Case Study: When Aviation Insurance Coverage Was Told “Not Possible”

When it comes to aviation insurance and aircraft insurance, hearing the words “that coverage isn’t available” can feel like the end of the road.

For one aircraft operator, that’s exactly where things stood.

Their current broker had informed them that a specific short-term or specialized coverage solution simply could not be placed. The operational need was immediate. Without compliant insurance in force, the aircraft risked being grounded.

But was it really impossible?

The Challenge: When an Aircraft Insurance Policy “Can’t” Be Placed

The client had a legitimate and time-sensitive need for specialized coverage. Their existing broker had explored options but ultimately concluded that the market would not support the request.

From the client’s perspective:

• They had reached a dead end
• Their aircraft operations were at risk
• They were facing potential grounding
• There appeared to be no compliant insurance solution available

In aviation, grounding doesn’t just mean inconvenience — it means lost revenue, operational disruption, contractual issues, and reputational impact.

They needed a second opinion.

Our Approach: Re-Examining the Aviation Insurance Market

Rather than accepting “not possible” as a final answer, our team took a deeper look at the situation.

Aviation insurance markets are complex. Not every carrier offers the same appetite, structure, or flexibility. The key is understanding:

• Carrier underwriting tendencies
• Program structures
• Short-term placement options
• Alternative risk solutions
• Market timing and capacity

Instead of defaulting to standard limitations, we:

• Evaluated alternative aviation insurance carriers
• Explored creative policy structures
• Identified a short-term aircraft insurance solution
• Structured coverage to maintain compliance
• Acted quickly to avoid interruption to operations

In aviation insurance, relationships and experience matter. Knowing who to call — and how to position the risk — can make the difference between “no” and “let’s review this.”

The Outcome: Aircraft Coverage Secured Without Grounding

The result?

Coverage was successfully placed.

Despite being told by a prior broker that it couldn’t be done:

• The client remained fully operational
• There was no grounding or interruption
• Coverage was secured within a short timeframe
• A new broker relationship was formed based on trust and capability

The aircraft stayed in the air.

And the client gained confidence that complex insurance challenges can, in fact, be solved.

Why This Matters in Aviation Insurance

The aviation insurance marketplace is specialized and nuanced. It’s not uncommon for unique, short-term, or non-standard requests to require deeper market knowledge and persistence.

This case highlights several important realities:

1. The first answer isn’t always the final answer
2. Not all aviation insurance brokers have equal market access
3. Creativity in policy structuring matters
4. Relationships with aircraft insurance carriers are critical
5. Experience allows brokers to see options others may miss

In a market where insured values are high and liability limits are significant, expertise isn’t optional — it’s essential.

What Should You Do If You’re Told Coverage Isn’t Available?

If your current broker says a solution can’t be placed, consider asking:

• Have all carrier markets been approached?
• Were alternative structures explored?
• Is this a true market limitation — or a structuring challenge?
• Would a second opinion help?

Aviation insurance is not a commodity product. Every aircraft, operator, and risk profile is different. Sometimes solving the problem requires deeper relationships and a willingness to keep looking.

The Bottom Line

In aviation and aircraft insurance, “not possible” should rarely be the stopping point.

With the right expertise, persistence, and market access, complex challenges often have solutions.

If you’re facing a difficult coverage situation or have been told your aviation insurance request can’t be done, it may be time for a second review.

Because sometimes, the real value isn’t just placing coverage.

It’s refusing to stop at “no.”