Few aircraft have earned a reputation for reliability and performance like the Beechcraft King Air. From private owners to charter operators and corporate flight departments, the King Air line, from the C90 to the 350i, is the backbone of business aviation around the world.
Whether you use your King Air for business, charter, or personal travel, properly insuring it is critical. With its turbine engines, high hull value, and passenger capacity, the King Air requires specialized coverage designed for complex aircraft operations.
Since 1977, BWI Aviation Insurance has insured thousands of turbine aircraft, including King Airs across the U.S. With nearly 50 years of aviation-only expertise and 800+ five-star reviews, BWI is one of America’s most trusted aviation insurance brokers, offering access to every major underwriter, competitive pricing, and personalized service.
This guide explains everything you need to know about King Air aircraft insurance, from what it covers, how much it costs, and how to make sure you have the right protection for your operation.
Why King Air Owners Need Specialized Coverage
The Beechcraft King Air is a step above piston-powered aircraft in performance, cost, and complexity.
Key characteristics that influence insurance needs include:
– Turbine twin engines with high maintenance and repair costs.
– Passenger capacity (up to 11) that increases liability exposure.
– Higher hull values, ranging from $700,000 to over $8 million.
– Corporate, business, and charter uses that require higher liability limits.
These factors make it essential to work with a broker who understands turbine operations and has access to underwriters that specialize in them, exactly what BWI Aviation Insurance provides.
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What King Air Insurance Covers
A standard King Air policy includes hull and liability coverage, plus optional add-ons for additional protection.
1. Hull Coverage (Physical Damage)
Covers damage to or loss of your aircraft due to:
– In-flight incidents
– Ground accidents
– Storms or natural disasters
– Fire or theft
Coverage types:
– Ground Not in Motion – while parked or stored.
– Ground in Motion – while taxiing.
– In Flight – full coverage for all flight phases.
Most policies are written on an Agreed Value basis, meaning you’ll know the exact payout if the aircraft is totaled.
2. Liability Coverage
Covers injury, death, or property damage you cause to others.
Typical limits for King Air operations include:
– $1,000,000 per occurrence / $100,000 per passenger (entry-level).
– $5,000,000 smooth coverage (no passenger sublimit) for experienced pilots.
– Up to $25,000,000 for corporate and charter operators.
Includes legal defense, settlements, and third-party damage.
3. Passenger & Crew Medical
Provides medical expense coverage for passengers or crew after an accident, typically $25,000 to $250,000 per person.
4. Optional Endorsements
Depending on your use, you can add:
– Loss of Use coverage (revenue protection).
– Hangar and Premises Liability (for owner-operators).
– Non-Owned Aircraft Coverage (if you fly multiple aircraft).
– Pollution or Environmental Liability (for fuel or chemical spills).
– War Risk Coverage (for international operations).
How Much Does King Air Aircraft Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary by aircraft model, use, pilot experience, and liability limits.
Here are typical annual cost ranges for popular models:
King Air Model | Hull Value | Annual Premium Range | Typical Liability Limit
King Air C90 | $700,000 | $6,000 – $9,000 | $2M – $5M smooth
King Air B200 | $1,500,000 | $8,000 – $13,000 | $5M smooth
King Air 250 | $2,500,000 | $10,000 – $17,000 | $5M – $10M smooth
King Air 350 / 350i | $4,000,000 – $8,000,000 | $15,000 – $30,000+ | $10M – $25M smooth
Premiums are influenced heavily by pilot experience and aircraft usage.
Factors That Affect King Air Insurance Premiums
1. Pilot Experience
Turbine time matters. Underwriters look closely at:
– Total flight time (minimum ~1,500 hours for preferred rates).
– Time in make and model (King Air).
– Recurrent training (SIMCOM, FlightSafety, or equivalent).
– Safety record and recency of flight.
Even highly experienced pilots are typically required to complete annual simulator-based recurrent training to maintain coverage.
2. Aircraft Use
– Personal / Business Use: Lowest risk category, lowest premiums.
– Corporate Flight Department: Moderate rates; high liability limits recommended.
– Charter / Part 135 Operations: Highest exposure, requires special underwriting, Part 135 compliance, and DOT filings.
3. Coverage Limits
Higher liability limits increase premiums, but also protect against major financial loss.
For corporate or charter use, BWI typically recommends at least $5M smooth coverage.
4. Location and Storage
Hangared aircraft generally cost 10–15% less to insure than aircraft stored outside.
5. Claims History
Even one incident can impact future premiums for several years. BWI works directly with underwriters to mitigate premium increases and maintain favorable terms for returning clients.
Example: Real BWI King Air Client Scenarios
Scenario 1: Owner-Operated King Air C90
– Pilot: 2,000 total hours, 300 in type, recurrent training current.
– Use: Business and personal.
– Hull Value: $850,000.
– Annual Premium: $6,500 with $2M smooth liability.
Scenario 2: Charter Operator King Air 350i
– Multi-pilot operation under Part 135.
– Hull Value: $5,000,000.
– Annual Premium: $22,000 with $10M smooth liability.
Scenario 3: Corporate Flight Department B200
– Dual-crew, professional pilots with 5,000+ turbine hours each.
– Hull Value: $1,750,000.
– Annual Premium: $9,200 with $5M smooth liability.
Why BWI Is the Best Choice for King Air Owners
BWI Aviation Insurance is one of the few aviation-only brokers with nearly five decades of experience insuring turbine and corporate aircraft.
What sets BWI apart:
– Access to every major underwriter (Global, USAIG, AIG, Starr, Old Republic, and more).
– Same-day quotes for piston and turbine aircraft.
– Competitive liability limits up to $25M+.
– Dedicated account managers, not call centers.
– Fast, personal claims support.
“BWI handled our King Air policy faster than any broker we’ve worked with. Clear, honest, and professional.” King Air Owner, Colorado
“They helped us expand from one King Air to a four-aircraft charter fleet, every renewal was on time and on budget.” Charter Operator, Florida
Tips to Lower King Air Insurance Premiums
1. Complete Annual Recurrent Training – Underwriters favor simulator-based courses (FlightSafety, SIMCOM).
2. Maintain a Clean Record – No claims, violations, or lapses in coverage.
3. Document Pilot Hours and Maintenance – Keep detailed logs and aircraft records.
4. Bundle Fleet Policies – Multi-aircraft operators qualify for reduced per-aircraft premiums.
5. Work With an Aviation-Only Broker – General insurance agents don’t have the market access or expertise to handle turbine aircraft effectively.
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
Conclusion
Owning a King Air means you’ve invested in one of the most proven, versatile turboprops in the world. Protecting that investment requires the right policy, the right limits, and the right broker.
With access to every major aviation insurer, fast same-day quotes, and decades of turbine insurance expertise, BWI Aviation Insurance is the trusted partner for King Air owners nationwide.
Visit www.bwifly.com or call 800-666-4359 to get your King Air insurance quote today.
BWI Aviation Insurance, protecting pilots, aircraft, and peace of mind since 1977.
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