Rfjamieson1

Hi, I'm just starting out and I'm looking at costs. can anyone give me an idea of insurance costs? I guess this should include theft, damage and liability?
Thanks
Ron

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

If you're in the US everything you need is at www.modelaircraft.org

Rfjamieson1

Does that include insurance for the cost of the plane and equipment if it's damaged? I can't seem to find that? Thanks

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

No, lol good luck with that.

Liability and theft.

I see you're in the UK so that doesn't apply to you anyways, try these guys https://bmfa.org/

init4fun

Could you imagine the premium a "no fault" collision policy would be on that $4,195.00 sweetheart you reviewed in this month's M.A. ?

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

Oh dude I wish, and that's just the airframe, that's pushing 8 grand flight ready, I'd be a lot less butt clenched when I'm flying it.

init4fun

Yep , God bless both your nerves and your reflexes !

My personal comfort level is to have no more than $1000 into any model airplane I'm flying . A $1K hit is a bummer , but no big deal VS the amount I've spent over the years for the fun I've had , oopsing 8 grand into the ground all at once would have me crying little dollar signs in with my tears !

red head

Sounds like a profitable way to get rid of your old stuff . Red

Tree Doc

Curious about the AMA insurance benefit in case someone is familiar...

Does AMA liability coverage work if I'm flying from some place OTHER than one of their chartered clubs? I wouldn't mind supporting the .org but at this point in the game, I'm not terribly interested in having to fly from a charter club and dealing with all that goes with it. If I'm flying a park-flyer at a deserted baseball diamond at a school or in an empty park area and a liability issue crops up, do they cover that?

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

Yes, as long as you're flying by the safety code you're covered

What's wrong with a chartered club? They each have their own personality but I have some of my very best friends as a result of being a member of a club and I know someone that does just about everything from cops, to my dentist.

Tree Doc

I have two R/C fields that are equidistant to my house in opposite directions, about 30 minutes or so away. I've read their bylaws and induction process and as I get into more complex aircraft, which may or may not happen, I'll likely look to the club at that point. For now, I fly daily and do so 5 minutes from my house in a great spot. My skills are getting pretty good with lots of recent "seat time" and when I'm a bit more "ready", I can fly over ag land that's 50 yards from my front door but my take-off/landing zone is a pretty specific spot. Not knocking the club environment but the effort for it just isn't a priority. If I can't do it often, when I want, and close by, I'd probably not do it at all. I have plenty of other activities that keep me busy. Flying full size is one of them but this R/C stuff with the modern tech compared to what I had 35 years ago scratches an itch.

I've poured over the AMA Safety Code ever since I got started. I'd bet their underwriter's lawyers could punch a bunch of holes in some potential scenarios that I have dreamed up happening but maybe not. I'll likely join for the support of the .org but I won't be giving up my own PL/PD insurance policies anytime soon.

init4fun

I don't have a copy of the Emails anymore , because it was some time ago and I've changed computers a couple of times since then , but I asked your very same question of the lady at the AMA who handles the insurance (Illona Maine is her name , I'm sorry if I've got the spelling of her name wrong) and she told the the only two conditions for the insurance to be in effect is that you must be an AMA member in good standing , flying safely by following the AMA safety code , and you must be flying in a place where model aircraft flying is allowed . That's it , Fly safe according to the code and fly someplace where your not trespassing , and your covered .....

DGrant

My Feedback: (4)

The AMA is good about covering, and paying claims too. I know of more then one incident(involving other people), there were claims made, and AMA paid, no questions asked once everything was determined to be in compliance(which didn't take long at all). Definitely keep any other coverage of course...IE homeowners, some renter insurances, and maybe other areas of insurance may be sufficient also for your PL/PD, but the AMA coverage is no joke when or if you need it. They're very legitimate. One friend filed a claim for a broken car windshield and damage inside the car(plane came down on the windshield), another filed a claim for all his radio gear that was stolen from his vehicle. All was paid fairly and promptly. This was in the last 3 or 4yrs.

What your own PL/PD won't get you is membership or even a guest pass into an AMA sanctioned club. You will definitely need AMA obviously to participate in any of that at any AMA sanctioned club. The way I figure it, is it's just the cost of being in the hobby(I also have other insurances that would cover me too.. just sayin').. but for what I spend on any given model plane, the AMA coverage is peanuts.. and yes, I more get it too support the cause and hobby, and to be able to fly at any club I want(if they'll have me)... but it's real insurance.

PS... You don't have to disclose any information about where/when/what you fly either, as long as when/where/what you fly is in compliance with their code. It's really that easy, and no questions asked.