For many aircraft owners, insurance is one of those last-minute checklist items that gets handled right before a policy renews, or just days before purchasing a new aircraft.
But here’s the truth: the best insurance outcomes happen when you start early.
Whether you’re a current aircraft owner or about to make your first purchase, there’s a “sweet spot” for getting your quote that can save you money, reduce stress, and make sure your coverage lines up perfectly with your needs.
At BWI Aviation Insurance, we’ve helped thousands of aircraft owners navigate the quoting and binding process, and we’ve seen firsthand what a difference good timing can make.
Here’s when, and how, to get it right.
Already Own an Aircraft? Start 30–45 Days Before Renewal
If you’re already insured, the best time to start the renewal process is 30 to 45 days before your policy expires. That window gives your insurance broker time to:
- Gather your updated pilot hours
- Shop the policy across multiple carriers
- Negotiate better rates on your behalf
- Clarify any new uses, upgrades, or changes to the aircraft or your flying
Many aircraft owners think there’s no reason to touch their policy until the final week. But the truth is, insurance underwriters get backed up, especially during peak flying seasons. Starting early gives your broker the breathing room to do their best work for you.
And it might surprise you how much those extra 10, 20, or 30 flight hours you logged this year can help reduce your premium.
Still Building Time in a New Aircraft?
Let’s say you transitioned into a new aircraft last year, a Cirrus, a Bonanza, a taildragger, or something more complex. You’re still building time and getting more comfortable with the make and model.
Good news: you can keep building hours all the way up to a few days before your policy renews, and those hours can be factored into your quote.
Just keep your broker updated. If you fly 10 or 15 more hours the month before your renewal, we want to know, because we’ll use that updated pilot history to negotiate on your behalf.
Buying an Aircraft? Start Even Earlier.
If you’re in the market for a new aircraft, your insurance timeline starts before the purchase does. Ideally, the moment you’ve narrowed down the make and model and have a rough idea of the hull value, it’s time to get your broker involved.
This early stage is what we call the “tire kicker” phase, no commitment yet, but enough information for us to start testing the waters.
Why Start Early?
At this stage, your broker can:
- Get sample quotes for the aircraft type
- Let you know the expected premium ranges
- Identify any training requirements that might come with a transition to a more complex aircraft
- Spot any coverage limitations or red flags you might not have considered
This is especially important if you’re moving into a new category of aircraft, say, a retractable gear plane, a high-performance piston, or a turboprop. Some carriers may require transition training, dual time with a CFI, or simulator hours.
Knowing that before you sign a purchase agreement helps you plan, and avoid last-minute surprises that delay delivery or add unexpected costs.
Ready to Make an Offer? Time for Real Quotes.
Once you’ve picked a specific aircraft, maybe even pending a pre-buy inspection, it’s time to shift from “tire kicker” mode into real quotes.
At this point, we’ll build a full quote submission that includes:
- Pilot history
- Make, model, and serial number
- Estimated hull value
- Intended use
- Base location
- Any known lienholders or partners
Even if the aircraft changes at the last minute, that’s okay. We can switch out the tail number later, but it’s critical to have a confirmed quote before you officially take ownership.
That way, you can be 100% confident that:
- You’re insurable
- You understand any training requirements
- Coverage can be activated the moment you take title
When Should Coverage Start?
Here’s a key rule every buyer should remember:
Aircraft insurance is designed to protect the owner.
That means the moment you sign a bill of sale or wire funds, you are the responsible party. If the aircraft is damaged on the ramp 10 minutes later or while being ferried by someone else, you are on the hook unless your coverage has started.
Do not wait until the next day. Do not assume the seller’s policy covers you.
Your broker should have coverage ready to go the moment the ownership transfer is official. At BWI, we coordinate this timing every day, and we’re happy to work with lenders, title companies, and escrow agents to make it seamless.
What If the Deal Falls Through?
No problem. If you got a quote and it doesn’t work out, maybe the pre-buy inspection fails, or the seller backs out, we’ll just pivot.
We can carry over your pilot info and use it to quote the next aircraft on your list. No wasted effort. No fees. Just efficient preparation for your next opportunity.
Why This Matters
Too many aircraft buyers wait until the day before closing, or even after closing, to think about insurance. And too many current owners wait until their policy is nearly expired before they call their broker.
Here’s what that approach costs you:
- Missed discounts based on updated flight hours
- Higher premiums from last-minute underwriting
- Delays due to incomplete paperwork or training requirements
- Worst-case: flying uninsured when you already own the aircraft
Starting early changes everything. It gives your broker time to advocate for you, helps you make smarter purchase decisions, and gives you peace of mind from day one.
The BWI Difference
At BWI, we’ve helped insure over 10,000 aircraft, from experimental builds to jets, from bush planes in Alaska to trainers in Florida.
We know the quoting timeline like the back of our hand. Whether you’re:
- Renewing your policy soon
- Actively flying a transitional aircraft
- Or in the process of buying something new
…we’ll walk you through exactly when to start, what to expect, and how to avoid surprises.
Need Help?
If you’re within 45 days of renewal, or planning a purchase this season, let’s talk.
We’ll help you line everything up and make sure you’re protected, on the ramp, in the hangar, and in the air.
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