Why Alaska Still Feels Like Home for BWI: A Story of Trust, Aviation, and Showing Up

In 2017, we attended our very first Great Alaska Aviation Gathering.

We weren’t sure what to expect, and we just wanted to learn, listen, and see if there was a place for BWI in one of the most unique and demanding aviation communities in the world.

What we experienced over those few days changed the course of our business.

The event was packed. Aircraft owners, float pilots, bush operators, mechanics, flight instructors, you name it, were stopping by, shaking hands, asking questions, and most importantly, sharing stories.

By the time we flew home, we knew two things:

Alaska wasn’t just a market, it was a community.
If we were going to serve it, we needed to show up year after year.

From Gathering to Ground: Opening Our Lake Hood Office

Two years later, in 2019, we opened our first satellite office on Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world.

It wasn’t about optics, it was about access and commitment.

We wanted pilots to walk into an office, shake someone’s hand, and know they were talking to a team who understood Alaska.

Not just policies.

Not just premiums.

But the real-world risks that come with flying through snow squalls, remote backcountry strips, riverbeds, and water.

What Makes Alaska Aviation Different

Everything.

The terrain. The weather. The distances. The fact that for many pilots, flying isn’t just for fun, it’s how they get to work, deliver supplies, check on traplines, or fly family between villages.

For most of the Lower 48, aircraft are optional. In Alaska, they’re essential.

So the insurance has to be built differently.

At BWI, we’ve tailored our Alaska coverage to reflect:

Remote operations (unpaved strips, bush, and glacier landings)
Float flying and amphibious operations
Seasonal use and variable flying hours
Aircraft with modifications or extended baggage
Unique use cases (charters, guide services, medevac support)

And maybe most importantly—we’ve built deep relationships with underwriters who understand the Alaska profile and can write to it appropriately.

Fast Forward: 2025 Gathering in Palmer

This past weekend, our team returned to the Gathering in Palmer, with a full crew on the ground.

Jenni, who leads our Alaska program, was joined by Jessica and Kyle at our booth.

It was one of our busiest shows ever.

Pilots stopped by with questions about:

Insuring on floats vs wheels
What to do when switching aircraft mid-season
Why rates are rising (and how to fight it)
What happens if a claim needs to be filed from a remote lodge with no Wi-Fi

Some brought in renewal paperwork. Others were curious if we could beat what they were currently paying.

A few just wanted to talk. That’s Alaska, and we love it.

Jenni even gave a live presentation on the current state of the Alaskan aviation insurance market. It was standing-room only, and we fielded questions long after the mic was turned off.

Stories We’ll Never Forget

One pilot walked up and said, “I’ve been with BWI since you guys opened the Lake Hood office. I’ve had two claims, both handled quickly, and both times, you treated me like a person, not a policy number.”

That kind of feedback hits different.

Because we’re not trying to be the biggest name in aviation insurance up here.

We’re trying to be the most trusted.

How We Help Alaska Pilots

Here’s what we’ve learned after years of showing up, listening, and working claims in the Alaska market:

Every aircraft is unique. Especially in Alaska, where mods, STCs, and mission-specific gear are the norm, not the exception.

Underwriter relationships matter. We often get policies placed that other brokers can’t, simply because we’ve built credibility and volume with the right carriers.

Local insight = better service. From understanding how to write float coverage, to how to handle downtime during breakup/freeze-up seasons, we customize every quote for the realities of the north.

We don’t shy away from tough risks. Whether you’re flying a Super Cub on tundra tires or a 185 on PK floats, we know how to tell the story behind the aircraft, and the pilot, to get the right terms.

Looking Ahead

Our commitment to Alaska isn’t seasonal. We don’t just show up when the airshow tents go up.

We show up every week, every renewal, every phone call.

Our Lake Hood office remains open year-round. And we’re already planning how to deepen our support for Alaskan pilots moving forward, through more events, updated resources, and content that speaks directly to your challenges.

To every pilot we met at the Gathering this year, thank you.

To every Alaskan aircraft owner who’s trusted us to protect what matters most, we don’t take that lightly.

And if you haven’t worked with us yet but are looking for a partner who gets it, we’d love to help.

We’re not here to sell you a generic policy.

We’re here to keep you flying.