There's supposedly another "national" organization trying to start up... I haven't heard anything about them in 8 months... They had a 28 lb limit, NO turbines, and other, stricter restrictions than the AMA. They also had a lower liablity limit.

You can talk with your local insurance broker, and they can send to the underwriters asking for a quote. It would be an umbrella liability policy, specificly mentioning the "risk" of model aviation activities as being covered. I think you'll find it costs more than the AMA membership, for less coverage...

There used to be the SFA... but they went broke trying to tie the AMA up in litigation, because thier membership wasn't accepted for AMA sanctioned events... (Its in the AMA rules that AMA membership is required to compete in AMA events, and they complained about being excluded by a monopolistic practice.) The SFA spent all its money in court battles... rather than providing any servics, or sponsoring any events for thier members.

I sort of expect the new start up to be planning to play the same game... as I heard that the top leaders from the SFA are the ones who were trying to get the new one going. (If you find them... check them out before you join... I'd LIKE to find out I'm wrong here.)

The homeowners exclusions will usually mean the AMA insurance picks up the whole liability.

Also... the AMA coverage, if it only has to start paying after the Homeowners is exhausted, will give another $2 millon of protection, which is usually FAR more than the homeowner's liability protection. (Few will have more than $1 million homeowner's liability.)

The primry purpose of AMA membership really isn't the insurance... its having a group to lobby congress and the FCC to maintain our frequency allocations, prevent FAA interference with model aviation activities, promote the hobby in an organized manner, provide cnsistant contest regulations and safety rules. (the safety rules really are there to help prevent injury, not limit your fun.)

There is another modeling organization. See: http://www.unitedmodelers.com/

Now there is a choice.

Take care,
CCR
http://www.kites.org/rc_instructors