Whether you’re a student, CFI, or contract pilot flying helicopters you don’t own, non-owned rotorwing insurance is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
But once you decide to get coverage, the next big question is:
“How much liability and damage protection do I actually need?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; what’s right for a CFI logging 1,000 hours per year might not be necessary for a student flying twice a month.
At BWI, we’ve helped thousands of helicopter pilots build policies tailored to their actual flying, and this guide will help you do the same.
What Are the Main Coverages to Consider?
Non-owned helicopter insurance usually includes up to five key components:
- Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability: Covers injury to passengers or people on the ground, plus damage to property
- Damage to Non-Owned Aircraft: Covers the helicopter you’re flying if you’re legally liable for damage
- Deductible Reimbursement: Pays the deductible on the owner’s hull policy
- Legal Defense: Covers your legal costs if you’re sued (included in most policies)
- Medical Payments: Covers basic medical expenses for passengers
Liability Coverage
This is the most essential part of your policy. It covers injuries and property damage you may cause while operating a non-owned helicopter.
Here are some sample limits and real annual premiums:
So what’s the difference? The first number is your total liability limit per occurrence. The second number is the cap per passenger.
Example: If you have $1,000,000 / $100,000 and you crash with 3 passengers injured, the most you can pay per passenger is $100K, even if the total liability is higher.
How to Choose the Right Liability Limit
Ask yourself:
- Do you fly with passengers regularly?
- Are you flying in urban or high-density areas?
- Would your personal assets be at risk in a lawsuit?
If the answer is yes to any of these, we recommend $1,000,000 / $100,000 minimum.
If you’re flying solo, in rural areas, or under direct instructor supervision as a student, $500,000 / $100,000 may be sufficient.
Damage to Non-Owned Aircraft
This coverage pays for physical damage to the helicopter you’re flying if you’re at fault.
Common limits and pricing:
So how much do you need?
Simple: Match it to the value of the aircraft you typically fly.
Most R22s are worth $125K–$300K
R44s: $200K–$400K
R66s: $900K–$1.4M+
But even $25K–$50K in coverage can protect you from having to pay the owner’s deductible or a portion of the claim.
When Damage Coverage Is Essential
- You’re flying with students
- You occasionally solo or PIC the aircraft
- You fly high-value helicopters (R44, R66, EC120, etc.)
- The aircraft owner has a high deductible
Deductible Reimbursement
Let’s say your student rolls an R44 and the school’s insurance pays for the damage. Their deductible is $5,000. Guess who’s on the hook for that? You, the instructor.
Adding deductible reimbursement ensures your non-owned policy covers the deductible, up to the limit selected.
Typical cost:
- $5,000 reimbursement = $124/year
Medical Payments
This covers basic first aid and emergency costs for passengers, regardless of fault.
Typical limits and pricing:
- $5,000 = ~$186/year
- $10,000 = ~$376/year
It’s not required, but it adds a layer of goodwill and peace of mind, especially for instructors flying with clients.
Which Combination Is Right for You?
Here are a few common pilot profiles and the policies we recommend:
Student Pilot (Training in R22)
- Liability: $500K / $100K
- Aircraft Damage: $25K
- Deductible Reimbursement: $5,000
- Medical: Optional
Total Premium: ~$1,100–$1,400/year
CFI (Full-time, 3–4 flights/day)
- Liability: $1M / $100K
- Aircraft Damage: $50K–$100K
- Deductible Reimbursement: $5,000
- Medical: $10K
Total Premium: ~$2,000–$2,600/year
Contract Pilot (Part 135 Backup, R66)
- Liability: $1M / $100K
- Aircraft Damage: $100K–$200K
- Deductible Reimbursement: $5,000
- Medical: $10K
Total Premium: ~$3,000–$5,500/year
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing low liability just to save money
- Not matching aircraft damage limit to real aircraft value
- Forgetting deductible reimbursement
- Flying without knowing whether you’re covered
- Assuming the school or owner’s policy protects you, it probably doesn’t
Final Thoughts
Non-owned rotorwing insurance isn’t a luxury; it’s a must-have for any pilot flying helicopters they don’t own.
Whether you’re an instructor, a student, or a professional contract pilot, the right limits matter.
At BWI, we’ll help you:
- Choose the right limits
- Quote quickly
- Stay fully protected
Call (800) 666-4359 or click below to request your non-owned helicopter quote today.
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