3 ways you may be sabotaging your aircraft insurance renewal

But your insurance renewal is more than paperwork. It's an opportunity to ensure your coverage still fits your flying activities, aircraft operations, and risk profile. The information you provide can also influence the premium and coverage options available to you.

Before you push that renewal packet to the bottom of the pile, make sure you're not making one of these common mistakes.

1. Waiting until the last minute. Most insurance brokers send renewal information 60 to 90 days before a policy expires. While it may seem early, those extra weeks serve an important purpose. When you return your renewal forms promptly, you give your broker time to review any changes, address potential concerns, and explore options in the marketplace. If your account is eligible for consideration by multiple insurers, your broker needs adequate time to negotiate coverage terms and pricing on your behalf. The earlier the process begins, the more opportunity there is to find the best solution for your specific situation.
2. Leaving questions blank or providing incomplete answers. Some aircraft owners hesitate to answer certain questions because they worry a "yes" response could lead to a higher premium. Others may skip questions they don't believe are relevant. Unfortunately, providing incomplete information can create more problems than it solves. Insurance applications and renewal questionnaires are designed to help identify exposures that may not be fully addressed by your current policy. Whether you're participating in additional flight activities, using your aircraft differently, or adding pilots to your operation, those details matter. In many cases, addressing a potential coverage gap may result in little or no additional premium. More importantly, it ensures you know where you stand before a claim occurs. The goal isn't simply to secure a policy. It's to make sure the policy provides the protection you expect when you need it most.
3. Not providing enough detail. Underwriters make important decisions based largely on the information presented to them. They don't have the benefit of meeting you in person, reviewing your hangar, or observing your flying habits. Instead, they rely on the information provided by you and your broker. That's why details matter. Have you completed recurrent training this year? Participated in a safety seminar? Earned an additional rating? Installed new avionics? Improved aircraft security measures? These are all details that can help tell your story. The more complete and accurate your submission, the better equipped your broker will be to advocate for you during the renewal process. Be sure to include copies of pilot training certificates, safety course completions, and any other documentation that demonstrates your commitment to safe aircraft operation and risk management.

The bottom line

A successful renewal starts with timely, accurate, and detailed information. By responding early, fully completing renewal forms, and sharing relevant updates about your aircraft and flying activities, you help your broker present the strongest possible case to insurance underwriters.

If you have questions about your aircraft insurance renewal, Gallagher Aerospace, AOPA's aircraft insurance partner, can help guide you through the process.

Call 800-622-2672 to speak with one of our aviation insurance specialists or visit Gallagher Aerospace to learn more about protecting your aircraft and your passion for flight.