8. What questions should I ask about an insurance company I am thinking of using? Where's the money? The first thing to find out is whether a company has the financial strength and stability to pay its claims. There are several companies that rate insurers including A.M. Best, Standard & Poors and others. Most of the "insurance companies" in the aerospace industry are underwriting managers rather than actual insurers. The managers make use of the capital of one or more actual insurance companies. In most cases, ask your broker for the Best rating. Nickles and Dimes. Once you find out it they are able, you need to know if they are willing. This is more of a reputation issue, but brokers will tell you. You can also talk to shops that do insurance repairs. Some carriers will stick absolutely to the letter of their contract, and go no farther. Others quite literally see each claim as an advertising opportunity, and do everything reasonable to make you walk away smiling. Most claims contain some gray areas, and it usually is worth a slightly higher premium to stay with a more liberal company so you won't be 'nickled and dimed' if you have a claim. Service. The next issue is underwriting flexibility. If you are considering taking on partners, changing aircraft, or making some other big change, let your broker know. He or she can tell you which carriers are most likely to work with you in different areas.   © 1999-2006 Sutton James, Inc. All rights reserved.