Advice needed-What insurance do i need for US rental

[sevenstar]

Hi,
basically what insurance do you need when renting in the US so that if something unexpected happens that you dont lose the shirt off your back?

Can you insure your liablity for the plane you are renting and also third party damage or injury(ie people/propert on the ground)

If so who does it,where can i get it from and how much does it cost?

Also if you fly with an instructor in the US with a school or or FBO are you covered by them as your technically not pilot in command?

Thanks - this is wrecking my head at the moment

[Tall_guy_in_a_152]

I don't claim to be an expert but this is my understanding. There are three areas of coverage required:

1) Your health / repatriation

2) Liability for bending the aircraft

3) 3rd party liability for any other damage you cause

The 1st is best covered with travel insurance, ensuring that you are covered for private flying (most cheap policies do not). Traffords offer policies of this type.
The second and third are covered by renters insurance, which can usually be arranged through the school or FBO. There has been discussion that you need a US address for coverage but teh FBO address should be sufficient. I know of one UK pilot (who will no doubt be along shortly) that has successfuly claimed.

If you are with an instructor then (2) and (3) should be included in the rental rate, but you still need to consider (1).

[gfunc]

With the places I rent from so-called "renter's insurance" is recommended. As far as I understand, the owner of the aircraft generally has hull insurance to cover loss or damage, but there is a tendency in the good ol' USA for the operators to sue you for the liability and loss of revenue which is what the renter's insurance is designed to mostly take of. You've got to love those lawyers!

A good place to start is the AOPA insurance website:

AOPA Aircraft Insurance (http://www.aopaia.com/)

Otherwise, google for airplane [sic] renters insurance and go from there. One thing - make sure the coverage is good for non-residents, as most people are willing to take your money and not let you know about these things.

Cheers,

Gareth.

[sevenstar]

Many thanks guys- so the aopa renters insurance is the one to go for. Do you need to be a aopa member to get it?

[malc4d]

Tell your travel insurance co. Some will insure you as flight crew. ......
Try Traffords to be sure.........
Dont count on your CFI being insured........