AOPA Insurance Agency

Industry:	Insurance
Revenues:	$5.2 Million
Employees:	50

Description

The AOPA Insurance Agency is an agency, not an insurance underwriter. As a membership organization AOPA does not shoulder the financial risk; we leave that to companies that know this complex business. Therefore, we don't set insurance rates, which has been a controversial issue as the number of aviation underwriters has declined almost 50 percent in less than 10 years. However, we are the largest agency in the United States serving what's termed the "pleasure and business" category of personal aviation coverage. Because of our size and experience AOPA Insurance Agency management works with underwriters to supply products that address the needs of members by allowing them to adequately insure themselves, their passengers, and the aircraft in the unlikely event of a mishap.

The Wichita staff is fully licensed and trained to explain the complex world of aviation insurance terms and clauses. Your association has continually worked to improve insurance coverage for its diverse membership. Over the years products have been added for flight instructors and renter pilots.

So as an agency, we can't really control the cost of your annual aircraft insurance policy, but we can seek the best price from a variety of companies. We continue to encourage members to look beyond the price of their policy to fully understand what your association feels is proper coverage.

This includes such things as smooth limits on liability, no sub-limits on passengers, and no family exclusions. One insurance company, AIG Aviation, one of the world's most secure aviation insurers, rated A++, crafted a policy recognizing the AOPA guidelines, and it has been very popular among average aircraft owners. Late last year, the AOPA Insurance Agency and AIG Aviation agreed on a 5-percent insurance premium discount for all qualified AOPA members. The discount went into effect January 1. The response has been overwhelming. We're most pleased that AIG has recognized AOPA to be able to offer this 5-percent discount to members.

While you think of your association in terms of advocating the GA position with the FAA, the TSA, Congress, and others, keep in mind that our continuing aim is to be able to reduce your cost of flying, and the AIG Aviation 5-percent owner insurance discount is just another way we're doing that.