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Seaplane / Amphibious Aircraft Insurance

Insurance built for aircraft that live on the water, the runway, and everywhere in between

Seaplane and amphibious aircraft owners enjoy unmatched freedom—remote lakes, rivers, and coastal inlets where few can land. That freedom comes with unique risks: corrosion, docking hazards, shifting water conditions, and limited emergency options. Aero Insurance lets you compare all underwriters with one application so you don’t miss savings or leave coverage holes in a complex, water-driven environment.

Whether you fly seasonally or year-round, or split time between water and pavement, our aviation specialists—trusted by pilots for 20+ years—build policies around how you actually operate. Enjoy less paperwork and more flying, along with proactive renewals that help prevent surprise increases.

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Who This Page Is For

Pilots and owners of floatplanes, flying boats, and amphibious aircraft—whether you fly seasonally, operate on lakes and rivers year-round, or alternate between water and paved runways. We also support seaplane flight schools, resort shuttles, and charter operators (where permitted), including owners who rely on certificates on demand to keep lenders, marinas, and FBOs satisfied.

Typical Uses We See

Recreation, backcountry access, fishing and hunting trips, scenic flights (where approved), resort transport, aerial survey, and mixed land/water operations. Many owners rotate between hangar and dock storage—our role is to align coverage across every environment with no gaps and no missed savings.

Key Factors That Influence Your Quote

  • Pilot experience: total time, SES/SEA ratings, recent water time, and proficiency in docking, beaching, and mooring.
  • Aircraft configuration: straight float vs. amphibious gear, engine placement, hull/float materials, and structural complexity.
  • Operating environment: freshwater vs. saltwater, tidal exposure, current strength, and local weather patterns.
  • Storage & corrosion control: hangarage vs. mooring, rinse procedures, and corrosion-prevention routines.
  • Hull value & avionics: age, upgrades, engine/prop status, and market appetite for the specific make/model.
  • Loss history: docking damage, submerged-object strikes, corrosion events, or other water-related claims.
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Common Coverages for Seaplane / Amphibious Aircraft

  • Liability: bodily injury and property damage, including passenger coverage specific to water operations.
  • Hull coverage: ground-only, ground & taxi, or full flight, with endorsements for submerged-object or water-related damage.
  • Salvage & recovery: costs related to retrieval, drying, cleanup, and recovery efforts after partial or full submersion.
  • Beaching & docking operations: coverage for incidents during docking, taxiing on water, or amphibious gear usage.
  • Equipment & spares: ropes, anchors, tools, marine gear, and safety equipment.
  • Medical payments & search & rescue: commonly available as add-ons.
  • Non-owned (renter’s): ideal for pilots flying club or seasonal rental seaplanes.

Operational Considerations

  • Water operations: water depth, currents, obstructions, and local regulations—some underwriters require mapped locations.
  • Seasonal use: many owners adjust hull values off-season; Aero structures policies around your flying calendar.
  • Environmental exposure: saltwater usage demands documented rinse and corrosion-control routines.
  • Maintenance & inspection: float/hull checks, bilge pump reliability, and anti-corrosion treatments improve insurability.

Pilot Training & Proficiency

Formal seaplane training and recent water operations significantly improve underwriting outcomes. Recurrent checkouts covering docking, crosswinds, rough water, and glassy-water procedures can expand your market options when you compare every carrier at once. For amphibious pilots transitioning from land planes, underwriters may require dual instruction or mentor hours.

Cost Drivers & Ways to Save

  • Log recurrent SES training or refresher courses each year.
  • Document corrosion-control routines and rinse procedures for saltwater operations.
  • Use hangar or covered storage during the off-season.
  • Stay organized with maintenance records and float/hull inspections.

Documents & Details to Have Ready

  • Pilot log summaries: total time, SES/SEA ratings, recent water operations.
  • Aircraft details: make/model, float or hull configuration, amphibious gear modifications.
  • Primary and secondary bases of operation, including lakes, rivers, coastal areas, or airports.
  • Maintenance, anti-corrosion, and inspection documentation.
  • Any prior water-related claims or incidents.

Why Seaplane Owners Choose Aero

With Aero Insurance, you get all quotes, only one application, plus fast certificates to keep lenders, marinas, and FBOs happy. Our claims advocates support you from start to settlement, and proactive renewals help ensure no surprise premium spikes from season to season.

Ready To Protect Your Seaplane or Amphib?

Share your aircraft details and where you fly—we’ll compare all underwriters to bring back the best options. Faster quotes, fewer forms, and less paperwork, more flying.

Start Your Seaplane Quote