Archive for the ‘Aviation Insurance’ Category

Aviation Manufacturer Product Liability

Monday, January 4th, 2016

While a majority of aircraft accidents are result of pilot error, occasionally a product defect is deemed the probable cause behind an aircraft accident or incident. Aircraft are intricate machines madeEngine up of thousands of parts, both stationary and moving. Besides large components such as the engine or landing gear, many small parts such as switches, valves, caps and even bolts can play a role in aircraft safety. If you supply or manufacture a component used in an aircraft, you may be held legally liable in the event of a claim. An aviation manufacturer product liability policy can protect your business’s financial interests.

Who may need product liability coverage?

Aircraft manufacturers, STC modification builders, avionics, instrument and interior manufactures are all at risk for product liability. If your company distributes or builds aircraft propellers, sheet metal, brakes, tires, lights, etc., it is important to look into product liability. Any business that is responsible for a component that ends up in an aircraft could be held liable in the event of a lawsuit.

Three types of risk

Not all aircraft products or manufacturers are alike. However, each share three types of risk in regards to their product:

Design defect – The complete line of products is inherently dangerous.

Manufacturing defect – The component falls short in being produced appropriately.

Failure to warn – The manufacture of the product did not provide substantial instructions and warnings on the correct use of the part.

Product Protection

An aviation manufacturer product liability policy will provide a defense in the case of property damage, bodily injury or the grounding of a fleet due to a product hazard. The aviation insurance specialists at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) are dedicated to protecting your business and its future. AIR will guide you through the insurance process to provide you with peace of mind as your company serves the aviation industry. To learn more about aviation manufacturer product liability policies through Aviation Insurance Resources call 877-247-7767 or visit us online at www.AIR-PROS.com today!

You can also follow us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Google+.

AIR to attend Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo

Monday, December 28th, 2015

The month of January brings about thoughts of the cold, snow and New Year’s resolutions. For pilots, we think of the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo! From January 20th to 23rd, 2016 pilots andsebring2 aviation enthusiasts alike will join their friends and family in Sebring, FL for an annual celebration of light sport aviation. Exhibits are open 9AM to 5PM daily.

For the past ten years, Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) has had a presence at Sebring. This year you can greet Jon Harden, Chris Wolbert, Gregg Ellsworth and Joe Cacho at booth T207. AIR provides a full range of aircraft insurance including light sport aircraft (LSA) such as the Flight Design, Czech Sportcruiser, CubCrafters and more! AIR represents all of the major aviation insurance markets so we can offer you the broadest package of protection at the best available rates.

For more information, stop by Booth T207 at Sebring or call 877-247-7767 today! You may also visit us at www.AIR-PROS.com and follow us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Google+.

Piper Aircraft Insurance (Malibu, Mirage, Meridian, Matrix or M-series)

Tuesday, December 15th, 2015
Piper M600

Piper M600 aircraft Image from www.piper.com

When talking about general aviation aircraft, one brand immediately comes to mind: Piper Aircraft, Inc. With roots extending back almost 90 years, Piper Aircraft has continued to be a pilot favorite. The new Piper M-Class aircraft series now offers pilots a six seat single engine aircraft with all the bells and whistles.

The M-Series has been a process of evolution for Piper Aircraft, starting with the pressurized, 310 horsepower Piper Malibu in the 80s. A few years later, the turbocharged Malibu Mirage took form with a newly designed wing and 40 additional horsepower. An unpressurized, turbocharged version was also produced under the name Piper Matrix. For those looking for more power and efficiency, a turbine engine after-market conversion for the Malibu and Malibu Mirage called the JetPROP DL and DLX are available through Rocket Engineering.

The latest step in evolution of the Piper series includes improved safety and the latest in Garmin technology. Essentially an improved Mirage featuring a 350 hp Lycoming engine, the Piper M350 boasts anti-hypoxia tools and cruises at 213 knots. Building upon the Meridian line, the Piper M500 is a single engine turboprop with an updated G1000 panel, a 500hp Pratt & Whitney engine and cruises at 260 knots.

