As a flight instructor, you play a critical role in training and mentoring aspiring pilots. But accidents can happen even to the most experienced professionals. That's why it's important to protect yourself and your business with flight instructor insurance.
In this guide, we will explore different insurance policies available for flight instructors, the cost of each policy, and some of the best insurance companies for flight instructors.
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Products and completed operations aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit | $100,000 | $100,000 | $5,000 | $100,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Included | Can be included | No |
| Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included? | Yes | No | Excluded | Can be included | Can be included |
| Equipment breakdown floater included? | No | Yes | Yes | Can be included | Can be included |
General liability insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for third-party claims. As a flight instructor, this policy is essential in protecting you against lawsuits resulting from accidents that occur during flight instruction. This flight instructor insurance typically covers:
Bodily injury–If a student or third party sustains an injury during a flight lesson, general liability insurance will cover the medical expenses
Property damage–If you damage someone else's property during a flight lesson, general liability insurance will cover the repair or replacement costs
Coverage limits for general liability insurance typically range from $100,000 to $1 million.
Non-owned aircraft liability coverage–This covers claims arising from the use of aircraft that you don't own
Aircraft damage liability coverage–This provides coverage for damage caused to the aircraft during flight instruction activities
The Certified flight instructor insurance can also be available for flight instructors who have obtained certification from the Federal aviation administration (FAA). This insurance offers additional benefits or discounts for certified flight instructors.
Different flight schools have their own flight instructor liability insurance policies, but it's still a good idea to have your own general liability insurance for protection in case the flight school's policy doesn't provide enough coverage.
| CoverWallet | NEXT | Thimble (Best) | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Yes | Can be included | No |
Errors and omissions insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, provides coverage for cases resulting from alleged errors or omissions in your professional services. This policy is essential in protecting you against lawsuits resulting from mistakes made during flight instruction.
The coverage limits range from $150,000 to $1 million, but higher limits may be also available. Errors and omissions insurance can help in specific situations such as:
A student argues that you provided incorrect information that led to an accident
A learner claims that you failed to properly train them, leading to an accident
A third-party claims that you provided negligent advice that caused them financial loss
Defense outside the limit–This coverage will provide additional funds for legal fees outside of your errors and omissions insurance policy's coverage limit
Hangarkeepers liability–Protects your liability for damage to aircraft stored in a hangar that you lease or own
As a flight instructor, it's important to be aware of the exclusions and limitations that may come with errors and omissions insurance. Some policies may exclude coverage for intentional acts or fraud, meaning that you may not be covered if you intentionally harm someone or commit fraud in your professional capacity. It's crucial to read the policy details carefully to understand how the flight instructor insurance you choose covers you.
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| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $260,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
| Contents coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $22,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
| Outdoor signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/10,000 | Included | Excluded |
| Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Included | Excluded |
| Lock and keys | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Business interruption floater | Excluded | Included | Included | Included | Excluded |
| Equipment breakdown floater | Excluded | Included | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Inland marine insurance floater | Excluded | Excluded | $10,000 | Excluded | Excluded |
| Employee dishonesty floater | Excluded | $5,000 | $2,500 | Included | Excluded |
This type of flight instructor insurance protects your physical assets in case of damage, theft, or loss. As a flight instructor, you likely own or lease a hangar or office space. Commercial property insurance can cover the cost of repairing your property in case of damage or loss.
Coverage limits can range from $100,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the value of your assets. Some specific situations where commercial property insurance can help include:
Theft of your aircraft or equipment
Fire or water damage to your hangar or office space
Natural disasters such as tornadoes or hurricanes
Damage caused by vandalism or riots
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) coverage–Provides coverage for property damage related to drones used for training or other business purposes
Commercial property insurance can cover the cost of a new aircraft up to the policy's coverage limit, provided that it got damaged while stationary within business premises. However, it's important to review your policy's terms and conditions to understand the coverage limits and exclusions.
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| CoverWallet | Thimble (Best) | NEXT | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General liability aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $300,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Commercial property coverage limit | $50,000 | $500,000 | $260,000 | $25,000 | $75,000 |
| Optional policies can be added? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Name additional insureds for free? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BOP discount? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
A BOP is a comprehensive insurance policy that combines different types of coverage in a single package. BOPs typically include general flight instructor liability insurance and property insurance.
