Helicopter Insurance

From search and rescue missions in the Sequoia Forest to site-seeing tours over the Grand Canyon and Hawaii, helicopters can go just about anywhere. Helicopters are one of the most versatile flying machines and are used for a myriad of purposes, both professionally and recreationally. But helicopters also face many risks, ranging from passenger injuries in flight to rotor or skid damage while landing. The right helicopter insurance protects you, your passengers, and your helicopter in case of disaster.

A local independent insurance agent can help you compare helicopter insurance policies from several insurance companies to find one that fits your needs and budget. They'll help you assemble a complete helicopter insurance policy that includes every type of protection you need. But first, here's a deep dive into helicopter insurance and what it covers.

Most Common Causes of Helicopter Crashes

Knowing some of the biggest hazards helicopter pilots face can help you prepare for and hopefully avoid incidents. Here are some of the top causes of helicopter accidents.

1. Pilot error
2. Defective parts
3. Engine failure or power loss
4. Poor maintenance
5. Air traffic control negligence

Unfortunately, pilot errors are one of the most common causes of helicopter crashes. As such, you need to have the right coverage against professional errors while operating your helicopter. An independent insurance agent can help you find a helicopter insurance policy that considers all of the most common risks helicopter pilots face.

What Is Helicopter Insurance?

Private, recreational, and commercial helicopter pilots all need the proper coverage against losses that can arise from many incidents, such as lawsuits, property damage to your helicopter, injuries to passengers, and more. 

A helicopter insurance policy typically includes an essential form of coverage known as helicopter professional liability insurance or errors and omissions insurance. This coverage can reimburse you for professional mistakes and negligence that can harm your passengers or members of the public.

Helicopter insurance is also likely to include several other types of coverage. If you rent helicopters, you'll likely need to address potential concerns with special protection. An independent insurance agent can help you find a helicopter insurance policy that includes each type of coverage you need.

What Does Helicopter Insurance Cover?

Helicopter insurance often includes several types of coverage in addition to professional liability insurance. Your policy may come with some or all of the following.

• In-flight helicopter insurance: This covers physical damage to your helicopter while it's in flight.
• Ground risk hull insurance: This covers physical damage to your helicopter while it's on the ground.
• General liability insurance: This covers property damage or bodily injury caused to third parties by your helicopter, not due to your flying.
• Passenger liability insurance: This covers your passengers from bodily injury and personal property damage while riding in your helicopter.
• Combined single limit liability insurance: This combines passenger and public liability insurance (which is included in general liability insurance) in a policy with a single limit, which may be the right choice for helicopter pilots without many passengers.
• Cargo insurance: A special type of inland marine insurance, this can cover helicopter cargo if you deliver mail, parcels, or equipment using your helicopter.

Your independent insurance agent can help you assemble a complete helicopter insurance policy with every type of protection your business needs.

Who Needs Helicopter Insurance?

Anyone who owns or operates a helicopter can benefit from having helicopter insurance. This coverage is essential for:

If you use a helicopter for any reason, ask an independent insurance agent to help you find the right type of helicopter insurance.

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When Do You Need Helicopter Insurance?

Helicopter insurance can protect you in several different scenarios, such as:

The coverage you need depends on the risks involved in how you use your helicopter, where you fly, and other factors. An independent insurance agent can fully assess your needs and ensure that your helicopter insurance is tailored to your use.

Special Coverage for Medical Helicopter Pilots

Medical helicopters, such as air ambulances and Medevacs, often perform risky flights to get to critically injured patients or to transport organ donors to medical centers. If you fly medical missions, you may need to travel at any time of the day or night in any weather and maneuver your chopper to the ground on difficult landing areas such as mountain roads.

You may also be under pressure to travel quickly. All these conditions increase the risk of a mishap, so proper helicopter insurance coverage is critical. Ask your independent agent about special Medevac insurance, medical equipment insurance, and other specialty coverage that can help mitigate the risks you face as a medical helicopter pilot.

How Much Does Helicopter Insurance Cost?

Due to the risks associated with helicopters, insurance policies can be expensive. However, your specific helicopter insurance cost may depend on the type of coverage you buy, the value and specific uses of your helicopter, and other factors.

Your piloting experience and safety record can also factor into your helicopter insurance rates. A local independent insurance agent can help you find affordable helicopter insurance near you.

An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find the Right Helicopter Insurance

Since no two helicopter insurance companies are alike, it's helpful to shop for the best value for your needs. A local independent insurance agent can help simplify this process by shopping multiple carriers for you and providing you with several helicopter insurance quotes quickly.

They'll find you the policy that provides a blend of the best coverage and cost. And down the road, your agent can even help file claims for you and update your policy when necessary.