Aircraft insurance FAQ: Where am I covered to fly?

Many individuals become pilots for the travel and sense of freedom as general aviation opens up a world of airports and new towns to discover. Pilots create flight plans based on dreams of new cities, states and even countries to explore. There are many considerations prior to departing to these new lands. Weather, runway length and fuel services are just some of the variables a pilot would need to research. Before crossing a border, however, how many pilots have considered if their insurance covers that new escapade?
Policy Territory
Most insurance policies for aircraft registered in the United States include coverage for when flying within the 48 contiguous United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. However, it is important to confirm this to ensure that you are flying within your policy criteria. When uncertain of the locations that your aircraft insurance policy covers, the key words to look for within your policy are “policy territory”. This section of the policy will outline where you are covered to fly.
Alaska and Hawaii
Alaska opens up a world of wilderness to explore, but it can require some extra skills such as mountain flying and paying close attention to ever changing weather. Good weather is what people dream of when they think of Hawaii, but there are many miles of bare ocean to cross before reaching your destination. Due to these states’ unique territory, it is best to double check your policy to make sure you are covered before flying on your Alaskan or Hawaiian flying adventure.
Mexico
Recently the Mexican government changed its requirement so pilots no longer are required to have a Mexican issued policy in addition to their US policy. Thanks to some research by the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA), you can find more information about this recent development on AOPA’s webpage here. However, if you are the ‘better safe than sorry’ pilot-type, issued in both English and Spanish, the Mexican policy and certificate can be quickly issued online. View a helpful checklist for travelling to Mexico and sign up for Mexican insurance here.
The Bahamas
As with Mexico, most policies territory cover the Bahamas. On some policies, however, it doesn’t and all you’ll need to do is to call your aircraft insurance professional to have the policy extended. With over 750 miles of islands to explore, great weather and crystal clear waters to swim in, the Bahamas are a general aviation pilot’s paradise. Looking to brush up on procedures for flying to the Bahamas? Visit our blog about it here!
Canada
Much like flying to Mexico or the Bahamas, the Canadian Aviation Regulations require a pilot to have proof of liability insurance on board the aircraft. Most policies include Canada in their territory, but there can be exceptions, for example, they may exclude the Northwest Territories.
Fly with AIR
To learn more about the territory written within your aircraft insurance policy, give Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) a call at 877.247.7767 or complete a quote request online. The aircraft insurance experts at AIR have been making the time spent shopping for the best insurance rates fly by for 15 years. Let Aviation Insurance Resources take the controls of your aircraft insurance so you can get back to checking of new sights off your aviation bucket list.