AOPA Insurance Services (AOPAIS) marks its 20th anniversary this month.
“I am delighted to congratulate our colleagues at AOPA Insurance Services on this noteworthy anniversary,” said Craig Fuller, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) president and CEO. “AOPA Insurance Services perfectly represents AOPA’s core principles through great service for our members with the goal of keeping them flying. I know the next 20 years will bring even more success.”
Launched in a partnership with Aon Insurance in September 1993, AOPA Insurance Services has since grown into a brokerage that offers coverage on a wide variety of aircraft, from historic and experimental aircraft to today’s business jets.
In 2008, the company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of AOPA and it has assumed AOPA’s other membership insurance offerings, such as term life and accidental death policies. Three of the six original employees — Gina Monarez, Cathy Knotts and Brenda Jennings — still work for AOPAIS.
From its headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, AOPA Insurance Services has expanded to offer a variety of programs for pilots, including special insurance coverage for flying clubs and an accident forgiveness program. Under that program, pilots who take two AOPA Air Safety Institute online courses every six months can avoid both a deductible payment if they are involved in an accident and a premium increase when the policy is renewed.
In June, AOPA Insurance Services launched a new commercial program offering coverage to members who have aviation-related businesses, such as FBOs and manufacturing and repair facilities.
“The changes made over the years have come from tailoring our products to fit what our members are asking for,” said Jennings, AOPA Insurance Services senior vice president and director of operations. “In addition to providing targeted services, we are also able to right now offer members the lowest rates we have seen in the industry since the 1970s. This is a very exciting time for AOPAIS.”
In addition to providing financial support for AOPA’s mission, AOPA Insurance Services has donated $1.8 million to the AOPA Foundation since 2009 to help safeguard the future of general aviation.
For more information: Insurance.AOPA.org