Insurance

Required Pilot Reading

CREDITS:

Thanks to Peter Kelly (PK) who did a LOT of work creating the original WSC Pilot Information pages. Plus thanks to Tom Jue, Kevin Ash, Gen Shibayama, and again, Peter Kelly for many of the illustrations and photos used on these pages. If I missed someone who's work is here, let me know and I will add your name to the credits. ~Webmaster

Important Insurance Requirements

NOTICE TO ALL PILOTS

In accordance with your agreement with Williams Soaring Center, you are responsible for any damage to the aircraft which occurs while you are pilot in command.

No hull coverage

Williams Soaring Center does not carry hull coverage on the aircraft. Any damage incurred, up to $50,000 while under the control of the renter pilot, will be the responsibility of that pilot. This does not apply to students while flying with a Williams Instructor Pilot In Command.

Renter Liability Coverage

Williams Soaring Center provides renter pilot liability coverage which addresses claims arising from injury to persons and property on the ground and passengers riding in the aircraft - but does NOT address claims regarding pilot injuries or aircraft hull damage. Insurance coverage up to $50,000 may be required.

We strongly advise pilots to purchase a "Non-Owned Aircraft" or permissive user policy which would protect the renter pilot against claims arising from hull damage, and one which may give protection not otherwise covered under existing policies provided by Williams Soaring Center, or the pilots own medical coverage or his/her own personal liability coverage.

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Exclusions

In this regard, you should be aware of exclusion clauses that may exist in various insurance policies. Some personal insurance policies exclude all claims related to aviation, while certain aviation policies may exclude coverage while using "experimental category" sailplanes. Please be advised that here at Williams Soaring Center there are several sailplanes which are "experimental category".

Damage Waiver Program

Another option is to take advantage of a hull damage waiver program offered by Williams Soaring Center. This program is not insurance. It is simply an agreement which waives the liability for damages to the glider, for which a pilot is operating. It does not offer liability protection against personal injury or property damage arising from the operation of the aircraft. This cost of this waiver is $150 for six months and requires a $500 deductible. This means that if a pilot is operating a WSC glider with a waiver agreement and damages the glider, that pilot is liable for up to $500. This waiver can be purchased at WSC office.

Changes and Other Options

Insurance programs are continuously under revision. You are asked to consult with the field manager for the latest policy changes as well as additional information and addresses on available carriers. Although this is not an endorsement, several insurance companies are listed here for your convenience:

AVEMCO 6130 Freeport Blvd.
Suite 204 Sacramento, CA 95822
1-800-638-8440 FAX: 1-916-395-0549
www.avemco.com

Costello Insurance Associates, Inc.
428 East Southern Ave Tempe, AZ 85282
1-800-528-6483
www.gliderinsurance.com

AOPA Insurance Agency
1-800-622-2672
www.aopaia.com
Email: aopaia@aopaia.com

PIK*West
PO Box 630339
Simi Valley, CA 93063-0339
1-800-634-0101
www.pikwest.com