Jason Fisher We work with individuals who all love a wide range of hobbies, and we get asked many questions about life insurance for hang gliders. Gliding is a unique recreation, and tens of thousands of people glide every year in different capacities.
The way it affects life insurance is relatively significant, and could potentially create larger risks for insurance carriers; this, in turn, could mean higher prices for those who are active. However, you can minimize those risks, and we can help you.
Affordable Life Insurance For Hang Gliders
Gliding is an activity gaining in popularity both nationally and internationally. Those who hang glide or para glide, unfortunately, have to deal with the headache of tough flat extra fees (extra costs per thousand of coverage) much like the other hobbies we work with.
As with scuba and sky diving, there are different levels of expertise, and different risks associated with the way a person participates. Correctly declaring your activity can result in significant decreases in premium than if you give little detail. The carriers always err on the side of caution.
For hang gliding and para gliding, here are some of the most common questions you’ll be asked by your agent and underwriting team:
- Are you an amateur or professional?
- How long have you been gliding?
- How often do you glide?
- Do you utilize motorized or non-powered units (or both)?
- What is your maximum altitude achieved?
- Are you involved with a specialized club or organization?
- Have you ever been injured previously?
- What type of safety equipment do you use?
- Do you fly with others, or solo?
Amateur vs. Professional
A very wide range of people participate in gliding, from folks who have done nothing more than weekend introductory classes from a Groupon, to those who compete, have a made a profession from, or even attempt world records at gliding. Obviously, these need to be sorted.
Amateurs will be assessed on their training, frequency, equipment and max climbs primarily. Professionals will have the added requirements of disclosing their specialties, competitions, or additional areas of interest such as instruction, photography/videography, and international flights, or other.
Experience
Life insurance for hang gliders often comes with the prerequisite of a membership, although not always required if the experience level is very low. Active memberships with the USHPA or your local gliding club are suggested. For those with more frequency, an active membership leads to lower rates.
Explain to your agent your progression. The USHPA uses the common proficiency system, ranging from student to master, which aids in identifying your possible risk levels for life insurance as well. For example, many companies allow H-1 and H-2 with little to no additional premium, whereas H-3 and above see flat extra premiums.
Types
Your equipment can have an effect on your rates. Certain equipment types allow for faster speeds, higher altitudes, and greater flexibility for advanced maneuvers. Be able to explain to your agent and the underwriter all types you use.
Hang gliders will need to distinguish their equipment, including whether they use solo or dual capacity fliers. Those who use mounted engines, fans or other types of motorized equipment will also need to supply details on what they use.
Safety
Perhaps one of the best ways you can help secure lower rates is extensively proving how safely you engage in any activity. From basic safety equipment like a helmet, to secondary chutes, motors or otherwise, explaining the level of caution you take or have taken is crucial.
In addition, any training, education or specializations you’ve acquired can help your case with the underwriter.
Other Factors
Finally, you’ll need to pass all the typical barriers of applying for life insurance as would any other person. This means going through the process of applying, completing a medical exam, where needed, and more.
There are several parts to being accepted, ranging from your own medical history to that of your immediate family, to motor vehicle records (MVR’s), criminal records, and even previous bankruptcies or other financial obstacles. All things must be considered before an insurance company will make an offer, and the hang gliding portion is simply extra leg work.
Where To Apply
Now, we go above and beyond what a typical agent might do for you, and we seek out rates from as many as 50 or more carriers. This allows us to find what companies are the most liberal at the time, or who are willing to offer you the lowest rates.
Using your standard Property and Casualty agent who insured your home or car is not advised.
Because the insurance industry can change at a moments notice, one company who excels in insuring hang gliders on a certain day, may not be the best the very next. It’s a dynamic shift, and we do our best to stay on top of it. Our process involves us getting as much detail up front as possible, then anonymously sourcing quotes on your behalf so you can avoid long, unwanted underwriting periods with negative results.
You can begin by getting a quote and we’ll be with you shortly.
