Archive for the ‘FAQ’ Category

Standard vs Experimental Aircraft: The Insurance Facts

Thursday, August 28th, 2014

Since the dawn of aviation in the early 1900’s, many new and innovative aircraft have taken to the skies. With goals of safety, speed and endurance on the minds of designers and engineers, regulations were soon developed tostandard vs exp control the quality and safety behind each aircraft. Aircraft soon became structured under two categories: standard or special.

A standard certified aircraft and its parts are factory built and go through many procedures to ensure the design adheres to FAA standards. Standard certified aircraft include the following categories:

  • Normal
  • Utility
  • Acrobatic
  • Commuter
  • Transport
  • Manned free balloons
  • Special classes

The popular fixed wing training aircraft fall into the normal and utility standard category such as the Cessna 150, Cessna 182 or the Piper Cherokee get preferred rates from insurance carriers. These are rates that the insurance underwriter will offer at lower premium amounts than other aircraft due to ease of parts availability and a long and stable safety record.

Aircraft can also be certified under a Special Airworthiness certificate. These categories include:

  • Primary
  • Restricted
  • Multiple
  • Limited
  • Light Sport
  • Experimental
  • Special Flight Permit
  • Provisional

Although still regulated by the FAA, experimental (amateur built or kit-built aircraft) are very popular because they offer owners & builders more flexibility in the technology and parts that can be utilized in their airplanes and helicopters. However, since these aircraft are not factory built, many models are more unique and not standardized; therefore the cost of repair for these experimental aircraft can be more expensive than a standard aircraft.

No matter the category your aircraft may be registered in, agents at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) are ready to shop all the major insurance markets that are most competitive for your type of aircraft insurance risk.

To find out more about obtaining the best rate for your aircraft insurance, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today to receive your free Aircraft insurance quote!

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Aircraft Insurance FAQ: Can my friend fly my airplane?

Wednesday, August 20th, 2014

nose-prop shotMany airplane owners are generous enough to want to share their aircraft with their pilot friends. A frequent question received at Aviation Insurance Resources is “can my friend fly my plane?”

There are several ways to answer this question, starting with the Open Pilot Warranty. Many policies have an open pilot warranty or an open pilot clause stating what pilots are automatically approved to fly the aircraft without having to seek approval from the policy underwriter. The warranty will state the minimum rating and hours required for a pilot to fly the aircraft without underwriter approval.

If a pilot does not meet the open pilot warranty or if the policy is written for named pilots only, it is best to prepare your friend’s pilot history to submit for approval to be a named as an approved pilot on the policy.

Aviation Insurance Resources is happy to provide a form for the pilot to complete or take the information over the phone. Sometimes there can be an additional premium for adding another pilot. This can be due to pilot qualifications or an additional pilot surcharge and would be pro-rated if added mid-term.

To find out more about adding a pilot to your policy or to obtain a free aircraft Insurance, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today!nose-prop shot

The Facts about Aircraft Insurance Deductibles

Wednesday, July 16th, 2014

When shopping for any medium of insurance, deductibles tend to be a top concern. Most insurance policies, whether for your car or medical insurance, contain some sort of deductible. Aircraft insurance policies can contain deductibles, too, but can be handled in a way that is different than the other policies you may be used to.

Fact 1: There is no such thing as a hidden deductible.

Some aviation insurance companies claim in their advertising that they have no hidden deductibles when the truth is that there is no such thing as a hidden deductible. Each carrier is upfront about these and since AIR believes in service with integrity, these are represented clearly when obtaining a quote.

Fact 2: Most light aircraft policies have a set deductible

Aircraft insurance premiums are based on pilot experience as well as the aircraft type and hull value. Currently, most insurance carriers have set or fixed deductibles, including many that offer $0 deductibles for all the aircraft they insure. In effort to streamline policy processing and market conditions, the majority of aviation insurance companies have eliminated deductible options.

Fact 3: There are two types of deductibles: In Motion and Not in Motion

Aircraft insurance policies contain two types of deductibles: those for claims that happen while the aircraft is in motion and those while it is not in motion. As the definition of “in motion” can vary, it is important to read the wording in the definitions section of your policy. Your deductibles will be clearly stated on the declarations page of your policy as well as on your quotation from Aviation Insurance Resources.

Before purchasing aircraft insurance, whether you’ll be flying a Cessna 150 or a Cessna Citation to a seaplane or a helicopter, it is important to know the facts. Sometimes, the subject of deductibles can be confusing. We hope this blog has provided some insight for your research. As always, our agents and pilots at AIR look forward to sharing those facts with you.

To learn more about your policies deductibles or to receive an aircraft insurance quote, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today! You can also find us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Google+.

