CFI Non-Owned Insurance

[TOGA9]

Does anybody have an opinion or experience with CFI liability policies? I am hoping to instruct at my flight school and would like to have some personal coverage for liability and also to use in case I instruct independently or rent an airplane for fun. I plan to purchase for bodily/property liability and aircraft damage.

The three policies I have looked at so far are: AOPA, NAFI (Falcon Insurance), and Avemco.

The AOPA policy seemed pretty standard, the NAFI policy had the benefit of also including multi engine coverage (I would like to MEI someday), and the Avemco policy did not extend to "truly" professional liability (it only covers claims of liability while in the aircraft).

Those were the biggest differences I saw. Anybody out there with actual experience in dealing with these companies? Are there any companies you recommend that I have not looked into?

 

[MidlifeFlyer]

I think you've pretty much it the differences. Good job actually looking closely. I'm sure AVEMCO has made a lot of premium money from CFIs who didn't realize it only covered them while in the airplane.

I had the NAFI policy for years and switched to the AOPA one when I decided not to renew my NAFI membership.

Fortunately, I have not had to deal with any of these companies where the rubber meets the road - claims.

 

[CoffeeIcePapers]

NAFI is the only one who will cover you in a twin.

 

[TOGA9]

Thank you both for the information. I saw one more policy I thought I would add if anyone else is curious. It is through SAFE (Society of Aviation and Flight Educators) by a broker. It appears to cover twin flying as well. Looks to be a relatively new offering (launched in 2010).

http://www.safepilots.org/programs/safe-initiatives/cfi-liability-insurance/

And yes I agree, it is necessary to read the terms closely!

 

[athlete526]

Does anybody have an opinion or experience with CFI liability policies? I am hoping to instruct at my flight school and would like to have some personal coverage for liability and also to use in case I instruct independently or rent an airplane for fun. I plan to purchase for bodily/property liability and aircraft damage.

The three policies I have looked at so far are: AOPA, NAFI (Falcon Insurance), and Avemco.

The AOPA policy seemed pretty standard, the NAFI policy had the benefit of also including multi engine coverage (I would like to MEI someday), and the Avemco policy did not extend to "truly" professional liability (it only covers claims of liability while in the aircraft).

Those were the biggest differences I saw. Anybody out there with actual experience in dealing with these companies? Are there any companies you recommend that I have not looked into?

On another note, if you do end up doing some private instruction on the side, make sure you have the owner of the aircraft add you as an approved pilot on the policy. Most people will add you but you have to make sure that you are approved to provide a pilot service such as a flight instructor. Also make sure you get a certificate of insurance listing you as an additional insured on the policy with a waiver of subrogation this way your policy will be excess and not primary and won't hurt you when you renew your policy.