If you already have aviation insurance, why would you want to think about hiring aviation insurance claims adjusters? It's true that insurance companies have their own claims adjusters, but if something goes wrong and your plane is damaged, you may find the provided adjuster slow...or just plain wrong. In such instances, it makes sense to hire your own aircraft insurance adjuster. Besides, you may feel better knowing an adjuster is strictly on your side and has no particular loyalty to your insurance company.

Generally, aviation adjusters charge about 10%, although this percentage may vary with the claim's size. Typically, once the event is reported to your insurance company, the adjuster should conduct an on-site inspection of the aircraft, fully examining why the accident occurred. The adjuster will look at repair estimates and may seek the expert advice of a salvage company. When looking for your own claims adjuster, keep an eye out for:

1. An individual or company with experience in aviation insurance claims;

2. Someone knowledgeable about aircraft insurance salvage;

3. And a person who is not any particular company's aviation insurance adjuster but who knows how to work amicably with insurance providers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the best aviation insurance adjusters

There are many ways to find a good aviation claims adjuster. First, ask around: Personal recommendations are always a great place to begin. You might also seek advice from an aviation organization.

I recommend: An Organization of Flying Adjusters provides a handy directory of insurance adjusters who specialize in aircraft. Just click on your state to see the names and contact information for appropriate adjusters. Aviation Adjusting Associates is an established company with the expertise to handle aviation adjusting.

Research aviation claims adjusters

No matter how well an aviation adjuster is recommended, it's an excellent idea to explore his or her background. Some unscrupulous adjusters overcharge, while others are incompetent or use fraudulent practices. Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau, and seek out customer reviews, both positive and negative.

I recommend: Check out the Better Business Bureau to see what previous customers have had to say about specific aviation claims adjusters. FreeAdvice has a list of every state's Department of Insurance -- which responds to consumer inquiries about insurance companies and adjusters, in addition to handling consumer complaints.

Make contact with aircraft insurance salvage companies

Help your aviation loss adjuster by seeking the services of a salvage company specializing in aircraft. Sometimes adjusters and insurance companies disagree with salvage companies on the salvage possibilities of aircraft. Even if your insurance company decides your aircraft isn't worth salvaging, you may find a salvage company interested in your plane.

I recommend: SalvageSale allows you to optimize your loss by selling salvages aircraft parts; they also provide damage evaluation, arming aviation loss adjusters with accurate information. Atlanta Air Recovery & Storage offers services worldwide.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's a bad sign if your aviation insurance adjuster steers you toward any particular repair company, experts say. It's fine for an adjuster to suggest a handful of businesses, but if they seem to push you toward one or two, be wary.