Aviation Insurance Claims: What to Do After an Aircraft Incident
Aviation insurance claims after an aircraft incident start with safety and mandatory reporting. Once people are protected and emergency or regulatory obligations are being handled, early notification to the broker or insurer helps preserve evidence and coordinate recovery, survey and repairs.
Every event is different. Follow emergency services, CASA, ATSB and insurer directions appropriate to the occurrence.
For a related check, read the aircraft policy details to keep accessible. You can also discuss your cover through ABS’s aviation insurance service.
Speak with an aviation insurance specialist
Discuss the aircraft, operation, pilots and insurance questions with ABS at Bankstown Airport.
Request an aviation insurance review
Ask ABS to review the current policy or arrange cover for a new aviation exposure.
Aviation insurance claims: protect, report and notify
- Protect life and prevent further immediate danger.
- Contact emergency services and make mandatory aviation reports where required.
- Notify the insurance broker or insurer promptly.
- Preserve the aircraft, records, photographs and other evidence.
- Do not authorise major repairs, disposal or admissions without appropriate advice.
The ATSB explains current aviation reporting requirements, including immediately and routine reportable matters.
1. Safety and Regulatory Reporting
Attend to injured people, emergency response and immediate hazards. Secure the area only where it is safe and lawful to do so. Do not disturb wreckage or evidence except where necessary for safety, rescue or authorised action.
CASA states that accidents and serious incidents affecting aircraft safety must be reported to the ATSB. Immediately reportable matters should be telephoned as soon as reasonably practical, and other written reporting requirements may apply. See CASA’s reporting guidance.
Operators may also have internal safety-management, airport, employer, police or other reporting obligations. Obtain appropriate operational and legal advice.
2. Notify the Broker or Insurer Promptly
Use the emergency claims contact if urgent recovery, storage, environmental protection or loss mitigation is required. Provide facts without speculation:
- aircraft registration and policy details;
- date, time and location;
- pilot, passengers and operation;
- known injuries or property damage;
- brief factual description of what occurred;
- where the aircraft is located and who controls access; and
- authorities already notified.
Do not delay notification because the repair cost is unknown. Policy conditions can require prompt notice of incidents, claims or circumstances that may lead to a claim.
3. Preserve Evidence and Coordinate Repairs
Retain photographs, video, flight logs, maintenance records, pilot records, weather information, communications, invoices and witness details. Keep a chronology of decisions and costs.
Do not agree liability, settle with another party, dispose of damaged components or commence major repairs without insurer consent unless urgent action is reasonably necessary to protect people or prevent further damage. Follow directions from investigators and authorised recovery personnel.
Once the insurer appoints a surveyor or adjuster, coordinate quotations, engineering information and repair decisions through the agreed process. Continue to keep the insurer informed of material developments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation Claims
Should every aircraft incident be reported to the insurer?
Notify incidents, claims or circumstances as required by the policy. If unsure, contact the broker promptly rather than making the decision alone.
Can the aircraft be moved after an accident?
Safety, regulatory and investigative requirements come first. Do not move or disturb evidence unless authorised or necessary for immediate safety or rescue.
Should the operator admit fault?
Provide factual information to authorities and the insurer, but avoid making unnecessary admissions or negotiating liability without advice.
Can emergency repairs begin immediately?
Urgent steps may be necessary to prevent further damage, but contact the insurer as soon as possible and preserve evidence and invoices.
What records help an aviation claim?
Photos, flight and maintenance records, pilot details, weather, communications, witness information, quotations and a clear event chronology can be important.
How does ABS assist after notification?
ABS can notify the insurer, help coordinate information requests and support communication during the claim, while the insurer determines coverage and settlement.
Keep the Aviation Claims Contact Available Before You Need It
Store the policy schedule and claims contact with the aircraft’s emergency information. If an incident occurs, contact emergency and regulatory authorities as required, then notify ABS promptly.
Important information: This article provides general information only and does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Aviation insurance is subject to policy terms, conditions, pilot requirements, limits and exclusions. Operational and regulatory requirements can change. Confirm current requirements with CASA or the ATSB where relevant and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances.
