The Cessna 172 is the most popular general aviation aircraft in history. Whether you’re a student pilot earning your wings, a private owner enjoying weekend flights, or a flight school operator with a fleet of 172s, insurance is a key part of flying smart.
At BWI Aviation Insurance, we’ve insured thousands of Cessna 172s since 1977. We know what these aircraft cost to insure, and more importantly, how to get you the best coverage, fastest turnaround, and most competitive rate.
This page breaks down real-world insurance costs for Cessna 172 owners and gives you the information you need to get the right policy, right now.
Why Cessna 172 Insurance Is Unique
The Cessna 172 isn’t just any airplane, it’s the backbone of general aviation. Because it’s used for such a wide range of purposes, from training to personal to light commercial, insurance rates can vary significantly depending on:
- Who’s flying
- How often it’s flown
- Where it’s stored
- What it’s worth
- Whether it’s used for instruction or personal use
No two policies are the same, and no two Cessna 172 owners are either. At BWI, we custom-match your profile to the best policy on the market.
What Does Cessna 172 Insurance Cover?
A standard Cessna 172 insurance policy includes:
Liability Coverage
Protects you if your aircraft causes injury or property damage. Most 172 policies are written with $1,000,000 total liability, and you’ll choose either:
- A $100,000 per passenger sublimit, or
- Smooth liability (no per-passenger cap, more expensive)
Hull Coverage
Covers damage to your aircraft itself. Options include:
- Ground not-in-motion (storage only)
- Ground in-motion (excludes flight)
- Full flight (all-risk in motion and in flight)
Your hull value is stated up front. In a total loss, that’s the amount you’ll be paid.
Medical Payments
Provides coverage for passenger injuries regardless of fault, usually $3,000 to $10,000.
Optional Coverages
- Emergency expense reimbursement
- Hangar coverage
- Non-owned aircraft liability (if you occasionally fly others’ aircraft)
- Deductible waivers
- Spare parts and tools
- Loss of use
Example Scenario: You’re taxiing after landing and another aircraft clips your wing. Hull coverage pays for repairs. The FBO requires proof of liability? You’ve got it. A student lands hard and collapses the nose gear? Covered.
Real Cessna 172 Insurance Quotes from BWI Clients
These are actual quotes we’ve delivered for recent 172 owners. Pricing may vary based on state, experience, and hull value.
Private Pilot – VFR – 1,500+ Hours
Cessna 172P | $80,000 hull | Personal Use
$1M smooth liability
→ $1,150/year
Student Pilot – Under 100 Hours
Cessna 172M | $55,000 hull | Instructional Use
$1M liability with $100k/passenger
→ $2,200/year
Flight School Leaseback – High-Traffic Use
Cessna 172S | $180,000 hull | Instruction + Rental
$1M with $100k/passenger
→ $3,100/year
IFR-Rated Owner – Personal + Business
Cessna 172R | $125,000 hull | Private + Light Business
$1M smooth
→ $1,750/year
Based in Alaska – Tie-Down Storage
Cessna 172E | $65,000 hull | Personal Use
$1M with $100k/passenger
→ $1,950/year
Our job is to match your profile to the right underwriter, fast. Most quotes are returned in 24 hours or less.
What Affects Cessna 172 Insurance Premiums?
Premiums for a Cessna 172 are affected by:
- Aircraft value and model year
- Pilot total time
- Time in make/model
- Use: personal, rental, instruction, business
- Ratings: Instrument, Commercial, ATP
- Geographic location
- Hangar vs. tiedown
- Past claims or incidents
- Deductible amount
- Liability limit selected
Want to lower your rate?
- Keep your make/model time current
- Complete a flight review or Wings course
- Hangar your aircraft if possible
- Consider a slightly higher deductible
- Let us shop the market—we work with 7+ aviation insurers
Why Choose BWI for Cessna 172 Insurance?
You don’t want just a cheap policy, you want the right coverage, delivered fast, with people you trust.
BWI is the go-to agency for Cessna 172 owners because:
- We’ve insured 1,000s of 172s across all 50 states
- You work with a dedicated, licensed aviation account manager
- Most quotes are turned around in 24 hours or less
- We work with 7+ top aviation underwriters
- We help you understand what you’re buying, and why it matters
- We’ve been doing this since 1977
Whether you fly a 1974 M model or a glass cockpit S, we know your aircraft, and we know the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cessna 172 insurance required by law?
No, but almost every airport, hangar, and flight school requires it, and you should never fly uninsured. Liability alone can protect you from massive legal exposure.
Can I get insured as a student pilot flying a 172?
Yes. We insure student pilots all the time. Many carriers have programs specifically for students training in 172s. Coverage may be a bit higher initially, but it drops as you gain hours.
Do I need hull coverage if my airplane is stored and not flying?
If the aircraft is being stored, you can request a “ground not-in-motion” policy. It protects against theft, fire, storm damage, vandalism, etc.
Can I insure a 172 used for instruction or leaseback?
Yes. We insure hundreds of flight school and leaseback 172s. Instructional use carries higher risk, so premiums are higher, but we’ll match you with carriers who specialize in it.
What if I only fly 25–50 hours per year?
That’s common, and it won’t hurt your rate. Just be honest about your expected usage and we’ll find the best match.
Can I change my hull value mid-policy?
Yes. We can help you increase or decrease the stated value if your aircraft is upgraded, overhauled, or sold.
Can I get coverage in Alaska?
Absolutely. BWI has decades of experience with Alaska-based risks. From Anchorage to the backcountry, we’ll get you insured.
How to Get a Quote for Your Cessna 172
It only takes a few minutes to get started:
Step 1: Click “Get A Quote” and complete the short form
Step 2: A licensed BWI aviation insurance expert will contact you
Step 3: We’ll shop your profile to multiple aviation underwriters
Step 4: Choose your policy, bind coverage, and receive proof, often same day
We’re fast. We’re thorough. And we care.
Helpful Links
- Aircraft Insurance
- Aviation Insurance
- Piper Insurance
- Cirrus Insurance
- Drone Insurance
- Experimental Aircraft Insurance
- Helicopter Insurance
- Alaska Aircraft Insurance
Have questions? Our team is ready to help.
Trusted by 9,000+ Aircraft Owners Since 1977
At BWI, we’ve made a name for ourselves by helping aircraft owners simplify their insurance, and fly with confidence. If you own a Cessna 172, we’re the best place to start, grow, and renew your policy, year after year.
We’re licensed in all 50 states, and we’re here to make sure you never fly uninsured.
Get a Cessna 172 Quote Now or call us at 800.666.4359
