If you fly a Robinson R44 you don’t own, whether as a contract CFI, renter, or club pilot, there’s a good chance you’re exposed to personal liability without even realizing it.
Most instructors and contract pilots assume the flight school or aircraft owner’s policy will protect them. Unfortunately, that’s not usually the case.
At BWI, we’ve helped hundreds of non-owner helicopter pilots get insured properly, and avoid painful surprises after a claim.
This article breaks down:
- What non-owned R44 insurance covers
- Who needs it (hint: probably you)
- How much it costs
- And how to quote and bind it fast
Let’s protect your flying future.
What Is Non-Owned R44 Insurance?
Non-owned helicopter insurance is a personal aviation policy that covers you, not the aircraft.
It protects pilots who fly aircraft they don’t own, from a flight school, employer, or private individual.
The two core components:
- Liability Coverage: Protects you from third-party bodily injury or property damage claims
- Aircraft Damage Liability: Covers the aircraft you’re flying if you’re found responsible for damaging it
Most policies also include:
- Legal defense
- Deductible reimbursement
- Optional medical payments
- Optional passenger coverage
Bottom line: If your name isn’t on the aircraft title, or the owner’s policy—you need this.
Who Needs R44 Non-Owned Helicopter Insurance?
We recommend this coverage for:
- CFIs giving dual instruction in someone else’s R44
- Contract pilots flying demo, ferry, or checkride support flights
- Club members or renters flying R44s regularly
- Pilots transitioning into R44s via school-owned aircraft
- A&P mechanics performing test flights
If you’re flying an aircraft and don’t own it, you are legally liable for what happens in that cockpit.
What the Flight School or Owner’s Policy Doesn’t Cover
Here’s what owners often say:
“Don’t worry, we’ve got insurance.”
Here’s what they don’t say:
- You’re likely not a named pilot
- You may be held liable for damage
- Their carrier could subrogate against you
- You’re likely not covered for legal defense or bodily injury claims
We’ve seen instructors get hit with $10,000+ in aircraft damage when their student flared late during an auto—and the school’s insurer pointed the finger at the instructor.
What Does R44 Non-Owned Coverage Cost?
Here are real-world premium examples based on typical limits:
Basic Liability:
- $250,000 / $25,000 per passenger: $289/year
- $500,000 / $100,000: $589/year
- $1,000,000 / $100,000: $741/year
Aircraft Damage Liability:
- $25,000 limit: $602/year
- $50,000 limit: $1,467/year
- $100,000 limit: $2,655/year
Optional Add-Ons:
- $5,000 Deductible Reimbursement: $124/year
- $10,000 Medical Coverage: $376/year
Many CFIs can build a strong non-owned policy for under $2,000/year.
What’s Covered?
Most non-owned helicopter policies include:
Note: Some policies also cover ramp, hangar, or ground operations—but not all.
What’s Not Covered?
- Intentional damage
- Flights outside FAA regs
- Aircraft used outside declared use
- Named pilot restrictions (if not OPW eligible)
That’s why it’s critical to structure your policy properly at the start.
How to Get a Non-Owned R44 Quote
We’ll ask for:
- Total time and R44-specific time
- FAA certificate (Private, Commercial, ATP)
- Intended use (instruction, rental, etc.)
- Storage base and region
- Desired limits of liability and aircraft damage
We can return most quotes in 24 hours or less, and issue your proof of insurance the same day.
Can You Use One Policy at Multiple Schools?
Yes! Your non-owned policy follows you—not the aircraft or school.
You can fly:
- Multiple R44s
- At multiple locations
- With different students or missions
As long as you meet your policy’s terms, you’re protected.
Final Thoughts
You wouldn’t fly an aircraft without a headset.
Don’t fly one without coverage either.
If you rent, instruct, or fly Robinson R44s you don’t own, non-owned rotorwing insurance is a must.
At BWI, we’ll help you:
- Quote quickly
- Choose smart limits
- Stay protected no matter where you fly
Call (800) 666-4359 or click below to request your non-owned R44 insurance quote today.
[ GET NON-OWNED R44 INSURANCE ]
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