Archive for November, 2015

Q: I own a flight school. Should I require my renters to have insurance?

Monday, November 30th, 2015

A: There are many benefits to requiring non-owned (or renters) insurance for both your renter and the school. Let’s take a closer look at why:

Renter:

A non-owned aircraft insurance policy includes the insured’s legal defense. While an initial consultation with a lawyer can cost around $500, this is less than spent annually on a basic non-owned insurance policy. Regardless of fault, the insurance carrier will provide a defense in the case of legal action by an injured party. In addition, if the renter elects to purchase physical damage coverage, they will be protected for the flight school’s deductible up to the policy limits selected.

Flight School Owner:

Typically, flight school insurance policies do not cover loss of use. When an aircraft is damaged and taken off the line the flight school potentially loses profit.  A renter’s insurance policy can make up for that loss. Since most flight school leases hold renters responsible for the deductible, having non-owned coverage in place will help provide a smoother relationship with the renter during the claim.

Q: What limits should I request my renters to carry?

A: We always recommend an individual purchase as much liability coverage as they can afford. As a guideline, we recommend at least $500,000 each occurrence with $50,000 each person for bodily injury and property damage. For physical damage liability, a pilot should carry at least enough to cover the flight school deductible plus potential loss of profits while down for repair.

Q: How long does obtaining a renters insurance policy take?

A: It is very easy to start non-owned coverage today and coverage can be placed for standard, experimental, multi-engine, seaplanes and helicopter aircraft! It can take as little as ten minutes of your time when you sign up online. We are also only a phone call away at 877-247-7769. We recommend flight schools put a link to the online porthole on their website so students and renters can quickly find and start coverage.

To learn more about AIR you can find us at www.AIR-PROS.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Aerial Advertising Insurance

Wednesday, November 25th, 2015
Aerial Adv

Skyspot Advertising Cessna 172 with Electric Sign

Aerial advertising is an extremely powerful form of marketing. Not everyone will think twice when they see a plane fly by, but a banner trailing behind it or an electrically lit sign in the night will surely demand a crowd’s attention. The message is large, it turns heads, and most importantly, it is memorable. According to Skyspot Advertising, aerial advertising grabs 88% of an audience’s attention and 79% of those recall what was being promoted. Whether they chose banner towing or an aircraft equipped with an electric sign, for marketers aerial advertising just makes sense. For pilots, it’s a grand business opportunity and a lot of fun!

A pivotal aspect of every successful business is the budget, even more so when it comes to commercial aviation operations. There are plenty of expenses to consider, especially when it comes to protecting your operation with aerial advertising insurance. Not all insurance policies are the same and not all insurance agents are either. All of the agents at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) are pilots and understand the proper questions that need to be asked about your business. Our goal is to provide you with a policy package to protect your assets in the event you were to be held legally liable for property damage or bodily injury. Coverage can also extend to physical damage of your aircraft and equipment.

AIR will provide you with not only the broadest coverage available, but at a rate that does not upset your company budget. We shop all of the major aviation insurance markets that are competitive for aerial advertising and banner towing, therefore offering flexibility when it comes to choosing an insurance policy that meets your specific needs. In addition, we are licensed nationwide in all 50 states to serve you better!

If you are looking to start up an aerial advertising firm, tow banners from time to time, or just wish to take a new look at your insurance rates, give the aviation experts at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) a call at 301-682-6200. You can also complete and online quote request today! To learn more about AIR you can find us at www.AIR-PROS.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

 

The Truth Behind Avemco Solicitations

Thursday, November 19th, 2015

As an aircraft owner, it is highly likely your name and address has been plucked off of the FAA database for a variety of aviation-related mailing blasts. Often it can be hard to sort through the facts and fiction sold in these solicitations. We recently received a letter from Avemco Insurance Company that we wanted to review with you.

The following are excerpts from a recent mailing. While the items listed are all valid points that are important to the consumer, they are not Avemco-exclusive policy provisions. The Avemco statements referenced have been copied word for word from a letter dated 10/19/15. Let’s take a closer look together:

1. Avemco still pays your covered claim even if your medical, annual or flight inspection expires accidentally mid-term.

Life is busy! While most pilots are responsible, detail oriented individuals, important due dates can slip away from us. Luckily, most insurance carriers will still pay your claim in the event of an accidental lapse of an FAA requirement (such as your medical, annual inspection or flight review). That being said, it is important to remember that when you sign an aircraft insurance application you are attesting to the terms and conditions laid out, Avemco or otherwise.

2. Avemco connects you directly with an Aviation Insurance Specialist in our Frederick, MD home office empowered to approve coverage and solve problems.

While Avemco connects you to a company employee, Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) takes this a step further. Our knowledgeable agents are all pilots! While Avemco representatives can approve coverage (limited by their level of authority) on the phone, we advise an insured prior to talking to the underwriter and discuss the best course of action for your specific needs. AIR works on your behalf, not the insurance company’s.

3. Avemco can give you a personalized quote and even insure you in one phone call.

Avemco can provide one aircraft insurance quote with a phone call because they have the ability to set their own rates. At AIR, we shop all of the major carriers competitive for your unique situation to provide you with the broadest coverage at the lowest available rate. We do not lock you in to just one number and one set of terms. Generally, AIR can provide you with a quote and coverage the same day and at a lower rate than Avemco.

