4. Why can't I get more liability coverage? For the past 20 years, jury awards for injuries in aircraft accidents have been increasing. Since the vast majority of the U.S. civil fleet is more than 20 years old, passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) means that manufacturers are no longer involved in these lawsuits, leaving the aircraft owner as the main target. Insurer's feel that whatever limit they offer on a light airplane or helicopter will be used up in the event of a serious accident. In this kind of environment, they don't think that they can charge enough for their product, and would rather not sell it. As a result, getting limits of liability over $1,000,000 is becoming increasingly difficult. For owners who need it, excess liability is now available in most states if you have enough aircraft liability coverage.       © 1999-2006 Sutton James, Inc. All rights reserved.