Experimental / Homebuilt Aircraft Insurance

Experimental and homebuilt Aircraft follow a unique lifecycle—planning, construction, inspection, flight testing, and everyday operations. Because risk changes at each step, insurance should adapt too. Underwriters consider the builder’s documentation, test plans, pilot transition training, and airframe/engine combinations to set terms, limits, and endorsements that fit where you are in the process.

Who This Page Is For

Kit builders, owner-operators, and buyers of completed experimental/homebuilt Aircraft (including factory-assist programs), as well as owners preparing for Phase I test flights or transitioning into Phase II personal/recreational operations.

Typical Uses We See

Personal and recreational flying, transition training, avionics testing, efficiency/cross-country missions, and occasional airshow/static display where permitted and appropriately endorsed.

Coverage Across the Build & Flight Timeline

1) Construction & Ground Risk

During the build, coverage often focuses on ground-risk-only while the project is in a workshop or hangar. Policies can account for tools, spares, and in-progress hull value as the aircraft approaches completion. Document major component purchases, engine/prop status, and where the project is stored.

2) Pre-First-Flight & Inspection

As you near inspection and airworthiness certification, carriers may adjust hull values and endorsements to reflect the aircraft’s readiness. Keep logs current: torque markings, weight and balance, avionics integration, and engine run-up/testing notes.

3) Phase I Flight Testing

In Phase I, policies typically specify test area limits, pilot qualifications, and mentor/transition requirements. Named-pilot or supervised-PIC endorsements are common. A structured test plan (engine break-in, envelope expansion, performance verification) can improve terms.

4) Phase II Ongoing Operations

After Phase I completion and logbook sign-off, coverage can transition to broader navigation limits and standard pleasure/business missions. At this stage, options expand: higher liability limits, passenger carriage, and non-owned coverage for pilots who also rent or instruct.

Key Factors That Influence Your Quote

• Builder/Project Documentation: photos, build logs, torque/inspection records, and adherence to kit/manufacturer guidance.
• Airframe & Powerplant: engine/prop combinations (factory-new vs. overhauled), known-service histories, and recommended limitations.
• Pilot Qualifications: total time, recent time, tailwheel/high-performance endorsements (if applicable), and transition training in similar types.
• Test Plan & Mentorship: structured first-flight and envelope-expansion plan; mentor pilot involvement for initial hours.
• Avionics & Safety: IFR capability, autopilot, angle-of-attack indicators, engine monitoring, and modern restraint systems.
• Storage & Security: hangar vs. tiedown, shop safety practices, and fire prevention measures during construction.
• Loss History & Modifications: any prior incidents and major deviations from standard kit specifications.

Common Coverages for Experimental / Homebuilt Aircraft

• Hull Coverage: ground-risk-only during construction; expandable to full flight post-inspection and through Phase I/II.
• Liability: bodily injury and property damage, with passenger liability once permitted by the operating limitations.
• Named-Pilot / Mentor Endorsements: to manage first flights and early hours safely.
• Equipment, Tools & Spares: optional protection for tools, components, and avionics during the build.
• Medical Payments & Search & Rescue: available add-ons in many policies.
• Airshow/Formation Endorsements: available in specialty markets for qualified pilots and approved events.

Pilot Transition & Training

If you’re moving into a new design or higher-performance variant, underwriters may ask for transition time with a qualified mentor/CFI, recent time in a comparable aircraft, or completion of a recognized transition syllabus. For tailwheel or high-performance homebuilts, endorsements and recent experience are especially helpful.

Cost Drivers & Ways to Save

• Maintain detailed build logs and photo documentation; provide component invoices and specs.
• Follow a published first-flight/test plan, and log each expansion step with corrective actions.
• Complete transition training in a similar type or factory-assist environment and keep records.
• Store the project and finished aircraft in a hangar when possible and document fire-safety practices.

Documents & Details to Have Ready

• Build documentation: kit/model, construction photos, inspection records, and equipment list.
• Pilot details: certificates/ratings, medical, total/recent time, and any mentor/transition plan.
• Aircraft details: engine/prop status, avionics configuration, and any deviations from standard kit.
• Intended mission, operating base, and hangar/storage information.

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Ready to Get a Quote?

Tell us where you are in the build or flight-test process, your pilot experience, and your equipment plan. We’ll tailor coverage that evolves from construction to full operations.

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