For more on this part of the insurance industry:
visit our aircraft insurance page for a look at all related categories in this sector
or focus in on all of the insurance products for specialty aircraft available on IB Markets!
Specialty aircraft insurance is designed for people and organisations that operate aircraft used for unique, non-standard purposes. This includes owners of:
These aircraft are often not certified for commercial use or fly in unusual conditions, so they fall outside normal aviation policies. In the UK, specialty aircraft insurance is essential for keeping these machines in the sky.
A vintage aircraft was badly damaged while landing at a rural display event. Fortunately, the pilot walked away unharmed.
But the aircraft, worth £200,000, had no insurance because it didn’t meet standard policy terms. With a vintage policy from a specialist insurer, the owner could have received the full value back.
More UK pilots are flying homebuilt aircraft. This needs cover from brokers familiar with Light Aircraft Association (LAA) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules.
Drones in farming and inspection work are also changing how insurers handle payloads and flight use.
Air ambulances now carry higher-value tech which requires stronger hull and liability cover for NHS and charity aircraft. But brokers must also focus on emerging risks like:
Specialty aircraft often have pilots with different training levels, which makes hazards harder to judge. Older or custom aircraft may also face delays when parts are hard to find.
Brokers should work closely with clients to understand these gaps and help insurers set clear, fair terms.
This coverage comes in different types to match how the aircraft is used. Each specialty aircraft insurance policy can be built around the requirements of the owner or operator:
Brokers can help owners pick the right mix of cover based on how the aircraft flies and what it does. Some aircraft may need all of these while others only a few.
Insurance for specialty aircraft is for anyone flying aircraft that don’t fit into normal flight rules. It’s useful for many types of people and groups, such as:
Each has different risks, so the insurance must match how the aircraft is flown and stored. A broker can help choose what fits best.
Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds a year. Some offer annual premiums starting from £156 for aircraft valued at £15,000, with costs increasing for higher-valued aircraft.
Main factors that affect cost include:
Brokers should always get detailed quotes and compare options to match the aircraft’s risk and value.
Specialty planes differ from standard aircraft in how they’re built, used, and insured. This table allows brokers and owners to understand what sets them apart:
|
Aspect |
Standard planes |
Specialty planes |
|---|---|---|
|
certification |
fully certified for general use |
may operate under LAA or CAA special permits |
|
design |
factory-built with approved parts |
homebuilt, vintage, or experimental |
|
purpose |
personal, commercial, or cargo transport |
airshows, mapping, rescue, or test flights |
|
regulation |
must meet strict aviation rules |
can fall outside standard regulations |
|
insurance |
covered by standard aviation policies |
requires tailored specialty aircraft insurance |
Specialty aircraft insurance is vital when aircraft fall outside typical categories. It gives the right cover for one-off builds, older models, or non-standard use.
