AOPA Insurance Agency asks major insurance companies for a premium credit for grounded general aviation aircraft

The head of the AOPA Insurance Agency has asked the major aviation insurance companies to grant a premium credit to aircraft owners and aviation businesses whose aircraft are grounded inside enhanced Class B airspace.

In a message to five major aviation insurance companies, AOPA Insurance Agency Executive Vice President Greg Sterling proposed granting a one-time credit of 10 percent of the current annual premium to aircraft owners and flight schools currently unable to fly VFR in Class B airspace. This would grant a small "lay-up" credit to aircraft owners in recognition of the reduced risk to the insurance company during the time the aircraft is grounded.

"This proposal is intended to offer some small degree of assistance to the many grounded aircraft operators," Sterling told the insurance company heads. "While the small credit we're proposing is not an ultimate answer to the problem, it does represent a positive, proactive move on the part of our industry to assist these many aircraft owners in need."

Sterling said that several companies have already indicated they are looking favorably at the proposal.

Under the AOPA Insurance Agency proposal, an aircraft owner would simply have to verify that the aircraft is based at an airport located within enhanced Class B airspace, and that the owner has been unable to operate the aircraft as a result. A simple letter to owners' insurance agents would establish eligibility for the credit.

The AOPA Insurance Agency is the nation's largest general aviation insurance agency. More AOPA members have their insurance through the AOPA Insurance Agency than any other agency.

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