Coverage that clears for takeoff.
Insurance for aircraft owners, renter pilots, flight schools, hangars and aviation businesses, plus commercial drone operators.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
A specialty market with its own rules
Aviation insurance is written by specialty aviation markets. For aircraft owners it combines hull coverage for damage to the aircraft with liability for passengers and people on the ground. Renter pilots can carry non-owned aircraft liability, and aviation businesses need premises, hangarkeepers and products coverage.
Pilot experience, ratings and hours drive underwriting as much as the aircraft does. Commercial drone operators need liability, and often hull coverage for the drone and payload. I place aviation and drone coverage through aviation specialty markets.
- HullPhysical damage to the aircraft, in flight and on the ground.
- LiabilityPassengers and third parties, including property damage.
- Non-owned aircraftLiability for pilots who rent or borrow aircraft.
- DronesLiability and equipment for commercial drone work.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Aircraft: year, make, model and value.
- Pilots: ratings, total and make-and-model hours.
- Use: personal, business, instruction or rental.
- Base: home airport and hangared or tied down.
- Drones: models, operations and Part 107 certification.
- History: current policies, claims and incidents.
Aviation insurance, answered
Do renter pilots need their own insurance?
The FBO's policy protects the FBO first and may not protect you. Non-owned aircraft liability covers the renter pilot.
What affects aircraft insurance cost?
Aircraft value and type, pilot ratings and hours, use and claims history.
Do commercial drone operators need insurance?
Clients and venues commonly require liability coverage, and many operators insure the drone and payload too.
Is hull coverage agreed value?
Aircraft hull policies are commonly written on an agreed value basis. I'll confirm how each quote works.
Do you offer aviation insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about the aircraft. I'll shop it.
The aircraft, pilot hours and use are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.