Whether it’s a hangar incident, a weather-related loss, or damage from a hard landing, dealing with the consequences of an accident is stressful enough without having to worry about the ins and outs of filing an insurance claim.
Fortunately, the claims process doesn’t have to be a mystery. Once you understand how aviation insurance claims typically work, you can respond appropriately, avoid unnecessary delays, and get back in the air as quickly as possible. Here’s what you can expect.
1. Prioritize Safety
Your first responsibility after any incident is protecting people, not completing paperwork. Only begin addressing the insurance aspects of the event once you confirm everyone is safe.
If an accident or emergency occurs:
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Secure the area if it’s possible to do so safely.
- Contact emergency responders.
- Notify the appropriate personnel if the incident occurred on airport property.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company
Waiting too long to report an incident is one of the most critical mistakes aircraft owners make. Even if the damage appears minor, notify your insurance company or broker as soon as reasonably possible. Early reporting gives you a chance to ask questions before repairs begin.
Prompt communication often leads to a smoother claims experience. Be ready to provide:
- The date and location of the incident
- The aircraft registration number
- A description of what happened
- Information about everyone involved
- Photographs, if you can safely take them
3. Document the Damage
Documentation can make or break your insurance claim. The more complete the documentation, the easier it is to evaluate the loss.
If conditions allow, photograph:
- The aircraft from multiple angles
- Visible damage
- Nearby structures or objects involved
- Runway or taxiway conditions, if relevant
- Weather conditions, when appropriate
It’s also helpful to gather:
- Pilot logbook entries
- Maintenance records
- Inspection documentation
- Witness contact information
4. An Insurance Adjuster Reviews the Claim
After you start a claim, your insurance company will typically assign an aviation claims adjuster whose job is to determine:
- What caused the damage
- Whether your policy covers this loss
- The extent of the damage
- The estimated cost of repairs
The adjuster may review maintenance records, pilot qualifications, inspection logs, weather reports, and other information relevant to the incident. This investigation is a standard part of the process, which ensures fair and accurate claims handling.
5. Aircraft Inspection and Repair Estimates
Before repairs begin, qualified aviation professionals must inspect the aircraft in detail to reveal additional repairs that weren’t immediately apparent.
Depending on the circumstances, the insurer may:
- Recommend approved repair facilities
- Coordinate inspections with certified mechanics
- Request multiple repair estimates
- Authorize a teardown inspection if they suspect hidden damage
6. Repair Authorization or Total Loss Evaluation
Once the insurance company completes their inspection, they’ll determine the most appropriate way to proceed. If repair is possible, your insurer will authorize it according to the terms of your policy, which may involve:
- Structural work
- Engine inspections or overhaul
- Avionics replacement
- Propeller repairs
- Paint and cosmetic restoration
In some situations, repair costs exceed the aircraft’s insured value or are otherwise not economically practical. When this happens, your insurer will handle the claim as a total loss based on your policy’s terms, including the agreed hull value if applicable.
What Can Delay an Aviation Insurance Claim?
Most claims proceed smoothly, but several factors can slow the process:
- Incomplete maintenance records
- Delayed reporting
- Difficulty obtaining replacement parts
- Questions regarding pilot qualifications
- Major weather events affecting multiple aircraft simultaneously
- International incidents involving multiple regulatory agencies
Keeping organized records and communicating promptly with your insurance company minimizes delays.
It’s natural to want to get your aircraft fixed immediately after an incident. However, unless emergency repairs are necessary to prevent additional damage or ensure safety, avoid authorizing major work until you’ve spoken with your insurer. Beginning repairs before an aircraft inspection could complicate the claims process by making it harder to determine the cause and extent of the damage.
How to Make Future Claims Easier
Preparation long before an accident occurs can make a significant difference. A few simple habits protect your aircraft and investment.
Aircraft owners should:
- Keep maintenance records organized and current.
- Stay up to date on required inspections.
- Review hull values annually.
- Notify their insurer about major upgrades or modifications.
- Ensure all approved pilots meet policy requirements.
- Store digital copies of relevant documents in a secure location.
Prepare Before You Ever Need to File a Claim
An aviation insurance policy is only part of the equation. Having a specialized aviation insurance team on your side can make filing a claim much less stressful. Ingram Aviation Insurance understands the complexities of aircraft ownership, works closely with leading aviation underwriters, and helps our clients through every aspect of the insurance process, from selecting coverage to starting claim paperwork.
Our goal is to help you prepare for the possibility of an accident, minimize disruptions, and explain every facet of your policy before you ever need to use it. Contact us today if you have questions about your current policy or want to add protection to help you fly more confidently.