Shopping for airplane insurance can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time buying a policy. Between aircraft values, pilot experience, and carrier requirements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to compare options or understand what affects your premium.
That’s why getting accurate airplane insurance quotes from an experienced aviation broker is the key to finding the best protection and price.
Since 1977, BWI Aviation Insurance has helped more than 10,000 aircraft owners and pilots secure tailored insurance policies from every major underwriter in the U.S. With nearly 50 years of aviation-only experience and 800+ five-star reviews, BWI is trusted nationwide for fast, same-day quotes, expert guidance, and personalized service.
This guide explains everything you need to know about airplane insurance quotes, what information you’ll need, what determines your cost, how brokers compare policies, and how to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
Unlike auto or home insurance, aviation insurance isn’t standardized. Each policy is custom-built around:
– The aircraft type and value
– The pilot’s experience and training
– The intended use of the airplane
– The storage location and annual hours flown
That means your quote isn’t generated by a simple algorithm, it’s built manually by underwriters reviewing real data.
When you request a quote from BWI, our brokers send your information to multiple underwriters, each of which evaluates your risk profile and provides pricing. Within hours, we compare the results and present the best options side by side.
Before your broker can request quotes, you’ll need to provide a few key details. Here’s what every underwriter requires:
– Make and model (e.g., Cessna 172, Cirrus SR22, Beechcraft Bonanza)
– Year of manufacture
– Hull value (what you want to insure the aircraft for)
– Engine hours (since major overhaul)
– Modifications or equipment (avionics, STCs, de-icing, etc.)
– Storage (hangar, tiedown, or outside)
– Location (airport identifier)
– Certificates and ratings (Private, IFR, Commercial, ATP, CFI, etc.)
– Total flight time and time in type
– Recent flight activity (past 12 months)
– Accident or claim history
– Any violations or suspensions
– Flight instruction or rental
– Charter or Part 135 operations
– Corporate or aerial photography
– Experimental or test flying
The more detailed and accurate your information, the more competitive and precise your quotes will be.
Get Your Airplane Insurance Quote With BWI Today>>
At BWI, most single-engine piston aircraft quotes are turned around the same day, often within just a few hours.
For turbine, twin-engine, or commercial policies, the process may take 2–3 business days, since more detailed pilot and maintenance data are required.
BWI works with every major aviation underwriter in the U.S., including:
– Global Aerospace
– Old Republic Aerospace
– Starr Aviation
– USAIG
– AIG Aerospace
– Phoenix Aviation Managers
– Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty
Each company uses slightly different rating criteria, so prices for the same aircraft can vary significantly.
That’s why using a broker like BWI is essential, we do the shopping for you, comparing coverage terms, training requirements, and pricing to find the best fit for your needs.
Single-Engine Piston (e.g., Cessna 172, Piper Archer)
– Hull value: $100,000
– Pilot: 300–600 total hours
– Annual premium: $1,100 – $1,800
– Liability: $1M / $100K per passenger
High-Performance Piston (e.g., Cirrus SR22, Bonanza)
– Hull value: $400,000
– Pilot: IFR rated, 500+ hours in type
– Annual premium: $2,500 – $4,500
– Liability: $1M smooth
Twin-Engine (e.g., Baron, Seneca)
– Hull value: $650,000
– Pilot: 1,000+ total hours
– Annual premium: $4,000 – $7,000
– Liability: $1M smooth
Turbine / Jet Aircraft
– Hull value: $2M – $5M+
– Pilot: ATP rated, formal recurrent training
– Annual premium: $8,000 – $25,000
– Liability: $2M – $10M smooth
These are national averages. Your actual quote will depend on pilot experience, aircraft use, and underwriter appetite.
Experience is the biggest driver of insurance cost. Underwriters reward total time, time in type, and recency.
– < 100 hours in type: Higher rate
– 100–500 hours: Moderate rate
– 500+ hours: Preferred rate
Completing annual training or simulator programs can lower your premium by up to 15%.
Premiums are calculated partly as a percentage of your aircraft’s insured value. The higher the hull amount, the higher your base premium. For piston aircraft, most quotes fall between 0.9% – 1.3% of hull value annually.
Private pleasure and business flying are lowest risk. Flight schools, rental operations, or commercial charter carry higher risk, and higher premiums.
Hangared aircraft are cheaper to insure. Storing outdoors, especially in weather-prone states like Texas or Florida, increases costs.
Past accidents or insurance claims typically increase premiums for 3–5 years. A clean record always earns better pricing.
To make sure you get the best airplane insurance quotes:
1. Work with an aviation-only broker.
2. Provide detailed pilot data.
3. Be realistic about hull value.
4. Review coverage annually.
5. Request multiple quotes.
At BWI Aviation Insurance, our process is designed to be fast, transparent, and stress-free:
1. Gather Your Information, Tell us about your aircraft, experience, and goals.
2. We Shop the Market, We contact every major aviation underwriter to compare real quotes side by side.
3. You Choose the Best Option, We review your options together, explaining coverage in plain English.
4. We Handle the Paperwork, Once you choose, we issue certificates, process payment, and provide proof of coverage the same day.
5. We Support You Year-Round, From renewals to claims, your dedicated BWI account manager is always available.
Real Example: Airplane Insurance Quote for a Cessna 182
– Aircraft: 1978 Cessna 182 Skylane
– Hull Value: $150,000
– Pilot: 800 hours total, 200 in type, IFR current
– Use: Pleasure and business
– Annual Premium: $1,450 with $1M / $100K liability
With just one phone call, BWI provided three quotes, from Old Republic, Starr, and Global Aerospace, and helped the owner select the best one within hours.
Since 1977, BWI Aviation Insurance has been simplifying the quote process for aircraft owners nationwide.
Why pilots trust BWI:
– 47+ years of aviation-only experience.
– Access to every major underwriter.
– Dedicated account managers, not call centers.
– Same-day quotes for most piston aircraft.
– Fast, fair claim coordination.
“BWI got me three quotes in one day, saved me time, money, and frustration.” Cirrus SR22 Owner, California
“They explained everything clearly and found me better coverage for less.” Cessna 172 Pilot, Texas
BWI by the Numbers
– 10,000+ aircraft insured nationwide
– Nearly 50 years of aviation-only experience
– 800+ verified five-star reviews
– Offices in California and Alaska
– Same-day quotes and renewals
Getting the right airplane insurance quote shouldn’t be complicated, but it should be done right.
The key is working with a trusted aviation broker who knows the market, understands your aircraft, and can compare every major underwriter to find the best fit.
For fast, accurate, and competitive quotes, trust BWI Aviation Insurance, the nation’s leader in aviation coverage since 1977.
Visit www.bwifly.com or call 800-666-4359 today for your same-day airplane insurance quote.
BWI Aviation Insurance, protecting pilots, aircraft, and peace of mind since 1977.
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