My local airport obliges everyone, solo student to ATP, to buy a rental policy as a condition to renting. AVEMCO seems to be the only game in town (if your not an AOPA member) and the rate seems high, like $250 a year with $10,000 coverage for damage. Anyone know of other providers that provide a (more reasonable rate) and take into account experience and licensing? Also in this the new normal, requiring renters insurance at FBO's? It wasn't when I learned to fly.

 

Sorry, but my only suggestion is AOPA (who I have).

 

I flew for years without renters insurance, like you did as well. It seems the figure you mention is about the going rate. If memory serves me, that's about what I payed several years ago. Personally it doesn't seem excessive, considering what it can save you from. As far as shopping around; there are not nearly the amount of aviation insurance companies as there once were. The companies that insure aircraft now are literally a hand full, and they all talk to each other. While AOPA does not have any exclusive; these companies will all be within a narrow range.

 

Well $250 is not a lot if you plan on renting many hours (like your working on a license or a rating). On the other hand, if your just looking to do a modest amount of renting, the additional cost, per hour, is significant. I also find the same rate fits all business out of line with normal insurance practices. My daughter cost more to me to insure on my auto insurance because of her youth and experience. Thats understandable and the logic of cost vs risk is fair. Why should I, a professional aviator, only wishing to rent a modest amount of hours pay the same yearly fee as a rookie working on his PPL and putting himself (from an insures point of view) at much greater risk due to the amount of hours he/she is flying (per year)?
The result is either I will bite my tongue and play (pay? ) the game or take my time and money somewhere else. I would guess many people don't "play" who otherwise might because of this additional cost to an already expensive pastime.
The GA industry doesn't have so many people lining up to learn and rent that it can afford to give anyone who otherwise could be spending money at the local airport a reason to go elsewhere.

 

Just my opinion, but as a MD-11 CA, I would think you would look at the $250 as a pittance and then ask the insurer how much will $1mil (or more) of renters liability cost me because I would imagine you have reached a point in your life where you have plenty to take if you were to have a bad day in a GA plane.

 

Sata, I'm absolutely not saying that is the case here; however I'm thinking you haven't known too many airline captains. Think paying for a couple of ex wives and sending the kiddies to college, ad infinitum. BTW, Ya know the cute gal sitting at the bar at your layover hotel? She is not likely there by accident. That is where much of the trouble starts...

 

You know I had a feeling this would go this direction.
One wife, 12 year old Seinna and 7 year old Jetta TDI. I got in this gig the same way many have on this forum, living hand to mouth.
Yes, I have wasted more than $250 on too many things, but I always kick myself over waste. I figure to rent a PA-28 maybe 5 to 10 hours over the next year. Do the math, thats an additional $25 an hour, for what? My car insurance, (admittedly) costs more, but at least I will have felt I'v put something at risk.
I'd rather give it to a charity that supports children of working CFI's, than to AIG, just my opinion.

 

It your dice - roll 'em and see whats comes up. It may not be your fault, but an injured party will come after you and your assets. 10K won't come close to the hull, and god forbid there are any injuries, or property damage. IF the FBO has insurance, first thing they will do is subrogate.

I pay 4 times your amount quoted for 50 hours/year. But I do have 1mil per occurrence, 100K per pax and 100K hull. I've worked too hard to get where I'm at financially and I don't want to lose it to a suit and/or lawyer fees, be it my fault or not.

 

Ummm....I wouldn't be so sure about that.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sa...6-million.html

 

Point taken - they go where the assets are.