Nobody buys aircraft insurance hoping to use it. But when something happens to your plane, whether it's hail damage on the ramp, a gear-up landing, or worse, you want to know what comes next. The claims process catches a lot of owners off guard.
Call your insurer before you do anything else
A lot of owners make the mistake of arranging repairs first, then calling their insurance company. Most aircraft insurance policies require you to report a loss promptly, and some require prior approval before repair work begins. Call as soon as you can. Take photos of any damage before anything is moved.
Your policy also requires you to protect the aircraft from further damage. If your plane is sitting in a field after an off-airport landing, ask your adjuster what steps they want before you move anything.
What happens after you file
An aviation claims adjuster will review your logbooks, medical certificate, and the pilot warranty terms in your policy. If the pilot flying didn't meet the hours requirements at the time of the loss, there may be a coverage question. For owners flying their own single-engine aircraft as the only named pilot, this is usually straightforward.
For total losses, the adjuster will compare the hull value on your policy against the aircraft's market value. If you're insured on an agreed-value basis, the payout is the number on your policy.
What hull coverage does and doesn't cover
Hull coverage pays for physical damage to your aircraft. What surprises many owners: mechanical breakdown is not covered. If your engine throws a rod and you land safely, the engine replacement is on you. If that failure leads to an off-airport landing that damages the airframe, the airframe damage is usually covered. Your policy insures accidents, not wear and tear.
Will your rates go up?
Not always. A weather event that damaged your tied-down aircraft generally has no rate impact because no pilot decision was involved. Claims tied to in-flight incidents are more likely to affect your renewal. Some owners absorb smaller repairs out of pocket for this reason. If you want to review your coverage or get a fresh quote, SkyWatch makes it quick.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an aircraft insurance claim take?
Simple claims can wrap up in a few weeks. Claims involving an NTSB investigation or disputes over hull value can take several months. Staying organized and responsive to your adjuster helps.
Do I need to report an incident to the FAA or NTSB?
The NTSB requires immediate notification for accidents involving serious injury, substantial aircraft damage, or disappearance. The FAA has separate requirements. When in doubt, report. Failure to report when required creates bigger problems than the incident itself.
What if the damage happened while the aircraft was parked?
Ground damage from weather, hangar incidents, or another aircraft hitting yours is typically covered under hull, subject to your deductible. Document the damage with photos and get a repair estimate from a certified shop before filing.
Can my claim be denied?
Yes, if the loss falls under a policy exclusion or if the pilot didn't meet the pilot warranty requirements at the time of the loss. Common exclusions include mechanical breakdown, intentional acts, and flying outside the geographic territory in your policy.
Should I carry a higher deductible to lower my premium?
It can make sense if you have the cash reserves to handle a smaller repair without filing. A higher deductible lowers your annual premium. The tradeoff: if you have a significant loss, you absorb more of it upfront. It depends on your aircraft's value and your financial cushion.
