Membership Services
When you rent an airplane, what coverage do you need?
Don’t assume you’re covered by the FBO where you rent
Here’s the situation in the simplest possible terms: The FBO that rents you an aircraft is protecting its interests, not yours. You need your own renters insurance.
Don’t think just about a catastrophic accident; these days, minor hangar rash can set you back thousands of dollars. You don’t want a surprise bill arriving in the mail from your FBO.
AOPA research shows that many pilots make a mistake when they assume they are covered when renting an airplane. You’re not. And it gets worse: The FBO’s insurance agency can go after the pilot to recover its own costs after a claim, so the bills can keep coming for months or years.
As an AOPA member, you can buy renters insurance from the AOPA Insurance Agency, and it’s as easy as buying car insurance. What’s more, as an AOPA member, you get a 5-percent discount off the regular premium and a 10-percent discount when you renew if you have maintained a clean flying record.
AOPA has made it easy for you to get a price quote. To learn more about renters insurance or get a free quote, visit the AOPA Insurance Agency online or call 800/622-AOPA (2672). Since this is AOPA-endorsed insurance, you have the added protection of knowing that the policy was created with the general aviation pilot in mind.
Insurance agents always speak of the peace of mind that comes with knowing your financial interests are protected. Don’t risk your savings or nest egg by renting an airplane without your own insurance coverage. It’s another way you demonstrate that you are truly the pilot in command.
March 9, 2010
