Whenever you rent or borrow an aircraft you are making yourself liable to tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs should any damage occur to the airplane. Since under FBO policies, coverage for pilots is inadequate at best, you need something more concrete, like aircraft renter’s insurance to get a more comprehensive coverage. Here are some factors that you need to know about when getting an aircraft renter’s insurance.
Avoid FAA Fines
Under many states' laws, a "non-operator" owner is not liable for the negligent piloting or maintenance of his aircraft by someone else. This is true as long as the pilot is not the owner's employee, and in circumstances where the owner lacks knowledge of any unairworthy condition. The FAA has enforced actions against pilots who are not in control of the aircraft and who merely loaned the aircraft to a friend who then committed the flight violation.
Part 91 Requirements
Some states allow recreational operators under Part 91 of the FARs, to have participants sign a disclaimer whereby the participant gives up their right to sue in the event of an accident. Such "disclaimers" may stand up in court only if carefully drafted properly by an experienced aviation attorney. An aircraft owner may wish to negotiate the inclusion of his name in any such exculpatory agreement, when another entity is using his aircraft for such activities. If you're responsible for damaging a rental plane, the FBO and their insurance company may have the right to come after you to recoup the money they had to pay for any damages brought to the plane. An aircraft renters insurance can protect you as a non-owned pilot against any claim which arises from bodily injury or damage you may have caused to others or to their property when using a non-owned aircraft.
Why Opt for Aircraft Renters Insurance?
The following are some reasons why you should opt for a aircraft renter’s insurance in California:
Protects you and your family.
Covers you when the owner's primary policy does not.
Provides liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage when you borrow or rent airplanes.
Provides legal defense coverage.
Optional Aircraft Damage Liability (ADL) for coverage of damage to the non-owned aircraft.
No deductible, ever.
No policy cap on legal defense fees for covered claims, even if you are sued for more than your liability limit.
No blanket FAR exclusions.
Get Competitive Rates at Aviation Marine
Aviation Marine Insurance Services is based in Oakland, CA and serves pilots nationwide. You can go online to get the best rates for your aircraft renters insurance. If you're an aircraft owner you may enjoy protection under the laws of many states against air crash liability as long as you're not actually piloting or maintaining your airplane. However, some stateshave passed aircraft owner liability laws to impose liability for any accidents on innocent owners for the protection of the public. Keeping the strict laws in mind, careful planning, and experienced lawyering can establish buffers to minimize liability exposure as an aircraft owner. Also, an aircraft renter’s insurance can help cushion the blow. Simply fill out the appropriate application online, submit and get a free quote.
To find out more call Aviation Marine at Call: +1 800 972 0907 or drop us an email at mail@aviation-marine.com.