Coverage limits for your BOP can range from $500,000 to $2,000,000. This policy can protect you from a range of risks, including:
Your property, such as your office or equipment, is damaged or destroyed due to an event like a fire, storm or theft, a BOP can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing the property
You may face liability claims from students or others if they are injured or suffer damages as a result of your services. A BOP can provide coverage for third-party bodily injury or property damage claims, as well as legal defense costs
If your business operations are interrupted due to a covered event like a fire or natural disaster, a BOP can help cover lost income and operating expenses
Professional liability insurance–As a flight instructor, this coverage can protect you if a student sues you for negligence or claims that you failed to provide proper instruction
Employment practices liability insurance–This coverage can help protect your business if an employee sues you for discrimination, wrongful termination, or other employment-related claims
BOPs are ideal for small businesses, particularly those in low-risk industries such as office-based professions, retail, and services. However, flight instructors who operate their own business can also benefit from a BOP, as it provides comprehensive flight instructor insurance coverages at an affordable price.
| NEXT | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggregate limit | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | $15,000/$25,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Covers hired and borrowed equipment? | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | No | Yes |
| Miscellaneous equipment also covered? | $5,000/$10,000 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Offered as an endorsement to general liability insurance? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deductible | $500 | $500 | $0 | $0 |
Tools and equipment insurance provides coverage for flight instructors' equipment, tools, and other supplies that are used in flight training.
The coverage limits for this policy vary, but naturally range from about $5,000 to $20,000. This policy can help flight instructors in specific situations such as:
Theft of equipment
Damage to equipment due to a fire
Natural disasters
Inland marine coverage–This add-on can protect your equipment while it is being transported, such as during airshows or training sessions at other airports
Electronic data processing coverage–This covers the loss or damage of electronic data, such as instructional materials, curriculum plans, and other teaching aids
Determining the appropriate amount of coverage for your tools and equipment is important. To determine the appropriate coverage amount, consider conducting a detailed inventory of your equipment and determining its overall value.
This policy provides flight instructors insurance coverage if you are injured while working. This policy covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses for work-related injuries. This policy can help flight instructors in specific situations such as:
Injuries sustained while giving flying lessons
Accidents that occur while performing maintenance on aircraft
This depends on the state in which you operate. Some states require all employers to carry workers compensation insurance, while others exempt small businesses.
This policy provides supplementary coverage beyond the limits of your primary flight instructor liability insurance policy. Excess liability insurance can cover damages or legal fees resulting from accidents or incidents that exceed the coverage limits of your primary policy.
Coverage limits for excess liability policy range from $1 million to $5 million. This policy can help you in specific situations such as:
A lawsuit resulting from a student's injury during a flight lesson.
Property damage caused during instruction
While general liability insurance can provide important coverage for flight instructors, it may not be enough in certain situations. Excess liability insurance can provide additional coverage beyond the limits of this primary policy, which can be important in cases involving serious injury or death, large property damage claims, or expensive legal fees.
This policy is designed to protect you from the risks associated with data breaches, phishing, malware, ransomware, and other cyber attacks. Cyber liability insurance covers the cost of legal defense, customer notification, data recovery, and business income loss.
Cyber extortion coverage–This coverage can provide protection against losses resulting from threats to damage, destroy, or steal electronic data or to release confidential information unless a ransom is paid
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General liability insurance | $42 | $504 | $0-$500 |
| Professional liability insurance | $50 | $600 | $500-$1,000 |
| Commercial property insurance | $67 | $804 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Business owner's policy | $109 | $1,308 | $500-$1,000 |
| Workers compensation insurance | $83 | $996 | $1,500 |
| Cyber liability insurance | $70 | $840 | $500-$1,000 |
| Tools and equipment insurance | $46 | $552 | $500-$1,000 |
| Excess liability insurance | $53 | $636 | $1,000-$2,000 |
On average, the cost of flight instructor insurance is $42 per month or $504 per year for a $1 million general liability policy. The flight instructor insurance cost varies depending on several factors, such as the coverage limits, deductible, location, and type of aircraft you operate. Here’s a table showing how much the best companies charge for a $1 million general liability insurance:
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT | $25 | $300 | Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for flight instructors |
| CoverWallet | $27 | $324 | Comparing flight instructor insurance quotes online |
| The Hartford | $31 | $372 | Workers compensation insurance for flight instructors |
| Tivly | $33 | $396 | Comparing flight instructor insurance quotes over the phone |
| Thimble | $36 | $432 | Short-term insurance coverage for flight instructors |
| Hiscox | $34 | $408 | Medium-sized flight instructor businesses with various insurance needs |
| AOPA | $60 | $720 | Certified flight schools and flight instructors |
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
When purchasing flight instructor insurance, make sure to choose a policy that fits your specific needs and budget. It's essential to find a balance between adequate coverage and affordable premiums to ensure you have the protection you need without breaking the bank.
