Introduction
The aviation community is full of specialists. Ranging from highly qualified pilots and certified engineers working to assure a high level of flight safety and reliability of the aircraft they work with.
We believe you should expect the same level of expertise and aviation knowledge from your insurance company. It also requires you to acquire some knowledge of the insurance trade to be able to negotiate a fair policy.
Aircraft Insurance
Insuring aviation properties against damage, theft, ground damage or third party liability is important as there can be a substantial financial burden. An insurance policy makes sure that you will not go broke if the unforeseen occurs.
Even when your aircraft is parked in a public hanger, minor damage is usually a (much too) common occurrence. How sadly that may be, it will happen one day and often nobody knows who did it. Thus it is very important that your pride and joy is properly insured.
During construction of a kit built aircraft it might be an idea to insure it as raw materials, not classifying it as an aircraft. Your annual premium will be lower. When your kit is ready for taxi trials it can then be insured as an aircraft ready to fly.
Those of you with a private hanger will need to insure that object too.
Collective Insurance
As group of aircraft owners it is much easier to obtain a collective deduction on your annual fees. Talk with the insurance agent and discuss even bringing all your personal insurances with them, this might persuade them in giving a higher deduction.
Pilot Training and Experience
Some insurance companies give deductions if you as a pilot have a lot of flight hours, experienced in cross country flying (do keep your logbook current) and or have followed flight safety courses or seminars.
When flying a high performance aircraft some insurers may require the pilot to follow initial and or annual recurrent training with an approved training facility.
International Flights
This implies that you will need an insurance policy which covers the regulations and requirements of the countries you wish to fly to. If a full yearly international coverage is not necessary (common for private VFR pilots) then try to negotiate a policy so that it can be activated as needed for the period you require.