4. Avemco lets you manage your policy, make changes and pay your premium online.

While Avemco promotes their ability to change a policy online, we like to provide you with a personal touch. We are thrilled to pick up the phone and discuss your needs pilot to pilot. In the event a phone call is not convenient for you, you can expect a prompt response from one of our agents via email. We like technology, too, and offer streamlined customer service online! Many applications and forms are available on our website, including portholes to update contact and pilot history information. You can also make your payment online!

5. Safe pilots can save up to 25% on their Avemco annual premium: Save for completing a FAASTeam WINGS course. Save for getting Avemco-recognized recurrent training or a new rating. Save for having an Instrument Rating. Save for hangaring your airplane.

Flying safe is beneficial to you and your loved ones, and to your aircraft insurance rates as well! Aviation insurance policies quoted by AIR may contain a combination of the discounts listed in the above Avemco solicitation. Discounts for FAASTeam WINGS courses and being claims free are available for both owned and non-owned policies! An instrument rating, new ratings, recurrent training, as well as hangaring your aircraft can offer additional savings! Several policies contain extra benefits and discounts for AOPA and EAA members that are not even offered by Avemco.

Line by line it is proven that AIR can offer everything that Avemco claims, plus more! So why involve the middle man? We are pilots looking out for your interest and service with integrity is our priority! Purchasing an aircraft takes time and research. With just two phone calls (Avemco and AIR) you will be provided with all available aircraft insurance quotes from the major markets to make an educated decision. We are so confident in our ability to serve you, we encourage you to call Avemco, our competitor!

To get into the air with your aviation insurance quote today, call our agent and pilots at 877-247-7767 or click here to request a quote online. To learn more about AIR you can find us at www.AIR-PROS.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

 

 

 

 

 

AIR FAQ – Helicopter Non-Owned Coverage

Tuesday, November 17th, 2015

Q: My friend told me that I need insurance for renting an aircraft. Aren’t I covered under my flight school’s policy?

A: Although flight schools carry protection for their aircraft, this protection does not necessarily extend to the renter pilot. Often the flight school agreement holds the renter responsible for any and all damage if a loss were to occur. In addition, an insurance carrier may seek to recover their losses by subrogating against the renter responsible for an accident.

Q: I rent a helicopter from a flight school. I know there is fixed wing non-owned insurance, but can I get covered for rotorcraft rental?

A: For years, helicopter renters have been greatly exposed due to the lack of non-owned rotorcraft coverage in the aviation insurance market. Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) has worked diligently to fill this need and now offers helicopter renters insurance! All of the agents at AIR are aircraft renters or owners themselves, so they understand that while most pilots never plan on having an accident, they can occur. This coverage can certainly bring “peace of mind” in the unlikely event that was to happen.

Q: I’m on a budget, is buying a renter policy really worth it?

A: Often pilots are unaware that their defense costs are also covered in a renter policy. In the event that a suit were to be brought against the renter pilot after an accident by an injured party (bodily injury or property damage or damage to a helicopter), a legal defense is provided by the insurance company and they will try and settle the suit within the limits of coverage purchased. Without coverage, just an initial consultation with an attorney for a couple of hours today would cost in excess of $500 alone. A non-owned rotorcraft insurance policy can start at as low as $304 annually for liability only! Discounts are also available if you are claims free or if you have completed a FAAST Wings phase within the last 12 months.

Q: I’m juggling a full time job along with helicopter flight training several times a week. How much paperwork is involved in securing non-owned helicopter coverage?

A: Good news! Starting helicopter renters insurance has never been easier! With one visit to our website, you can start coverage in under ten minutes and receive binder confirmation almost instantly! Simply click here to get started! Prefer to talk to an aviation insurance professional prior to starting coverage? Our agents and pilots are standing by to assist you with any questions and insurance needs. Simply call 877-247-7767 today!

Aircraft Insurance: More Options = More Savings

Monday, November 9th, 2015

It’s simple, really. Having more options within a market creates competition which drives down prices. This same statement can be applied to the aviation insurance industry. For years, one direct writer dominated the aviation insurance market, charging premiums that best fit their own bottom line. Why not take advantage of the competition and save an average of 70%* on your aircraft insurance through Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR)?

One call to AIR gives you access to all major aviation insurance markets. We shop all of the underwriters that are competitive for the type of flying you do and the coverages that you require. In addition, AIR is licensed nationwide (all 50 states) to better serve your needs.

We can produce multiple options for most aircraft types. Our quote comparisons with AVEMCO have shown that by shopping with AIR, pilots enjoy significant savings on their aircraft insurance. We’ve seen a difference of 107% on Cessna 172s and over 122% on a Piper Lance simply by exploring your options! Don’t believe us? Let the chart of actual recent quotes below speak for itself…or give us a call for your quote!

AVEMCO Slider

Not only does soliciting the market produce savings, more options can better provide you with a policy that meets your specific needs; not locking you into the guidelines of just one carrier. For example, this allows an aircraft owner flexibility and discounts when it comes to annual training, claims free experience and AOPA membership.

All of the aviation insurance agents at AIR are pilots, so we understand the operating costs involved in owning an aircraft. We want to help by making the insurance shopping process effortless for you. To start saving on your aviation insurance, call 877-247-7767 or complete an online quotation request today! You can also follow AIR on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Google+.

*The above quote comparisons are actual recent quotes using the same pilot information and coverages for all companies. These actual quote samples resulted in an average of 70% savings overall.