Become a better aviation insurance provider by participating in specialized education and training programs that will build up your resume and advance your career goals. By taking advantage of additional courses, designations and educational resources, you are demonstrating to current and prospective clients your commitment to the aviation insurance industry and competence as an insurance professional.

Before deciding to partake in specialized schooling, however, take into account your geographical location, career goals and time constraints. Review the following steps when considering aviation insurance education and training:

1. Obtain the only designation available for an aviation insurance agent: Certified Aviation Insurance Professional.

2. Utilize specialized educational programs and partnerships intended for professionals working at aviation insurance companies.

3. Learn more about aviation insurance policy through supplementary resources and materials.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Acquire the CAIP designation after working in the aircraft insurance industry for 5 years

Earning special certifications is advantageous for working professionals. There is only one designation, however, available for aviation insurance adjusters and that is the Certified Aviation Insurance Professional (CAIP). Visit the Aviation Insurance Association to begin your program of study and enhance your career opportunities.

I recommend: Learn about the Certified Aviation Insurance Professional program offered by the Aviation Insurance Association. Sign up for the pre-requisite courses needed to obtain the CAIP designation at the American Institute for CPCU and Insurance Institute of America.

Take advantage of special airline insurance programs and partnerships

Strengthen your credentials working at an aviation insurance agency by participating in aviation business insurance partnerships and educational programs. Not only will you personally benefit by advancing your educational background and skill set but you will professionally benefit by demonstrating to current and future clients your airline flight insurance expertise. Access program information online before registering or participating for any professional or educational program.

I recommend: Visit the National Business Aviation Association and learn about the Professional Development Program. Become a strategic partner in the area of risk management and insurance with the International Air Transport Association.

Utilize aviation insurance supplementary resources and materials

Take advantage of print resources to save time and money. Reading books that highlight aircraft maintenance insurance, aircraft liability insurance and commercial aviation insurance will increase your professional efficiency and expertise without requiring you to participate or pay for an educational course or program. Evaluate and order books online that meet your career needs.

I recommend: Look at ISBNdb.com to view and purchase a book about the law and practice of aviation insurance. Check out "Introduction to Aviation Insurance and Risk Management" at Open Library and choose which link provides the best purchase price.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Set yourself apart from other aircraft insurance professionals and aircraft insurance companies by listing and explaining all educational and professional achievements attained on your resume.

If you’re involved in the airline and aviation industry, then you’re going to have to look into an aviation insurance policy. Aviation insurance companies can offer many different types of policies, including aircraft, airplane, helicopter, pilot, FBO and airline insurance plans.

An aviation insurance agency can provide coverage for airlines, aircraft owners, pilots, aircraft dealers, charter companies and more. Commercial aviation insurance companies will provide protection of your assets in the case of an accident or injury that occurs on an aircraft.

1. Locate aircraft insurance companies. You’ll want a company with plenty of experience in the field with a directory of well known clients.

2. Speak to an aviation insurance agent. Request an aircraft insurance quote and detailed information about policy options and coverage amounts.

3. Choose your aviation insurance policy type and start the enrollment process. Once the aviation insurance agency discusses your options, you can take out a policy for your company.

Action Steps
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Find aviation insurance companies

Not only do you want to find an aviation insurance agency that services your area, but also a group that offers low competitive rates. Rates will differ depending on the size of the aircraft, pilot experience and desired coverage amount.

I recommend: Avemco Insurance Company has low premiums as well as plenty of coverage options for interested parties. Besides owner coverage, the company also extends coverage to renters and borrowers of aircraft. Contact Southwest Aviation Insurance Group to receive more information about their insurance carriers and services.

Determine the type of aviation insurance coverage you need

Since aviation is a broad term for the industry, you're going to find several different policy types while investigating plans. Policies will differ depending on the type of aircraft as well, including commercial, private, agricultural and corporate.

I recommend: You can look through the various policies and coverage amounts available through Regal Aviation Insurance. Choose your type of aircraft for additional information. Visit the United States Aircraft Insurance Group website in order to see their available policies.

Acquire aviation business insurance quotes

You can choose to do your own research and gather quotes from aircraft insurance companies. You'll need to provide aircraft information as well as pilot licensing details prior to receiving a quote from an agency.

I recommend: You can electronically send the quote request form on the CS&A Insurance website. The agency has a department that exclusively handles aviation insurance policies. If you own an aircraft, request a quote from AOPA Insurance Agency. You can receive a fast and free quote online by filling out some basic information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  An aviation insurance carrier will include risk assessment, underwriting and claims adjustment within your policy. Aviation insurance adjusters will typically investigate and estimate the cost of the claim prior to processing.

If your company has pilots, planes or both, you've probably looked at the various types of aviation insurance available. Aviation insurance can cover a variety of circumstances that other insurance policies will not. Before you shop around for the right policy, take some time to learn the terminology associated with aviation insurance.

Action Steps
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Hull insurance

Hull insurance for your company's airplane will cover the body of the airplane as well as wings, engines and some of the instruments attached to the plane.

I recommend: For a full description of hull insurance, as well as some common exceptions, read the glossary entry at AllBusiness.com.

Personal non-owned aircraft liability

When a pilot rents a plane, the person who owns the plane may or may not have an insurance policy that will cover the pilot and passengers if something happens. Personal non-owned aircraft liability offers protection for the person renting the plane. This is similar to non-owned hull insurance, although differences exist.

I recommend: The Aviation Publishing Group discusses the ins and outs of personal non-owned aircraft liability.

Aircraft liability insurance

Aircraft liability insurance covers the aircraft owner if the plane's passengers or bystanders are injured as a result of your airplane. Insurance companies may write this coverage in different ways, such as setting a limit per person or per occurrence.

I recommend: The EAA discusses aircraft liability insurance, including the different types available and what sorts of coverage your aircraft might need.

Hangarkeepers' liability

Hangarkeepers' liability insurance covers your plane if something should happen to it while it is in storage in another party's hangar.

I recommend: Read up on hangarkeepers' liability at International Risk Management Institute.

Grounding coverage

If the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or other federal authority grounds your business' airplanes, then grounding coverage should help offset the losses your company might suffer.

I recommend: For a more detailed description of grounding coverage, read how the Northwest Insurance Group defines it.

Blocked

If your company tries to get aviation insurance quotes from more than one agent at a time, then you may be blocked from getting an insurance quote. You are not allowed to get quotes from more than one agent at a time.

I recommend: Aviation Insurance Resources explains what it means to be blocked and also how you can keep your company from getting blocked when you want to get aviation insurance quotes.