Topping off the series is the M600. The Piper M600 includes anti-hypoxia tools and 100 extra gallons of fuel, making it an excellent cross country machine with a range of 1,300 nautical miles and a service ceiling of 30,000 feet. The clean avionics panel includes a Garmin 3000 suite with two 12.1-inch PFDs and a 12.1-inch MFD. All M-series aircraft feature synthetic vision, automatic level mode, coupled go-around and underspeed protection providing not only increase safety, but peace of mind.

Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) can offer you the broadest package of protection at the best available rate for your Piper Malibu, Mirage, Meridian, Matrix or M-series aircraft Insurance! As fellow aircraft owners, AIR understands your needs and challenges in owning an aircraft. If you are a current or prospective Piper owner, AIR can assist with your insurance needs!

To learn more about how Aviation Insurance Resources can assist you with your Piper Aircraft insurance, please call 301-682-6200 today! You may also visit AIR PROS.com and request your insurance quote online!

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.

Remote Aerial Photography Insurance

Wednesday, October 28th, 2015

Real estate agents, event videographers and photographers, news teams, and other professionals are taking their businesses to new heights thanks to new and affordable UAVs (unmanned aerial UAVvehicles). Many individuals are finding that drones provide them with an extra edge against their competitors, creating unique footage from a bird’s vantage point. Quadcopters and fixed-wing drones are quickly filling the air and sometimes problems arise that the owner and/or operator may be liable for. They need remote aerial photography insurance through Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR).

Until recently, UAV owners and operators have been finding themselves lost between insurance needs and federal aviation regulations. A new insurance program customized with the drone user in mind has made the process that much easier. In fact, in just a few minutes you can request an UAV liability insurance quotation online!

AIR has been monitoring the growth of the UAV market and keeps up to date with all the industry’s insurance needs, protecting your investment and business’s future. To learn more about unmanned aircraft insurance through AIR, please call us at 301-682-6200 or download our UAV and UAS application today! You can also follow us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Google+.

Flying Club Spotlight: The Octopus Flying Club

Monday, October 19th, 2015

octopus

Flying Clubs have become an integral part of the aviation industry due to their ability to create an affordable ownership option for pilots. For over 50 years, the Octopus Flying Club has been catering to the pilots and student pilots of the DC Metro area. Recently, this flying club continued its growth by adding new aircraft and a second location in sunny Florida!

Adopting their name from eight original members, the Octopus Flying Club is friendly and flexible. Allowing student pilot memberships, no rental period minimums and multiple aircraft, the club will fit the needs of most pilots. The club also allows modern online scheduling and 24/7 access to its four aircraft in two popular locations.

Octopus’s Maryland fleet resides at Montgomery County Airpark (KGAI) in Gaithersburg, MD. The aircraft consist of a Piper Warrior, Piper Arrow and a Socata Tabago. A Piper Archer is based at KHWO, or North Perry Airport in Hollywood, FL with more aircraft planned to be added in the future. All four aircraft come with IFR certified GPS and are meticulously maintained.

About the Octopus Flying Club

Club dues are under $100 a month and student membership deposits begin at only $500. In addition, students are offered discounts when they purchase block time, making the Octopus Flying Club an excellent resource for the pilot-in-training looking to have aircraft ownership benefits without the extra overhead. For more information about joining the club visit octopusflyingclub.com, email [email protected], or call 240-536-9163.

Flying Club Insurance through Aviation Insurance Resources

The agents and pilots at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) are happy to assist flying clubs navigate the aircraft insurance industry. Flying clubs range in sizes in needs and AIR shops all of the aviation insurance markets to find a policy that is best suited to the club’s specific situation. To get started on your flying club insurance quote, click here to fill out an online application or call 301-682-6200 today!