AOPA Pilot Magazine - October 2012 - 104

NEWS & NOTES
INSURANCE FILE

AOPA INSURANCE SERVICES

BY JANET C. BRESSLER

President, AOPA Insurance Services

Who’s who: Broker versus agent versus direct writer
BROKERS ARE THE MOST common option for securing aviation insurance. Brokers deal with multiple insurance companies and shop those available markets to obtain the best coverage and value available for their clients. They then walk you through those options to help you choose the best policy for the type of flying you do. Their breadth of knowledge needs to span the insurance forms of all the companies with which they do business, to clearly explain any differences to you so you can make a knowledgeable decision. Brokers serve as your advocate in negotiating coverage and premium, as well as helping you navigate the claims process—they work for you. Agents are defined as those who sell insurance for just one company. True agents are extremely rare in the aviation insurance world. The term “agent,” however, is used interchangeably with “broker” in the industry, so don’t let that lead you to false conclusions. Many brokers even refer to themselves as agents simply because it is the most familiar and least confusing label to the majority of us.

Then we have direct writers, who offer you only themselves as a single option. In aviation there is currently only one insurance company that a consumer is able to contact directly to purchase coverage. The rest operate through the broker network. Despite the typically lesser coverage provided through aviation’s direct writer and the myth that buying direct saves you money, there are times when they may be the right partner for you. Significant downsides to purchasing your insurance through a direct writer include lack of choice and the absence of an advocate if you happen to suffer a loss. The underwriters, service staff, and claims adjusters for a direct writer work for the insurance company—not for you. My recommendation is that you first work with an aviation specialty insurance broker before you resort to a direct writer. Nearly every time you will find better service, better pricing, and better value for your investment.
Janet C. Bressler, a private pilot, is an aviation insurance professional with more than 17 years of experience.

EXPANDED PLAN The new AOPA Accidental Death and Dismemberment Group Insurance Plan has been expanded beyond the cockpit to provide you 24/7 coverage without any increase in cost. Plus, you’ll receive added benefits to help pay tuition, child care, and more. And since it’s from AOPA you can rest assured that you’re protected when you’re flying. Benefits cover general aviation pilots of all levels of flying, including student pilots. Apply online today for up to $300,000 of AOPA Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits at our affordable group rates. There is no obligation and if you decide the plan isn’t for you, just let us know in the first 30 days. We’ll promptly refund your premiums, no questions asked. You have nothing to lose and peace of mind to gain.
ON THE

WEB

(http://insurance.aopa. org/life/ad-d).

CONTACT AOPA
AOPA FOUNDATION ADDRESS CHANGE?

Send your new address and AOPA membership number to AOPA: 421 Aviation Way Frederick, Maryland 21701-4798 Fax: 301-695-2375 www.aopa.org/coa-form.html
TOLL-FREE PILOT INFORMATION CENTER

800-955-9115 www.aopafoundation.org
AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE

AOPA AIRCRAFT INSURANCE

800-622-AOPA (622-2672) www.aopainsurance.org
AOPA AIRCRAFT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

800-638-3101 www.airsafetyinstitute.org
AOPA CREDIT CARD PROGRAM

800-622-AOPA (622-2672) www.aopa.org/aircraftpartnership
AOPA PILOT PROTECTION SERVICES

800-523-7666 www.aopa.org/info/cc
AOPA AIRCRAFT FINANCING

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) www.aopa.org/pps

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) www.aopa.org

800-627-5263 www.aopa.org/loans

Now you can enjoy a whole new level of access to the team of aviation experts in our Pilot Information Center with our convenient extended weekday hours. The Pilot Information Center is now available until 9 p.m. Eastern time every weekday. Call 800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Eastern time with your questions and our staff will be happy to assist you.
WEB Visit the website (www.aopa.org/aopaplus) to learn about upgrading to the AOPA Plus membership

NEW EXTENDED PILOT INFORMATION CENTER HOURS

104 | AOPA PILOT October 2012

http://insurance.aopa.org/life/ad-d http://insurance.aopa.org/life/ad-d http://insurance.aopa.org/life/ad-d http://www.aopafoundation.org http://www.aopainsurance.org http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org http://www.aopa.org/aircraftpartnership http://www.aopa.org/coa-form.html http://www.aopa.org/info/cc http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aopa.org http://www.aopa.org/loans http://www.aopa.org/aopaplus

AOPA Pilot Magazine - October 2012

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