AOPA Insurance Services Celebrates 20 Years

Sept. 3, 2013
AOPA Insurance Services marks its 20th anniversary this month, celebrating two decades of protecting pilots and the aviation community through insurance and risk management services.

Frederick, MD -- AOPA Insurance Services (AOPAIS) marks its 20th anniversary this month, celebrating two decades of protecting pilots and the aviation community through insurance and risk management services with a commitment to giving back to members through direct support of the AOPA mission.

“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 most advanced 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 innovative 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 fixed-base operators 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 Brenda 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.

About AOPA

Since 1939, AOPA has protected the freedom to fly for thousands of pilots, aircraft owners and aviation enthusiasts. With a membership base of nearly 400,000, AOPA is the largest aviation association in the world. With representatives based in Frederick, Md., Washington, D.C., and seven regions across the United States, AOPA provides member services that range from advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels to legal services, flight planning products, safety programs and award-winning media products.

To learn more, visit www.aopa.org.