Here are some of the companies you should consider working with. Read some of the reviews below to know their pros, cons, and average rate for a $1 million general liability insurance.
Best overall
Issues an online proof of insurance instantly
Fastest general liability insurance for flight instructors
Great customer service and reputation
Excellent rates
Outstanding value for money
Get a 10% discount if you buy two or more policies
May not be available in all areas
NEXT is an online business insurance company that offers small-business owners a wide range of policies. One of the critical advantages of Next Insurance is its digital platform, which allows users to conveniently purchase policies, access and share certificates of insurance, and manage claims online.
Despite being established in 2016, Next Insurance handles its own claims and is independently rated by AM Best, setting it apart from other online business insurance providers. This makes Next Insurance an ideal choice for small-business owners who require quick coverage and prefer the convenience of digital policy management.
Best for: Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for flight instructors
Average cost: $25 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Manage your policies quickly online
Compare quotes online
Terrorism coverage can be included to general liability insurance
They provide outstanding customer service and support
Not an insurance company but an insurance broker
CoverWallet is another reputable option for customizable flight instructor insurance policies. Established in 2015, the company has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to insurance.
CoverWallet specializes in providing tailored insurance solutions for small businesses, offering flexibility and customization options to meet the unique needs of flight instructors. Their user-friendly platform allows flight instructors to easily explore coverage options, customize policies, and manage their insurance online.
With CoverWallet, flight instructors can expect a seamless and personalized insurance experience backed by the company's expertise in serving small businesses.
Best for: Comparing flight instructor insurance quotes online
Average cost: $27 per month
Our rating: 10/10
They have a long-standing reputation as a reliable insurance company
Received numerous awards for their workers comp policies
Reduced rates are offered to individuals who are 50 years old or older
You need to call an agent for a quote on specialized insurance solutions
The Hartford is a widely recognized insurance company that offers affordable and comprehensive flight instructor insurance policies. With their extensive experience in the industry, Hartford is known for providing reliable coverage options tailored to the needs of flight instructors.
Their insurance policies encompass various aspects, including liability coverage to protect against bodily injury or property damage during flight instruction, as well as hull coverage for the aircraft used in instruction. By offering a range of coverage options, Hartford aims to ensure that flight instructors have access to the protection they require at a reasonable cost.
Best for: Workers compensation insurance for flight instructors
Average cost: $31 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Has affordable insurance solutions, with cheap monthly policies
Rapid data estimation to enhance the fulfillment of customers
Compare quotes over the phone
No online quotes
Tivly is a newer insurance provider specializing in flight instructor liability insurance coverage. Although relatively new to the industry, Tivly focuses specifically on addressing the unique liability risks faced by flight instructors. Their insurance policies are designed to protect flight instructors against potential claims and lawsuits arising from accidents or injuries that occur during flight instruction sessions.
Tivly aims to provide comprehensive liability coverage that meets the specific needs of flight instructors, offering them peace of mind and financial protection. As a newer entrant in the market, Tivly brings fresh perspectives and tailored solutions to flight instructor insurance. Call now to compare quotes over the phone.
Best for: Comparing flight instructor insurance quotes over the phone
Average cost: $33 per month
Our rating: 8/10
The possibility to buy coverage for your flight instructor business for a brief duration, such as 1 month, 1 day, or even just 1 hour.
Numerous add-ons to general liability insurance
Offers professional liability insurance as an add-on to general liability insurance
You can’t reach customer service by calling
Thimble is a reputable provider of flexible and on-demand flight instructor insurance policies. They understand the unique requirements of flight instructors and offer coverage options that can be tailored to meet individual needs.
Thimble's policies are designed to provide financial protection and peace of mind during flight instruction activities. One of the key advantages of Thimble is its flexibility, allowing flight instructors to obtain coverage for specific time periods or on-demand basis. This enables flight instructors to have insurance precisely when they need it, potentially reducing costs.
