Whether you’re renting from a flight school, flying a friend’s airplane, or instructing in a non-owned aircraft, one fact doesn’t change, you’re responsible for what happens while you’re at the controls. That means if there’s an accident, damage, or injury, you could be held personally liable, even if you don’t own the aircraft.
That’s where non owned aircraft insurance comes in. It’s one of the most affordable and essential forms of protection for pilots who fly other people’s planes.
At BWI Aviation Insurance, we’ve insured thousands of renter and instructor pilots nationwide. This guide explains everything you need to know, what non owned aircraft insurance covers, how much it costs, and how to get covered fast.
1. What Is Non Owned Aircraft Insurance?
Non owned aircraft insurance (often called renter’s insurance) protects you when flying an aircraft you don’t personally own. It fills the gaps left by the aircraft owner’s policy, which usually protects the owner, not the pilot flying the plane. This coverage ensures that if you damage the aircraft, cause property damage, or injure someone while flying, your insurance, not your personal finances, pays the bill.
2. Why You Need Non Owned Aircraft Insurance
Most flight schools, FBOs, and flying clubs carry insurance, but their policies are designed to protect the aircraft and the business, not you.
- You’re held responsible for damage to the aircraft.
- You could owe the deductible or unreimbursed repair costs.
- You might face legal claims for bodily injury or property damage.
- Even if the owner’s policy pays, their insurer can subrogate, suing you to recover costs.
Without your own coverage, you’re gambling every time you fly someone else’s airplane.
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3. What Non Owned Aircraft Insurance Covers
| Coverage Type | Description | Typical Limit |
| Liability to Others | Covers bodily injury or property damage you cause while flying. | $250,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Damage to Non-Owned Aircraft (Hull Coverage) | Covers repairs or replacement of the aircraft you’re renting or borrowing. | $5,000 – $200,000 |
| Legal Defense | Covers attorney fees and court costs. | Included Automatically |
| Medical Payments | Pays for medical expenses for passengers or third parties. | $1,000 – $5,000 |
4. Who Should Carry Non Owned Aircraft Insurance?
- Student pilots renting for training and solo flights.
- Private pilots who rent occasionally for recreation.
- Flying club members.
- Flight instructors teaching in non-owned aircraft.
- Corporate pilots occasionally flying company aircraft they don’t personally own.
Even if you fly just a few times per year, one accident could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
5. How Much Does Non Owned Aircraft Insurance Cost?
| Coverage Level | Typical Annual Premium |
| Liability Only ($250k–$1M) | $75 – $175 |
| Liability + Hull ($20k–$50k aircraft) | $175 – $350 |
| Liability + Hull ($100k–$150k aircraft) | $350 – $600 |
| High Hull Coverage ($150k–$200k aircraft) | $600 – $900 |
For most renter pilots, full coverage costs $250–$400 per year, less than one hour of flight time.
6. How It Works During a Claim
- The aircraft owner’s insurance pays for the primary damage.
- The insurer may pursue you for reimbursement (subrogation).
- Your non-owned policy steps in to cover those costs.
- Legal defense and settlement expenses are covered up to your policy limits.
This process ensures you don’t end up personally responsible for expensive repair bills, medical costs, or lawsuits.
7. Common Misconceptions About Non Owned Aircraft Insurance
The flight school’s insurance covers me. It covers the aircraft owner — not you.
I only fly occasionally, I don’t need coverage. One accident or prop strike can cause $10,000–$50,000 in damage.
It’s too expensive. Most policies cost under $400 per year, a fraction of potential liability.
My homeowner’s or credit card insurance includes it. They don’t. Aviation risks are excluded from those policies.
8. Real-World Example from a BWI Client
A 200-hour private pilot rented a Piper Archer II valued at $175,000 for a cross-country trip. During landing, he lost directional control and damaged the propeller and wingtip.
Total damage: $22,600
FBO’s deductible: $10,000
His non-owned policy (BWI) paid the entire amount minus a $250 deductible.
9. How to Get Non Owned Aircraft Insurance
- Visit www.bwifly.com.
- Select ‘Renter / Non-Owned Aircraft Insurance.’
- Fill out a short application.
- Receive your quote instantly.
- Bind coverage and get proof of insurance by email.
10. How to Lower Your Non Owned Aircraft Insurance Cost
- Complete recurrent or FAA WINGS training.
- Maintain a clean claims record.
- Increase your deductible modestly.
- Choose realistic hull values.
- Combine multiple aviation policies with BWI.
11. Why Choose BWI for Non Owned Aircraft Insurance
- 45+ years specializing exclusively in aviation insurance.
- 10,000+ active customers nationwide.
- 800+ five-star reviews.
- Access to every major underwriter (AIG, Global Aerospace, Old Republic, Starr, and more).
- Instant online quoting and same-day proof of insurance.
- Dedicated aviation specialists who understand renter and CFI coverage.
12. The Bottom Line
Flying aircraft you don’t own doesn’t have to mean taking on financial risk. Non owned aircraft insurance gives pilots affordable, comprehensive protection, ensuring that if something goes wrong, you’re covered.
At BWI Aviation Insurance, we make it simple to get protected in minutes with online quotes, instant policy documents, and expert support whenever you need it.
Get your non owned aircraft insurance quote today at www.bwifly.com.
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