Aircraft Insurance Explained
Hull vs. liability, what affects your premium, and how to get the best rate.
Types of Coverage
Hull coverage pays for damage to your aircraft (think of it as collision/comprehensive on a car). Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others or their property. Most owners carry both. Liability-only is cheaper but means you eat the full cost if you wreck your plane.
What Affects Your Premium
Pilot experience (total time, time in type, instrument rating), aircraft hull value, aircraft type (retractable gear and high-performance cost more), claims history, where you fly, and whether you have an instrument rating. Going from 200 to 500 total hours can cut premiums 30–50%.
Typical Premiums
Cessna 172 ($80K hull): $1,200–$2,500/yr for experienced pilots, $2,500–$4,500 for low-time. Bonanza A36 ($150K hull): $3,000–$5,000/yr experienced, $6,000–$10,000 low-time. Cirrus SR22 ($250K hull): $4,000–$7,000/yr experienced. Twins: add 50–100%. Tailwheel: add 10–20%.
How to Save
Get an instrument rating (biggest single discount). Complete a type-specific checkout with an instructor. Join a type club. Increase your deductible. Get quotes from multiple brokers — AOPA, Avemco, Global Aerospace, BWI. Consider a higher deductible ($1,000–$5,000 per-not-in-motion) to lower premiums.