By Adam Hunt, COPA manager Membership Services
A COPA member recently wrote and asked about the requirement to carry insurance when renting an airplane. He had read in a U.S. aviation magazine that this is strongly recommended south of the border due to the liability climate there and he wanted to know the story in Canada. The problem of whom is liable and for what, after a rental aircraft has crashed, is an important one. The situation is quite different in Canada than it is in the U.S., due to different insurance rules. All schools carry liability insurance and most schools have hull coverage that will protect renters in the case of damage to the plane. The outstanding issue is who will pay the deductible and how much will it be?
I recently talked to COPA director and flying school owner Lary Loretto of Ottawa Aviation Services. He stated that their insurance covers the student pilot and renter pilots completely for hull damage. If you crash one of his airplanes then the school’s insurance will cover the repairs or loss. His school also covers the deductible of $500 and does not charge that back to the pilot. Other schools may have different policies and different deductibles for renters.
Please be aware that many schools place restrictions on aircraft rentals for insurance reasons such as “No landings at uncertified airports,” or “No landings at non-hard-surface runways.” Fly outside the restrictions, damage an aircraft and you could be liable.
Any pilot may buy additional third party liability and even passenger insurance through COPA’s aviation insurance programs. That will provide additional coverage for the pilot above the school’s insurance for damage to other airplanes, houses and any other ground objects. It will also provide additional passenger coverage above the school’s insurance. For COPA aviation insurance, contact Marsh Canada, Tel.: 800-361-1625.