Since Richard VanGrunsven introduced the first RV-1 in 1965, the VAN's Aircraft RV series has become the world's most successful kit aircraft lineup with over 11,000 completed and flying. From the nimble single-seat RV-3 to the versatile four-seat RV-10, these all-metal homebuilts combine fighter-like handling with remarkable efficiency—typically delivering 150+ knot cruise speeds on 150-200 hp engines. The builder-pilot connection creates a uniquely personal aircraft ownership experience, while their strong resale values reflect the design's enduring appeal.
What Drives an RV Premium?
SkyWatch quotes follow the five key factors 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 RV policies.
Key insights from the sample
- Premium consistency defies pilot certification variations: Pilots with varying flight backgrounds all face similar premiums ($1,445–$1,955), suggesting builder quality and aircraft characteristics matter more than individual credentials.
- Model generation impacts pricing more than hours: The newest models (2022-2023) command the highest premiums regardless of pilot experience, while the 2007-2012 variants cost less despite sometimes having less experienced pilots.
- RV-specific hours create unexpected premium inversions: The pilot with 670 hours in type pays the highest premium ($1,955), while those with under 10 hours in type often see lower rates, suggesting recent formal transition training may outweigh raw hours.
- Hull values reflect aircraft generation but don't directly scale premiums: The $290,000 RV-14 costs just $211 more to insure than the $150,000 RV-12 SLSA, indicating a premium "ceiling" effect for well-built kit aircraft.
- Tricycle gear configurations dominate modern RV variants: Four of five examples feature fixed tricycle (FT) landing gear, with only the vintage RV-4 using a taildragger (TD) configuration, reflecting the broader industry shift toward tricycle gear for safety and insurance reasons.
For a deeper look at 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 RVs
- Nose-gear collapses: Particularly on tricycle-gear variants during firm landings or rough field operations.
- Ground handling incidents: The excellent visibility from RV cockpits doesn't always prevent hangar rash in tight quarters.
- Control surface damage: Light control forces can lead to overcontrol incidents during gusty conditions for new RV pilots.
Proactive transition training and disciplined operating procedures help avoid these common scenarios and keep your insurance options favorable.
Get a Personal Quote in 90 Seconds
SkyWatch acts as your digital broker: enter your RV 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.
