters find full protection for less than the cost of two flight hours per year.
How to Save on Aircraft Renters Insurance
1. Stay Current – Recent flying time shows proficiency.
2. Complete Recurrent Training – Annual reviews and FAA WINGS credits earn discounts.
3. Maintain a Clean Record – No claims or violations = better rates.
4. Choose Realistic Hull Values – Don’t overinsure or underinsure.
5. Work With a Specialized Aviation Broker – BWI shops multiple carriers to find the best rate.
Get Your Aircraft Renters Insurance Quote With BWI Today>>
Why Renters Insurance Is Worth Every Dollar
Without a personal policy, you could owe thousands.
Example:
A student pilot damages a Cessna 172 during landing.
The FBO’s deductible is $5,000, and the aircraft is down for 3 weeks.
The owner bills the pilot $6,200 for repairs and lost revenue.
A $250 renter’s policy covers the entire loss.
Why Pilots Nationwide Choose BWI Aviation Insurance
BWI Aviation Insurance has been simplifying aircraft insurance since 1977, specializing exclusively in aviation.
Why pilots trust BWI:
– Nearly 50 years of aviation-only expertise.
– Access to every major aviation underwriter.
– Fast, same-day coverage issuance.
– Dedicated account managers (no call centers).
– Transparent pricing and renewal reminders.
“I had my renters policy in less than an hour, easy and professional.” Private Pilot, Florida
“They explained everything clearly and helped me pick the right limits.” Student Pilot, Texas
BWI by the Numbers
– 10,000+ pilots insured nationwide
– Nearly 50 years of aviation-only experience
– 800+ verified five-star reviews
– Offices in California and Alaska
– Same-day quotes and certificates
Conclusion
Renting an aircraft gives you the freedom to fly without the responsibility of ownership, but it also comes with liability and risk.
With average costs between $200 and $500 per year, aircraft renters insurance is one of the most affordable and valuable forms of protection in aviation.
To get your personalized renters insurance quote, visit www.bwifly.com or call 800-666-4359.
BWI Aviation Insurance, protecting pilots, aircraft, and peace of mind since 1977.
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