Insurance for Aircraft Detailers

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most airports require aircraft detailers to carry Aviation General Liability coverage.

As one of the first agencies to begin offering insurance solutions specific to aircraft detailers, we’re well acquainted with the unique pain points and challenges that detailers face when trying to find coverage. Many detailers are startups with mobile operations—difficult to insure in an industry that has viewed the lack of a fixed base as high risk.

Recently the aviation insurance industry has evolved, increasing options for coverage and lowering the overall premium. This is happening alongside an expansion in detailing certification programs, creating greater professionalization and standardization of practices.

At Zanette Aviation, we offer our knowledge of the insurance market and aviation expertise to act as a growth partner for our clients. We assist by reviewing your current or planned operations to advise on exposure, reviewing insurance requirements for pending contracts, and more.

As aviation insurance specialists, we work with you to customize insurance packages designed to scale alongside your business.

KEY COVERAGES

Aviation General Liability policies include three central coverages. All three are needed to appropriately protect your Aircraft Detailing business.

Premises Liability

“Slip and Fall” coverage required by most airports. The default limit is $1,000,000, though higher limits are available. This is the basis of all Aviation General Liability policies, therefore the coverage is not optional.


Hangarkeepers Liability

Provides coverage for aircraft that you do not own while in your care, custody, and control.

Limits begin at $100,000 each aircraft / $100,000 each loss, up to $1,000,000, though higher limits may be available (subject to underwriter approval).

Products-Completed Operations Liability

Provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage that may occur due to your finished work or products, discovered after repairs/service have been completed.

Fixed Rate Program for Certified Aircraft Detailers

Insurance Program Highlights

  • Fixed rates beginning at $5,500 for certified mobile aircraft detailers

  • Multi-state operations covered

  • A+ Rated insurance carrier

  • On-airport auto liability included

*Excluded: Alaska, South Dakota, Missouri

Available Limits

  • Premises Liability: Up to $5M Each Occurrence / $10M Aggregate

  • Hangarkeepers Liability: Up to $1M Each Aircraft / Loss

  • Products-Completed Operations Liability: Up to $1M in Gross Annual Receipts

*Higher limits may be available, subject to underwriter approval

Supporting insurance
coverages

We offer a wide range of insurance policies to cover your business as your exposures grow and change.

  • In many states*, Workers Compensation insurance is required once you add your first employee. Our insurance partners offer competitively-rated coverage for all aviation-related payroll / employment categories. The typical policy includes the following limits:

    • $1,000,000 Each Accident

    • $1,000,000 Disease - Policy Limit

    • $1,000,000 Disease - Each Employee

    Policies are based on an estimated annual premium, with payment due in full at the start of the policy period. An annual audit is conducted at the end of the policy period.

    Dividend programs are available for NATA and NBAA members. Individual dividend options may also be available.

    *Please refer to the workers compensation laws in your state for specific requirements.

  • Provides coverage for stored inventory and tools belonging to your company and/or employees, as well as your business personal property.

  • While most Aviation General Liability policies offer On-Airport Auto Liability coverage, a Commercial Auto policy is a useful option for liability and physical damage coverage when driving off-airport premises. The following coverages and limits are available:

    • Liability: Up to $1,000,000 (excess liability policies may be available as needed)

    • Comprehensive Coverage

    • Collision Coverage

    • Hired Autos: For rental vehicles

    • Non-Owned Autos: To cover employee-owned vehicles when driving on behalf of your business

    Click here to request a Commercial Auto quote.

  • Professional liability insurance is also known as errors & omissions insurance. This policy protects against claims of negligence, professional mistakes, or misrepresentation in your services.

  • Provides coverage for defense costs and damages related to various employment-related claims including allegations of Wrongful Termination, Discrimination, Workplace Harassment and Retaliation.

  • Directors & Officers Liability insurance protects directors and officers of a company from personal liability arising from alleged wrongful acts or negligence. It also covers claims made by employees, customers, competitors, or regulatory bodies related to decisions or actions taken by directors and officers in their official capacities.

    Source: ERGO Next Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. If you will have aircraft that you do not own in your care, custody, and control, you will need hangarkeepers liability. As noted above, this coverage will protect against damage (either caused by you or a 3rd party) that may occur on the ground while you are responsible for that aircraft.

    Hangarkeepers Liability is required by most airports and FBOs, with minimum limits usually at $500,000 Each Aircraft / Each Loss or $1,000,000 Each Aircraft / Each Loss.

  • Yes. Products-Completed Operations is often required by airports and FBOs, usually at the standard $1,000,000 limit.

    As noted above, this protects against damages, defects, or flaws discovered after your work is completed.

  • Yes, limits can be increased during the policy period, provided that your carrier has the capacity and appetite for higher limits.

    This is why it’s important for us to have a sense of your planned operations, as it allows us to advise on the appropriate carrier that will allow for potential growth.

  • No. The Aviation General Liability policy only covers aviation-related operations on an airport premise. You will need a separate General Liability policy to cover non-aviation detailing work.

  • While insurance carriers will offer coverage to aircraft detailing startups, they prefer insureds with previous experience, usually gained from working for an established detailing operation. Certificate programs are a great way for those new to the industry to gain the knowledge, specialized skills, and techniques to provide detailing services for these highly complex machines.

    For certified detailers, we offer a fixed rate program through an A+ rated carrier with premiums beginning at $5,500. Contact us for more information.

The Aircraft Detailing Team