CFI Non-Owned Aircraft

Have a question about Avemco's CFI Non-Owned aircraft insurance? Browse through our list of frequently asked questions below. If you still can't find the answer you're looking for, contact us at 888-241-7891 (Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST). One of our aviation underwriters will be happy to assist you.

1. What is CFI Non-Owned (Renter's/Borrower's) Insurance?
2. I would like to give instruction in my own plane. Does the Avemco CFI Renter's policy cover me when I provide instruction in my own aircraft?
3. I am a CFI and work for a local FBO. What liability coverage should I get to protect myself?
4. I have been contracted to provide instruction in another person's airplane. Will the owner's insurance policy offer me liability protection if he names me as an approved pilot on that airplane?
5. Does the Avemco CFI Non-Owned policy cover me for claims asserting that I did not instruct someone properly?
6. I want to borrow a friend's airplane and give dual flight instruction. What coverage do you recommend I get?
7. What is the Avemco Safety Rewards Program?
8. What is an A.M. Best rating?
9. How do I report a claim?
10. How do I purchase Avemco's CFI Non-Owned Insurance?

1. Q: What is CFI Non-Owned (Renter's/Borrower's) Insurance?
   A: CFI Non-Owned insurance is designed to protect both the part time and full time Certificated Flight Instructor when instructing in an aircraft not belonging to the CFI. The policy provides liability coverage for Bodily Injury and Property Damage you may cause to others or their property. Also available is Aircraft Damage Liability (ADL) for damage to the non-owned aircraft. Also included is your use of a non-owned aircraft for your personal (non-CFI/aviation) business and pleasure flying.



2. Q: I would like to give instruction in my own plane. Does the Avemco CFI Renter's policy cover me when I provide instruction in my own aircraft?
   A: No. The CFI Non-Owned Aircraft Insurance Policy only provides coverage when instructing in a "non-owned aircraft," as defined in the policy. However, Avemco does offer a product if you instruct on a part-time basis in your own aircraft. Click here for more information on the Avemco CFI Owned Insurance program.



3. Q: I am a CFI and work for a local FBO. What liability coverage should I get to protect myself?
   A: Unless you are absolutely sure you have coverage under the FBO's policy, and that the FBO's policy is in force, you should protect yourself by purchasing a non-owned aircraft policy with a CFI Endorsement (click here to review the CFI Endorsement). Since different people have different needs, there is no standard recommended amount of liability coverage you should carry. You need to consider factors such as your personal assets, earnings, the liability limits you carry on your other insurance policies such as auto or homeowners, whom you carry as passengers, and how much insurance you can afford or that is available, among others. Obviously, buying the most coverage you can afford and that is available is your safest bet.


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4. Q: I have been contracted to provide instruction in another person's airplane. Will the owner's insurance policy offer me liability protection if he names me as an approved pilot on that airplane?
   A: No. Your being named as an approved pilot on their policy keeps their coverage in force when you operate their aircraft but does not automatically extend coverage to you. To do that you can purchase a CFI Non-Owned policy.



5. Q: Does the Avemco CFI Non-Owned policy cover me for claims asserting that I did not instruct someone properly?
   A: No. The Avemco policy is not intended to provide you with professional liability coverage. Coverage only applies when you are in the aircraft providing instruction.



6. Q: I want to borrow a friend's airplane and give dual flight instruction. What coverage do you recommend I get?
   A: You would need a CFI Non-Owned Aircraft Insurance Policy. In addition to Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability coverage, you should purchase Aircraft Damage Liability in an amount that will cover the value of your friend's aircraft. Your friend should understand, however, that your use of their aircraft to give flight instruction will likely void their coverage unless that instruction is agreed to by their insurer.


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7. Q: What is the Avemco Safety Rewards Program?
   A: Avemco's Safety Rewards is a two-part program, ground and flight, that rewards pilots for participating in specialized training to improve their skills as pilots. Participation can save up to 10% on your annual insurance premium. To be eligible for the ground portion, complete any FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) WINGS Knowledge course and receive a 5% premium credit. Take an Avemco-recognized flight training course, including WINGS-approved training and become eligible for another 5% premium credit. Or complete both, obtain an upgraded certificate or IFR and become eligible for the full 10% savings. And completion of any of these approved programs qualifies you to receive the savings from Avemco immediately upon notification to us. No need to wait until your policy renewal.



8. Q: What is an A.M. Best rating?
   A: The A.M. Best rating reflects an insurance company's financial strength and its ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. The rating categories range from A++ and A+ (Superior) to F (in liquidation). Avemco's A.M. Best rating is A+ (Superior) and the company specializes in general aviation insurance, making it the right choice for peace of mind in aviation insurance. For the latest rating visit www.ambest.com.



9. Q: How do I report a claim?
   A: Avemco's claims are administered by Aviation Light Services Corporation (ALS). ALS can be reached by calling 800-874-9124 during regular business hours Monday through Friday Eastern or anytime in the event of an emergency at 888-635-4303.
   
   After a claim is reported a field adjuster should contact you within 24 to 48 hours. You can assist in the claim process by having the following documents ready for ALS's adjuster:
   • A copy of the aircraft registration.
   • A copy of the aircraft and engine log book pages showing the date of the last annual inspection.
   • If your loss was in-flight, the pilot will need to give us copies of his/her license, medical certificate and the page from their log book showing the date of the last BFR.
10. Q: How do I purchase Avemco's CFI Non-Owned Insurance?
    A: Click here to purchase the coverage on this website anytime, or call Avemco toll-free at 888-241-7891 and any Aviation Underwriter can assist you and bind coverage over the telephone with an approved credit card. If you prefer to fill out an application and mail it you may also complete a CFI Non-Owned application selecting the coverage you want and return it with a check or credit card number for the annual amount. (click here for downloadable pdf application)


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These FAQs and answers are general in nature and are not intended to address the specific requirements of an individual's policy. These should be discussed directly with one of Avemco's trained staff. In all cases, the terms, conditions of the policy and policy endorsements will determine the outcome of a specific situation.