Take control of your aviation insurance costs
What every aircraft owner should know
If you own an aircraft, you’ve probably felt the sting of rising insurance premiums. The good news? You have more control than you think. While market conditions and underwriter guidelines play a big role, there are steps you can take to influence your insurance options.
Here’s how:
1. Pilot experience and training
Your flight hours, ratings, and recurrent training matter—a lot. Insurers reward pilots who invest in safety and proficiency. Completing annual recurrent training for your make and model is often required but going beyond that can pay off. Additional training such as upset recovery, advanced proficiency courses, or safety seminars can lead to premium discounts and better underwriting flexibility.
2. Aircraft maintenance and upgrades
A well-maintained aircraft reduces risk and signals reliability to insurers. Documented maintenance, modern avionics, and safety upgrades like ADS-B or terrain awareness systems can positively impact your rates. Think of these enhancements as investments in both safety and savings.
3. Claims history
Your claims history speaks volumes. Avoiding preventable incidents and promptly addressing any issues helps maintain favorable terms. A spotless record can mean lower premiums and more coverage options.
4. Smart coverage decisions
The more attention you pay to training and safety, the more flexibility underwriters may offer—higher liability limits, broader policy wording, and better overall terms. Risk management isn’t just about flying safely; it’s about making choices that position you for the best coverage.
Bottom line
You can’t change the market—but you can change how insurers see you. By focusing on safety, training, and smart coverage decisions, you not only become a better pilot, you may have more insurance options.
If you have questions about your insurance, AssuredPartners Aerospace, AOPA’s partner for Aircraft Insurance, can help. Call (800) 622-2672 today to speak with one of our experts or visit www.assuredpartners.com/aviators today to learn more. We look forward to serving all your aviation insurance needs.
