I was the pilot/owner of an aircraft that experienced a engine failure resulting in a off field forced landing and subsequent total loss of the aircraft. No injuries, but total loss for insurance. Is it possible for me to find an insurance carrier that will work with me? I have put out feelers for renter's insurance (to try and keep current while I look for a replacement and for additional training), but I'm finding that because of the loss amount, I'm getting “decline to quote" responses. The accident is technically still being worked by the NTSB, but the FAA has closed their investigation and found no pilot fault. Because of the consolidation of the aircraft insurance industry, I'm wondering if I will be able to find a company that will work with me. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on where I might find a more receptive company to work with – or am I grounded for a long time or forever?
@Andrew Cho
Call these folks:
Aviation insurance — Fournier Group
A broker like these folks knows all the carriers and can sort it out for you. Calling insurance companies direct is only going to frustrate you.
@Ronald Levy
Well, gave them a call and unfortunately, they ran into the same issue. There doesn't seem to be anyone that wants to touch me with a 10 foot pole since the accident. I think all insurance companies/underwriters have been exhausted now. I'm wondering if this is the end of my flying for the next 3-5 years?
@Andrew Cho
If you are or will be fully exonerated by the FAA/NTSB, and the insurance carriers do blackball you as an individual, then frankly it will be the end of general aviation unless something significant is done about it. We are getting increasing indicators that the insurance industry wants to abandon GA, and given the improvements in safety over the recent years, this is a trend that has no rational basis.
Overconsolidation of industry has become a chronic problem in society. It allows too easy a situation like yours where a few corporations make a decision and it becomes a universal outcome.
Frankly, if the insurance industry doesn't wish to insure GA any longer, then just get out of the business right now so we know where we stand. At that point, we should consider doing our own group insurance, which is exactly how many a current insurance company started. Many decades ago, military officers were unable to secure auto insurance. Due to their frequent moves, the industry shunned them. So, the officers formed a company named United Services Automobile Association. Vice allow the then industry to shun them, they blackballed the industry and started their own.
Perhaps it is time for AOPA to do the same thing.