Frequently Asked Questions

An insurance underwriter is part of a larger company that holds the policy, and pays on a claim. They vary in size and in business focus with some to include an aviation division. 

As your independent insurance Agent, it is our job to work with the different insurance underwriters to provide the best options for our clients.

 If you would like Packer & Associates to be your personal agent, contact our office. We will help you with the process.  

We offer a wide range of options for protection of your Aircraft, Helicopter, or Drone. We have you covered with Hanger, Airport Premises Liability, Renters Insurance, and Commercial Operations.

We have access to the same major aviation insurance underwriters as other agencies. We compare the underwriters for you. Our job is to have the right policy for the best match to your requirements protecting your asset and operations at the most competitive price.

When an insurance underwriter sees the same aircraft from multiple agents, they will not provide any additional quotes. It essentially “blocks” other agents. You should find the agent that best serves you and is easy to communicate with. 

Hull Value is the amount of value you have the aircraft insured for. Typically, it is what you paid for the aircraft. If you made upgrades it would be what it is now valued at.

A stated value insurance policy allows you to provide the value that the aircraft is insured for. This stated value is the maximum amount the insurance company will consider if you make a claim.

Ground not in motion is coverage is insurance for your aircraft while it is not under its own power. This coverage can be used while your aircraft is down for long term maintenance or you are down for an extended period of time.

Most aviation insurance policies are annual and do not automatically renew. As your agent we will remind you of the approaching expiration and get updates from you to provide a quote for the coming year protection.

To start with the aircraft type and value, your ratings, total flight hours, and recent training, the location and use, have you had a recent loss, and the age and recent experience in the aircraft of the pilots listed. 

The biggest influence is your experience in the make and model. Providing us with your updated hours helps us get the best rate. Formal training, advanced ratings, and some association memberships can also factor into lower costs to you. 

Aviation insurance is different than what most people are accustomed to. Deductibles are a set part of the policy. Increasing the deductibles typically does not change the premium enough to offset the difference.

Yes, and Yes. We offer online options through a secure source for Credit Card payments and ACH transfers. In addition to paying in full, you can contact one of our agents for premium finance options.

 Yes, we can add additional pilots during the policy period. We will collect their information and submit it to the underwriter for their consideration. The underwriter may provide requirements for the new pilot along with a change in premium.

Some policies may have an Open Pilot Warranty which provides specific minimum qualifications for the pilot to fly your aircraft. Open Pilot Warranties are meant for occasional use of the aircraft. If the pilot is going to be flying the aircraft more frequently, they should be listed as a named pilot. If they do not meet all of the qualifications, we can request a review by the underwriter to consider adding them as a named pilot for coverage.

Yes. You must include a written request to cancel the policy including effective date and signature. If your policy is with us we have a form to simplify this for you. 

Yes you should contact us to discuss increasing your hull value. We may need some additional information but it is important to protect your upgrades with the right value.

An aircrafts value changes with the market and other variables. Total time, Time SMOH, Avionics and Paint conditions can move this above or below the average. 

Recent comparable market sales, VRef, or use of an appraiser will provide the most accurate value.   

This is a common requirement and may not change the premium. However, the limits of liability are shared with the named additional insured. 

Yes. A non-owned insurance policy will protect your interests as you may be liable for damages or the owner’s insurance company may expect you to cover their loss. 

Most underwriters will require specific make and model training from an approved school or program for the aircraft’s make and model. There may be exceptions so give us a call and we’ll ask the underwriters for their requirements. 

This should be discussed with one of our agents to verify coverage. Insurance policies are not written to be all inclusive following the FAA guidelines and you may only be covered for Non-Commercial use.

To start a claim, please call our office and we can guide you through the process for your policy. 

Yes, incidents/accidents happen. The size of the previous claim and the cause of the claim can determine the best path forward. Underwriters can be more understanding if it was a not in motion event or due to mechanical malfunction. 

If it was determined that the pilot was responsible, a new insurance policy could be a challenge. Many times, continuing a previous policy with the existing underwriter is the best route. 

Should you be in this situation call one of our experienced agents to talk through your options.