FAQ Answer

FAQ Answer

How do I demonstrate compliance with the Insurance Regulations?

The CAA will be carrying out spot checks on aircraft. To demonstrate compliance a copy of the valid certificate of insurance should be sufficient. It is recommended that evidence be carried on board the aircraft in order to present to an inspector if required.

Insurance documentation will be routinely checked each time an aircraft is registered, either at the time of first entry on the UK Register or when there is a change of registered ownership. Additionally, a number of aircraft owners will be requested to produce evidence of insurance on a “rolling audit” basis. Note, however, that it is for the operator of an aircraft to ensure compliance with the Regulation at all times. To knowingly operate without sufficient cover is an offence under the Civil Aviation (insurance) Regulations 2005 - Statutory Instrument No 1089 2005.

For the purposes of monitoring compliance with the regulation, for aircraft that are not operated by an Operating Licence Holder, the CAA's aim is to verify insurance at least every three to four years.

The CAA will normally consider evidence of insurance, and therefore compliance with the Regulation, on the basis of the exchange rate between Sterling and the SDR in place at the inception of the policy. However, owners and operators need to be aware that it is their responsibility to ensure that adequate cover exists for each and every flight. If owners or operators have concerns over their level of cover they should contact their broker for advice.

If you wish to supply evidence of insurance directly to the CAA ahead of any request to do so please either fax, post or email a copy of your certificate of insurance to the Aircraft Registration section.


Mandatory Insurance Requirements

  1. How do I work out what the minimum insurance requirements are for my aircraft?
  2. What is an SDR?
  3. The amount of cover required fluctuates in line with currency changes between Pounds Sterling (GBP) and the Special Drawing Right (SDR), how do I know if I have enough cover when fluctuations occur?
  4. Will the CAA issue a certificate to confirm that an aircraft is insured in accordance with the Regulation?
  5. My aircraft is not currently flying, does it have to be insured?
  6. If I declare to my insurer a lower maximum number of passengers carried, do I need to physically remove seats?
  7. If I declare to my insurer a lower maximum number of passengers carried, is it mandatory to advise the CAA?
  8. The maximum number of passengers carried figure displayed on the estimate on G-INFO is not correct, how do I get it changed?
  9. What is the definition of a “passenger”?
  10. Is a person under instruction considered a passenger or a member of the crew?
  11. Has the UK opted for the lower passenger limits for aircraft under 2700 kg and engaged in non-commercial operations?
  12. Is a combined single limit acceptable as a means of meeting the minimum insurance requirements?
  13. What about the reference to cover for war risk and terrorism, should this be explicitly stated on my Certificate of Insurance?
  14. The legislation suggests that aircraft with a maximum take-off mass of less than 500kg are excluded from the requirements, is this correct?
  15. Does the regulation apply to non UK Registered aircraft?
  16. How do I demonstrate compliance with the Insurance Regulations?
  17. DVLA have direct access to motor insurance information supplied directly by the insurance companies, why cannot the CAA do the same?
  18. Will there be an annual insurance documentation check?
  19. The entry for an aircraft on G-INFO shows a Date of "No Flight" Declaration, what does this mean?
  20. I have previously made a "no flight" declaration to the CAA. Once I have subsequently forwarded evidence of insurance to the CAA do I need to wait for the CAA to confirm that my insurance is acceptable before the next flight?
  21. Whose responsibility is it to ensure that insurance cover, in accordance with the regulations, exists for each flight?
  22. Does the insurance policy have to be in the name of the registered owner?
  23. The maximum take-off mass of my aircraft is just above one of the category breaks in the legislation, can I reduce the certified mtom to bring it into the lower category?
  24. There are lower limits in some cases if the aircraft is used for “non-commercial purposes”, is there a definition of “commercial purposes”?
  25. My aircraft is operated by an Operating Licence Holder, do I still need to advise the Aircraft Registration of the insurance details even though these have already been supplied to the Airline Licensing Section?