The Travers family knows what it is like to deal with the aftermath of an accident.
Three generations of the St. Louis family are the forces behind Travers and Associates, an aviation insurance agency. While their expertise in aviation insurance goes back to the company’s founding more than five decades ago, the men behind the company have first-hand experience dealing with an airplane accident.
In 1983 three members of the family were flying to Dover, Delaware, on business in a pressurized 58 Baron. The Baron crashed into trees, and its passengers were severely injured. Fortunately, all six onboard survived and made full recoveries.
“This accident was a tremendous learning opportunity and shaped who we are today,” said Chris Travers, sales manager and part of the third generation of the family to work for the company. “Because of it, we have firsthand experience of the tragedy our customers face in the event of a loss. You have to experience tragedy to truly understand the value of your aviation insurance.”
The company began with Capt. Bob Travers, who learned to fly in the Navy before World War II. He began his career flying a Boeing Stearman, moved on to a Beech 18 and then became captain of a PBY Catalina Flying Boat.
After the war, Bob Travers wanted to stay in aviation, so he started brokering aircraft. In the late 1940s, he became a Mooney dealer. After that, he became a captain for Ozark Airlines, carrying passengers in a DC-3. He retired in 1950 from the airline to focus on his aviation insurance agency.
“Our dad grew up flying airplanes with his dad, and we grew up flying airplanes with our dad and grandpa,” said Chris Travers who, along with the rest of the family involved in the business, have their pilot licenses.
The company grew steadily until 1982 when it bought another aviation insurance agency. Ultimately, the company acquired 10 other agencies.
The business is now spearheaded by Glen Travers, Bob’s son, and his grandchildren, Chris, John and Mike. It employs more than 25 agents.
The company specializes in private aircraft insurance, corporate aircraft insurance, commercial aviation insurance and life insurance for pilots.
“We dedicate every day to making sure that our pilots and their families are protected so that in case the unfortunate happens, they have nothing to worry about,” Chris Travers said.
For more information: 800-888-9859 or TraversAviation.com.
BUSY WEEK
During the week of AirVenture, July 27-Aug. 2, Travers and Associates officials estimate they will provide more than 1,500 aviation insurance quotes and respond to numerous on-site aviation insurance claims while exhibiting at the show.
