Behind the scenes of aviation insurance, many policies aren’t written by a single agency, they’re built through co-broker relationships between two licensed aviation insurance professionals.
This process, called co-brokering, allows brokers to share market access, expertise, and client service to get the best possible result for aircraft owners. It’s one of the reasons so many brokers rely on BWI Aviation Insurance for specialized quoting, underwriter relationships, and customer support.
Since 1977, BWI has worked both directly with aircraft owners and in collaboration with other brokers across the country, providing access to every major aviation underwriter in the U.S. and helping clients secure the right coverage, every time.
This guide explains what co-broker aircraft insurance is, how it works, and why it benefits both brokers and aircraft owners.
What Is Co-Broker Aircraft Insurance?
A co-broker relationship occurs when two licensed insurance brokers collaborate on a policy, one managing the client relationship, the other providing market access or underwriting expertise.
For example:
– Broker A might have a relationship with a pilot or aviation business but limited access to underwriters.
– Broker B (like BWI Aviation Insurance) has access to all major aviation markets and can place the risk efficiently.
Together, they structure, price, and manage the policy, splitting the commission and responsibilities as agreed.
The key principle: the client benefits from combined experience, not duplicated cost.
Why Co-Brokering Exists in Aviation Insurance
Unlike auto or home insurance, aviation is a niche industry with fewer than 15 underwriters in the U.S. market.
Not every broker has direct appointments with all of them, but some, like BWI, do.
Co-brokering allows smaller or general-line agencies to partner with aviation specialists to deliver better coverage and faster service to their clients.
This structure ensures:
– More competitive pricing (since multiple underwriters are compared).
– Better coverage options (across a wider set of carriers).
– Faster service (using established industry relationships).
How the Co-Broker Process Works
1. The Retail Broker
This is the primary broker who maintains the client relationship. They:
– Collect the pilot and aircraft information.
– Advise the client on coverage needs.
– Communicate updates and documentation.
2. The Co-Broker (Wholesale Aviation Specialist)
This broker, often an aviation-only agency like BWI, manages the market placement. They:
– Prepare the submission for underwriters.
– Negotiate terms, pricing, and endorsements.
– Deliver quotes back to the retail broker for review.
3. Commission Sharing
Once the policy binds, the two brokers share the commission, typically 50/50 or by a pre-agreed structure.
The insured pays the same total premium, but receives a higher level of expertise and market access than they would through either broker alone.
The Advantages of Co-Brokered Aviation Insurance
For aircraft owners and pilots, co-brokering is a win-win.
1. Access to Every Market
Many general insurance brokers lack direct access to aviation underwriters.
By partnering with BWI, their clients still benefit from quotes through:
– Global Aerospace
– Old Republic Aerospace
– Starr Aviation
– USAIG
– AIG Aerospace
– Phoenix Aviation Managers
This ensures true market competition.
2. Expert Coverage Guidance
Aviation policies are highly technical, with unique terms, limits, and pilot requirements.
Through co-broker partnerships, clients get:
– Detailed coverage explanations.
– Guidance on training, smooth limits, and open pilot warranties.
– Access to expert underwriter communication.
3. Faster Service
Co-broker agencies like BWI have direct lines to all major underwriters, meaning turnaround times are often hours, not days.
Retail brokers can provide exceptional service to their clients without needing to build new underwriter relationships from scratch.
4. No Additional Cost to the Client
Clients don’t pay more for co-brokered coverage. The total commission is simply shared between brokers.
That means you receive dual expertise, without any increase in cost.
5. Better Claims Support
If a claim occurs, both brokers can coordinate to ensure the client receives full support and quick resolution.
BWI’s claims team works directly with the underwriter, while the retail broker provides personal client advocacy.
Get Your Aircraft Insurance Quote With BWI Today>>
Why Transparency Matters in Co-Brokering
In aviation insurance, transparency is key.
Both brokers must clearly communicate their roles and ensure the insured understands who is managing their coverage, certificates, and renewals.
At BWI Aviation Insurance, we prioritize open, ethical collaboration, providing clear documentation and ensuring our co-broker partners always remain the primary client contact.
This builds trust, avoids confusion, and ensures a seamless customer experience.
When Co-Brokering Makes Sense
Co-brokering is especially valuable in situations such as:
– A general-line insurance agency has an aviation client but limited market access.
– A regional broker wants to offer aircraft insurance but doesn’t specialize in aviation.
– A pilot group or flight school needs a complex, multi-aircraft or fleet policy.
– A retail broker is servicing a corporate client that adds a small aircraft to their operations.
In all of these cases, partnering with an aviation specialist like BWI delivers better results for the client, and strengthens the broker’s relationship.
BWI Aviation Insurance’s Role as a Co-Broker Partner
BWI Aviation Insurance is proud to serve as both a retail broker and a co-brokered placement partner for aviation agencies across the country.
What BWI provides:
– Full market access to every major underwriter.
– Decades of aviation-only expertise.
– Same-day quoting and renewals for piston aircraft.
– Dedicated account managers for brokers and clients.
– Transparent communication and commission handling.
Our goal is simple: help brokers and their clients secure the best coverage in the shortest time possible.
BWI’s Co-Broker Partner Program
We partner with licensed brokers nationwide who want to grow in aviation.
Benefits for Partner Brokers:
– Fast, competitive quotes from all markets.
– Dedicated BWI underwriter liaisons.
– Simplified certificate and endorsement processing.
– 100% transparency and documentation.
– Shared success with every policy.
If you’re an agency that serves pilots, flight schools, or aviation businesses, partnering with BWI means gaining instant access to a full aviation department.
BWI by the Numbers
– 10,000+ aircraft insured nationwide
– Nearly 50 years of aviation-only experience
– 800+ verified five-star reviews
– Offices in California and Alaska
– Same-day quotes and renewals
Conclusion
Co-broker aircraft insurance is the foundation of collaboration in the aviation insurance industry. It allows brokers to combine strengths, expand market access, and deliver better protection for aircraft owners.
For clients, it means having two experienced professionals working together, ensuring you get the right policy, the best rate, and full advocacy when it matters most.
For brokers, it means growing your aviation offerings while maintaining your client relationships.
Whether you’re an aircraft owner or a fellow broker, BWI Aviation Insurance is your trusted partner for expertise, access, and excellence.
Visit www.bwifly.com or call 800-666-4359 to learn more about our co-broker partnerships and how we can help you grow your aviation business.
BWI Aviation Insurance, protecting pilots, aircraft, and peace of mind since 1977.
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