Buying insurance for an airplane starts with a clear description of the aircraft, pilots and planned use. Use those same facts when comparing quotes.
Then check what each offer covers, its limits and the conditions you must meet. Keep the documents that support your choice.
1. Choose the right starting point
Tell the agent whether you own, rent, instruct or operate a business. Explain shared ownership, flying-club arrangements and any paid work.
Start with aircraft insurance, renters insurance or commercial aviation insurance according to your needs.
2. Gather current facts
- Aircraft make, model, year and registration.
- Requested insured value and equipment details.
- Pilot certificates, ratings, flight hours and training.
- Base, storage, planned flights and use.
- Current policy and relevant claims history.
- Purchase date or renewal deadline.
Review the answers before the application is sent. Explain uncertain facts and update the agent if your plans change.
3. Supply written requirements
Give the agent the actual insurance wording from a lender, airport, landlord or other contract. Ask which requirements the proposed cover can meet.
Resolve differences with the relevant party or adviser. Keep the accepted requirements and insurance response in your file.
4. Review the protection
For an owned aircraft, review physical damage and liability separately. Check the aircraft value, the total liability limit and any smaller passenger or per-person limits.
Read the exclusions, deductibles and added terms. Ask how each part applies to the use you have described.
5. Check who may fly
Read the pilot clause. Identify named pilots and any conditions applying to other pilots. Confirm required ratings, experience and training.
Ask about a planned transition to another aircraft type or a new pilot. Keep written confirmation of accepted changes.
6. Compare the total quoted price
Use the same values, limits, uses and dates for each comparison. Include fees, taxes and payment terms where quoted.
BWI’s quote comparison worksheet can help organize the answers. Ask about any difference before choosing.
7. Confirm the start of cover
Check the accepted quote, remaining conditions and effective time. Obtain written binding confirmation and review the policy when it arrives.
Keep payment records with the insurance documents. Tell your agent promptly if a document differs from the accepted request.
8. Review later changes
Contact the agent about changes in ownership, aircraft value, pilots, use, storage or territory. At renewal, update the facts and review the new terms.
Start your BWI quote or call 800-666-4359. For a current policy, have the policy number ready.
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