Get into the AIR with gyroplane insurance from Aviation Insurance Resources

Tuesday, March 11th, 2014

The gyroplane, also known as an autogyro or gyrocopter made its mark early in aviation history, first flown in January of 1923. Since then, gyroplanes have been catching the hearts of pilots around the world. Amelia Earhart even had to get in on the action, breaking a women’s world altitude record in a gyroplane in 1931. With the ability to fly as a helicopter including STOL (short take-off and landing) and float capabilities, the gyroplane is a unique class of aircraft offered in the aviation market that includes that “rotor wing flying” experience. To properly protect a gyroplane, an insurance agency knowledgeable in the rotor wing industry is a must. That company is Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR).

As pilots themselves, AIR agents understand the unique nature of obtaining rotor wing insurance. In fact, they recently invited aviation insurance underwriters to join them on some gyroplane flights so that they could experience first-hand how safely and easily gyroplane aircraft are handled. The fact that AIR is willing to go the extra mile (or fly it!) ensures they are meeting their aviation insurance customers’ needs. Making the customers’ needs priority one is what ranks them among the most respected aviation insurance brokers in the industry.

Do you own or are looking at purchasing a Vortex, Lightning or the new Sportcopter II gyroplane? Perhaps an AutoGyroUSA MTO Sport, Calidus, or Cavalon or a Magni Gyro? Regardless of the brand of the gyrocopter, AIR agents are here to assist you with your gyroplane insurance every step of the way. AIR will get you covered so you are on your way to experiencing “rotor wing flying” in your very own gyrocopter.

Founded in 1999, Aviation Insurance Resources is licensed in all 50 states and has regional offices throughout the country to serve you better! If you are interested in learning more about gyrocopter insurance, helicopter insurance, or aircraft insurance discounts, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today to receive your free Aircraft insurance quote!

Aviation Insurance FAQ: When will I receive my quote?

Wednesday, January 8th, 2014

Reasons to fly vary from pilot to pilot. Some are currently involved in an aviation career or working towards one. Some enjoy how aviation makes the world around them shrink, traveling to new destinations at any moment they get. Others enjoy the view from above flying near their airport on beautiful mornings. The aircraft used in these situations vary just as much as the pilots do; as will their insurance quotation and how quickly it will be received.

Agents at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) believe strongly in providing service with integrity, to whomever contacts us. There are two types of quotations we provide: initial (new business) quotes and renewal quotes for current customers. All of our agents are pilots so we understand your aviation insurance needs. Aviation is not just an industry we work in; it is a passion we live every day.

If you’re new to AIR, it is helpful to have some information handy on initial contact. First being aircraft information, such as N#, make and model, and the hull value you are considering. Next, flying history on the pilots that will be flying the aircraft is needed. This includes full names, age, and ratings. An estimate of flight times, specifically, total time and time in the make and model of aircraft being insured and time flown in the last 12 months will also be requested.

Many aircraft with experienced pilots can be quoted the same day or within 24 hours. If it is a more complex or commercial risk it may take longer, specifically during the holidays or on weekends. AIR works with ALL the major aviation insurance markets (currently about 15). It can take time to obtain answers back from every market so that we can provide you aircraft insurance at the lowest cost and broadest coverage available. However, your agent will keep you abreast of recent updates on your file along the way.

For policies currently insured through AIR In order to obtain the best terms available for renewal, we get to work 90 days prior to your expiration date. This all starts when we send out a renewal update form to the insured. The renewal update form is quick and easy, it can be completed online within a matter of minutes with the pilot’s logbook handy.

With recent pilot information from the renewal update form, your AIR agent sets out to obtain quotes from all the markets that will provide a competitive quote for your coverage needs. About 30 days prior to the policy expiration date, you will receive your renewal quote. If you have any changes, questions, or concerns, contact your AIR agent immediately and they will be more than happy to assist.

Aviation Insurance Resources is pleased to accept checks, credit cards, and on larger premiums a premium financing plan is available. Save time…save money…call us first. One call to AIR gives you access to all major markets. Our professionals are waiting to guide you through the insurance process.

AIR offers a wide range of aircraft insurance options for aircraft of all makes and models, from experimental aircraft to standard aircraft, such as Cessna Aircraft, Beechcraft, and Cirrus Aircraft to Robinson Helicopters, builders risk insurance, renter pilots and Corporate Aircraft.  AIR also provides commercial insurance for Flight Schools, FBOs Charter operators, Maintenance shops, hangars, and workers comp and NEW UAV insurance.  AIR works with ALL the major aviation insurance markets and can help you find aircraft insurance discounts.

Click Here for a FREE Aircraft Insurance Quote!

To find out more about when your own quote will be ready, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today to receive your free Aircraft insurance quote!

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