Best for: Short-term insurance coverage for flight instructors
Average cost: $36 per month
Our rating: 9/10
Extended coverage alternatives to fit your business's needs
Worldwide liability coverage
14-day money-back guarantee
Competitive pricing and discounts for bundling numerous insurance policies
Online quoting not available all the time due to periodic site maintenance
Hiscox, founded in 1901, is a leading insurance provider offering comprehensive flight instructor insurance policies. They specialize in providing liability coverage specifically designed to protect flight instructors against third-party claims and accidents that may occur during flight instruction sessions.
With over a century of experience, Hiscox understands the unique risks faced by flight instructors and strives to offer extensive coverage options to ensure adequate protection. Flight instructors can rely on Hiscox's expertise and commitment to providing reliable insurance solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Best for: Medium-sized flight instructor businesses with various insurance needs
Average cost: $34 per month
Our rating: 8/10
AOPA Flight Instructor Insurance offers customized coverage to fit the specific needs of flight instructors and flight schools
They have significant experience and knowledge in aviation insurance
Access to resources
Only available to its members, which may limit its accessibility to some individuals
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, is a well-known aviation organization that also offers various insurance products for pilots and aircraft owners. AOPA's instructor insurance is specifically designed to provide coverage for certified flight instructors and flight schools.
Best for: Certified flight schools and flight instructors
Average cost: $60 per month
Our rating: 7/10
Use anyone except Employers. Period. They are non-transparent and shameful. After I complained long enough to warrant a call from a supervisor, the supervisor called back from a PRIVATE NUMBER (no caller ID), left a message that they are not reversing their decision (without any communication with me), and failed to leave a phone number for me to call back. She was hiding! They also fact find via email and phone calls, which is terrific for speed and communication. However, after setting a precedence of email or phone calls, they send time sensitive information via email, without any heads up... they are hoping you miss it and forfeit via expiration. Evil policies. Go elsewhere.
This place is an absolute joke of a company and should be ashamed of the way they conduct business. I was hurt on the job at the end of July and it took them just shy of 7 weeks to issue out a paycheck to me. Yes the amount was back dated but still. Not many have the luxury of not receiving a paycheck for almost 2 months. To top it all off, the original adjuster marked me down for the wrong state which caused a problem from the get go, I've had 3 different adjusters now since each one can't seem to figure out the simplicity of my claim. All my paperwork which includes, my job, house, and drs visits all are from the same state and city but yet some how I have been filed under a completely different state 1500 miles away. They do not answer your phone calls or emails no matter how many you leave. I've had to escalate my frustrations to the supervisors of each of these individuals in order to even get some kind of response. I've had more communication and information given to me about my claim from the customer service representatives then the actual adjusters.......... please tell me how that works?! A serious overhaul needs to happen here in order to serve your clients the way they deserve to be taken care of. 10/10 do not recommend this company to a single soul on earth
I have never had the displeasure of working with a more incompetent and disrespectful person in my life. I’m an injured worker and the adjuster that was assigned to my case was named Carrie Furgeson. In the past 6 weeks that I’ve been injured and out of work I have only been able to get ahold of her twice, not for lack of trying. I have left countless voicemails, countless emails, and she ignores them all. When I am finally able to get ahold of her I’m greeted with terrible customer service. She is rude, she talks over me and I’m hardly able to get a word in edgewise. She spelled my name wrong on my documents even after I spelled it for her properly countless times, this caused a whole new issue with my bank. I have bill collectors from the hospital calling me demanding payment and Carrie Furgeson won’t do a single thing to help, or to get them paid. All of my documentation is in Colorado, my job is in Colorado, my address is in Colorado, all my Dr offices and appointments have been in Colorado and Carrie still managed to hold my claim because she wasn’t sure what state she needed to file it under. It’s been 6 weeks since my Injury and my company still hasn’t received the wage paperwork to fill out so they can get me my correct wages. When she’s not ignoring me she’s answering my questions with “I don’t know” well I don’t know how she got this job, because apparently she doesn’t know anything about it. She is a disgusting morose individual inside and out and I genuinely wish her the worst in all of her future endeavors. I highly recommend you don’t use this company. Please if you are a business owner and your looking into this company please don’t use them. I’m sure they have the cheapest payment and that’s why companies use them in the first place, but you will be doing your employees a grave disservice by forcing them to venture into this absolute dumpster fire of a company. I would rate 0/5 if possible but 1 was the lowest I was allowed.
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
As long as they cover your line of business, you're literally covered! best rates, best coverage, best online experience, best professionals, can't be happier that I chose them!
Not all those who wander are lost.
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