We are able to offer services for aviation insurance needs.
Aviation insurance is essential for a wide range of businesses, including airfields, manufacturers, and service providers, as well as airlines and aircraft manufacturers. Whether you own a small aircraft for personal use or operate a full-scale aviation business, you should have aviation insurance to protect your equipment, aircraft and the people who use them. Aircraft insurance is a specialist form of cover tailored to address the unique risks associated with aviation operations. Our clients benefit from tailored insurance solutions and risk management expertise designed to address their specific needs.
Aviation insurance offers financial cover for some of the risks that come with operating an aircraft. Compared to other forms of transportation, there are a unique set of hazards associated with the aviation industry which require specific insurance protection to be put in place.
Aviation insurance policies must comply with relevant regulation and legal requirements, ensuring that all necessary requirements for coverage are met. This helps aircraft owners and operators to better manage unanticipated losses that can occur due to faults, accidents and natural events during the operation of aircraft and related activities.
One such coverage is aircraft liability insurance, which protects operators of aircraft against third-party liability. This includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage to third parties and other affected parties.
In the context of aviation insurance, the definition of a high-risk operation or location, such as airports and aerodromes, specifies the criteria under which certain liabilities and coverage apply. These areas are defined and often restricted to authorized personnel due to the high-risk environment.
Do I need airplane insurance?
In the same way that a car or motorbike must have insurance before it can be used on the road, an aircraft must also be fully insured before it can fly.
Certain coverage is required by law for operators and registered aircraft, ensuring compliance and operational safety.
While you can choose the level of airplane insurance you have in place, there are minimum requirements that must be met. This depends on the Maximum Take-Off Mass (MTOM) of the aircraft and on the number of passengers carried.
Aviation insurance must be used to cover the following areas such as the:
Passengers
Baggage
Third party cover
Cargo
Risks of war and terrorism (‘war risk’)
Aviation cargo insurance, which covers losses arising from the physical damage to cargo while it is in transit by air and for up to 60 days whilst in storage.
Airside Liability, which can extend to vehicles if you have a business that requires vehicles to be ‘airside’.
Aviation insurance is essential for businesses involved in general aviation, whether they operate a single aircraft or a fleet. For example, insurance requirements may differ for a single aircraft registered in one jurisdiction compared to a fleet managed by an operator with aircraft registered in multiple countries.
Horner Blakey works with some of the UK’s largest insurance companies and can help you find the right level of aviation insurance for your aircraft. We help everyone from private aircraft owners to small fleet owners, ensuring they can safeguard against a host of unexpected events.
What does aviation insurance cover?
There is a long list of coverage options you can include in your aviation insurance policy.
Public liability insurance
From ground support equipment to airport facilities, third party insurance can provide cover for anything that can be damaged by a plane, including property damage and bodily injury to third parties.
Passenger liability insurance
Mostly used for commercial aircraft carrying passengers, it covers all types of liability claims for mortally injured people who have been permanently disabled or died because of an accident involving an aircraft.
Ground risk hull insurance not in motion/in motion
When a plane is not in motion you can use this insurance to claim against damage caused by floods, fires, storms and other natural hazards. Alternatively, in-motion insurance protects against damage caused on the ground when parking, driving or being towed. Additionally, aircraft hull insurance provides coverage for losses arising from physical damage to the aircraft hull due to various perils, including war and terrorism.
In-flight insurance
This offers protection against damage caused in-flight and for every other situation on the ground, making it a more all-round option compared to in motion/not in motion insurance.
There is no set cost for aviation insurance, as the provider will have to consider a variety of factors. This includes the size, type, model and age of your aircraft stock, take-off weight, how the aircraft is used, where it is flown to, how it is stored and your insurance and claims history. The Horner Blakey team will help you gather all the information needed to create an accurate quote, while always keeping your budget in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does aviation insurance cost?
The cost of aviation insurance varies widely and depends on several factors, including the type of aircraft, its age and value, how it is used, pilot experience, flight hours and your safety record. Premiums are generally higher for commercial operations, larger aircraft and activities with increased risk. A specialist broker can help you find competitive rates and ensure the policy accurately reflects your operational needs.
What is aviation insurance?
Aviation insurance is a specialist policy that protects aircraft owners, operators and aviation businesses against the unique risks of aviation. It can include cover for aircraft hull damage, third party liability, passenger liability, hangar and equipment protection, employer liability and product liability for manufacturers or maintenance providers. It is essential for anyone involved in flying, maintaining or operating aircraft.
What factors do aviation insurers look at?
Aviation insurers assess several key factors, including the type and value of the aircraft, its intended use, pilot qualifications, training history, total flight hours, maintenance standards and where the aircraft is stored. They also consider claims history and the level of safety protocols in place. These elements help insurers determine the level of risk and set an appropriate premium.
What does aviation liability insurance cover?
Aviation liability insurance covers legal and compensation costs if your aircraft causes injury, death or property damage. It can also include passenger liability, which protects you if someone on board is injured. This type of cover is essential for both private and commercial aircraft operators and is often required by law or regulatory bodies.
Do I need specialist insurance for aerospace operations?
Yes. Aerospace businesses, including manufacturers, component suppliers, maintenance organisations and ground handling companies, need specialist aerospace insurance. It protects against product liability, design or manufacturing errors, equipment damage, hangar risks and claims arising from faulty workmanship. Standard commercial insurance is not designed to cover the complex risks associated with aerospace operations.
