Aviation is a highly regulated industry where pilots and aircraft owners face unique risks. Whether you operate a private jet, commercial aircraft, or personal aircraft, having the right aviation insurance policy is essential to protecting your financial interests. However, when an accident, damage, or liability claim arises, navigating an aviation insurance claim can be complex and challenging.
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we specialize in aviation insurance claims and help pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation businesses fight back against unfair claim denials, delays, and underpayments. If your aviation insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, our attorneys are here to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you need legal representation for an aviation insurance claim, contact Elevate Legal Services, PLLC today at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] for expert legal guidance.
Understanding Aviation Insurance Coverage
Aviation insurance is highly specialized and differs from standard auto or property insurance policies. There are several types of coverage options, including:
- Hull Insurance – Covers physical damage to the aircraft due to accidents, storms, or other incidents.
- Liability Insurance – Protects against third-party claims, including passenger injuries, property damage, or collisions.
- Ground Risk Hull Insurance – Covers damage to the aircraft while it is on the ground, either moving or stationary.
- In-Flight Insurance – Protects the aircraft while in operation.
- Hangar Keepers Liability – Covers aircraft damage while stored or undergoing maintenance in a hangar.
- Loss of Use Coverage – Compensates for lost income when an aircraft is damaged and cannot be used.
While these policies are designed to protect aircraft owners and operators, insurance companies often dispute claims, delay payments, or deny legitimate claims—putting policyholders in financial distress.
Common Aviation Insurance Claim Issues
Filing an aviation insurance claim can be an overwhelming process, and many pilots and aircraft owners encounter resistance from their insurers. Some of the most common issues include:
1. Denied Claims for Policy Exclusions
Insurance companies frequently deny aviation claims based on exclusions buried deep within policy language. Common exclusions include:
- Pilot error
- Unauthorized aircraft modifications
- Mechanical failures
- Violations of FAA regulations
- Lack of proper maintenance records
Insurers often argue that the accident or damage falls under an exclusion, relieving them of their obligation to pay. If your claim was denied due to an exclusion, you need an aviation insurance attorney to challenge the decision and fight for your rightful compensation.
2. Delayed Claims and Unfair Investigation Tactics
Some insurance companies use stall tactics to delay claim payments, forcing aircraft owners to absorb the financial burden. These delays can result in:
- Prolonged aircraft downtime
- Loss of income for commercial aircraft owners
- Financial strain from repair costs
Insurance adjusters may also demand excessive documentation, conduct biased investigations, or use misleading tactics to reduce the claim amount. If your insurance company is delaying your claim unfairly, you have legal options.
3. Lowball Settlement Offers
Even when a claim is approved, insurers often undervalue damages to minimize their payout. Lowball offers are common in:
- Total loss claims – Insurers claim the aircraft is worth far less than its actual value.
- Hull damage claims – Insurers attempt to underpay for repairs.
- Liability claims – Insurers try to settle passenger injury or third-party property damage claims for less than they are worth.
If you have been offered an unfair settlement, our legal team at Elevate Legal Services, PLLC can negotiate aggressively on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take When Filing an Aviation Insurance Claim
1. Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
As soon as an incident occurs, contact your insurance provider and report the claim. Most policies require prompt notification, and failure to do so could jeopardize your coverage.
2. Document the Damage or Incident Thoroughly
Gather all necessary documentation, including:
- Photos and videos of the damage
- Maintenance and repair records
- FAA incident reports
- Witness statements
- Communication with air traffic control (if applicable)
Having comprehensive documentation strengthens your case and helps dispute any unfair claim denials.
3. Do Not Give Recorded Statements Without Legal Counsel
Insurance adjusters often try to get recorded statements from policyholders, looking for inconsistencies or statements that can be used to justify claim denial. Always consult an aviation insurance attorney before speaking with an insurance company representative.
4. Get Independent Repair Estimates
Insurance companies often work with preferred repair shops that may undervalue repair costs. Obtaining an independent repair estimate can help dispute low settlement offers.
5. Consult an Aviation Insurance Attorney
If your insurance company denies, delays, or undervalues your claim, an aviation insurance claims attorney can fight back and ensure your rights are protected.
Why You Need an Aviation Insurance Attorney
Aviation insurance claims are complex and require specialized legal knowledge. At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, our attorneys have extensive experience handling aviation insurance disputes and fighting against insurance company bad faith tactics.
What We Offer:
- Aggressive Representation – We hold insurance companies accountable for unfair claim denials or delays.
- Claim Negotiation Expertise – We negotiate directly with insurers to maximize your payout.
- FAA Regulation Knowledge – We ensure that claims are not denied due to technicalities related to aviation laws.
- Litigation Readiness – If necessary, we are prepared to take legal action to enforce your insurance policy rights.
Protect Your Investment – Contact Elevate Legal Services, PLLC Today
If you are struggling with an aviation insurance claim, do not let the insurance company delay, deny, or underpay what you rightfully deserve. At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we are committed to protecting pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation businesses from unfair insurance practices.
Call us today at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] for a free consultation and let us help you fight for your rightful insurance compensation.
