Introduced in 1956 as the more powerful sibling to the iconic 172, the Cessna 182 Skylane has evolved into the definitive personal transportation aircraft. Its 230-hp engine, 145-knot cruise speed, and 1,100+ pound useful load make it the perfect balance of performance and utility. Later variants added fuel injection, turbocharging, and glass panels, but the basic formula remained: a reliable, predictable airframe that can haul a family and bags through a wide weather envelope while remaining within the capabilities of the average private pilot.
What Drives a Cessna 182 Premium?
SkyWatch quotes follow the five levers outlined in our master article—hours on make & model, pilot credentials, storage, liability limit and claims history.
The table below shows how those variables interact across several real 2025 SkyWatch policies.
Key insights from the sample
- Hours on make & model dominate premium calculations: A pilot with 1,939 C182 hours pays only $480 (liability only), while one with just 122 model-specific hours pays $1,207—highlighting the weight insurers place on aircraft-specific experience.
- Targeted coverage choices matter more than credentials: Pilots with minimal Cessna time can still access reasonable rates ($493) when limiting coverage to liability only, emphasizing the role of strategic coverage decisions.
- Age and model variations influence baseline costs: Older G/L/P models (1960s-70s) show extreme premium variation ($493-$2,852) despite similar hull values, reflecting insurers' model-specific risk calculations.
- Hull coverage multiplies premium impact: Aircraft with hull coverage see substantially higher premiums than liability-only policies, with the premium differential far exceeding the cost of the added liability limit bump from $500k to $1M.
For a deeper examination of each pricing lever—hours, ratings, storage, liability and claims-see "5 Data-Backed Factors That Shape Your Light-Aircraft Insurance Premium."
Common Claim Patterns on Cessna 182s
- Propeller strikes during off-airport operations: The C182's backcountry capability sometimes leads pilots to unimproved surfaces with hidden hazards.
- Weather-related tie-down damage: High wings are particularly vulnerable to lifting forces in strong winds when tied down.
- Hard landing firewall damage: Heavier than the 172, the 182 requires more deliberate flare timing to prevent firm arrivals.
While these issues affect many GA aircraft, the 182's typical mission profile—often pushing weather and payload limits—magnifies their frequency. Avoiding them keeps your record clean and your renewal options wide open.
Get a Personal Quote in 90 Seconds
SkyWatch acts as your digital broker: enter your C182 details, connect a digital logbook and pick your liability limit. You'll see a live quote in about 90 seconds—no phone tag, no paperwork. If you lease hangar space, confirm the operator's insurance covers fire, flood and ramp liability; a sturdy roof is great protection, a well-insured roof is even better.
