What sum insured should I take on hull?

Agreed value at policy inception — typically based on a recent valuation. Agreed value avoids depreciation disputes at total loss. For active aircraft, we re-value at every renewal to keep the agreed value current.

What limits do passengers and third parties need?

KCAA minimums apply, but commercial charter and corporate operators typically need substantially higher — KES 100M+ per seat for commercial operations, materially higher for international charter. Routes into Middle East and Europe have specific reciprocal requirements.

Are training flights covered?

Yes, with the appropriate endorsement for training and dual-instruction. Student solo flights are usually covered subject to the student having appropriate KCAA permits. Type-rating training is rated separately.

Is night and IFR operation covered?

Cover usually allows day-VFR operation by default. Night and IFR require pilot ratings and aircraft certification matching the operation; insurer warranties spell out the operational envelope. We confirm coverage matches actual use before placement.

Specialty Insurance

Aviation Insurance

Hull and liability cover for aircraft operators, owners, charter companies, flying schools, and aviation service providers across the region.

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Hull + liability coverKCAA-compliant policiesPilots + passengersSpecialist underwriters

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Compliant Cover

Hull + Liability

Combined Policy

KCAA

Compliant Cover

Hull + Liability

Combined Policy

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Aviation insurance is a specialist class placed almost entirely through reinsurance markets in London, with limited local capacity. Cover includes hull (physical damage to the aircraft), passenger and third-party liability, and ground risks — each of which is rated and underwritten distinctly. Kenya has a substantial general aviation sector — charter operators, flying schools, agricultural aviation, NGO and tourism operators — and a small but growing commercial fleet.

Vike places aviation cover by working with specialist Lloyd's brokers who lead aviation business. We support KCAA-licensed operators with hull and liability cover meeting both KCAA regulations and the requirements of international charterers, leasing companies, and tour operators. We also place hangar-keepers' liability for FBOs and MROs, and aviation products liability for parts and component suppliers.

What It Covers

Hull — physical damage to the aircraft (in flight, taxi, and ground)
Passenger legal liability — injury or death of passengers
Third-party legal liability — injury or damage to people and property on the ground
War, hijacking, and political risk perils (separate cover)
Hangar-keepers' legal liability for FBOs and maintenance organisations
Aviation products liability for parts and component manufacturers
Spares and equipment cover
Loss of use / lost income while aircraft is grounded after damage

Who It's For

Charter operators (commercial and corporate)
Flying schools and training organisations
Tour operators with their own aircraft for safari and coastal routes
Agricultural aviation operators (crop dusting, spraying)
Aircraft owners — private and corporate
FBOs, MROs, and ground-handling operators

Types We Cover

Each profile is rated and underwritten differently. Talk to us so we can match your specific situation.

General Aviation Hull & Liability

Standard cover for private and light commercial aircraft — Cessnas, Cirrus, Diamond, Piper, Caravan, and similar. Hull plus passenger and third-party liability under one policy.

Commercial Operator Cover

For Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders running charter or scheduled services. Higher liability limits and additional regulatory wording. Often requires specific London market placement.

Helicopter Insurance

Distinct from fixed-wing — different rating, higher hull rates for utility and tour operations. Common for safari, news, medevac, and oil/gas support operations.

Flying School Insurance

Includes student pilot risk, dual-instruction provisions, and ground-school liability. Often combined with student personal accident.

Hangar-keepers' & Ground Operations

For FBOs, maintenance organisations, and ground-handlers. Covers customers' aircraft in care, custody, and control. Aviation products liability for parts suppliers is a separate but related product.

Real-World Scenarios

Forced landing damages aircraft on rough terrain

Engine failure leads to off-airport landing in northern Kenya. Hull cover settles the aircraft repair or write-off; salvage and recovery costs are also indemnified. Pilot and passenger personal accident benefits respond separately on injury.

Mid-air incident causes third-party property damage

A parachute drop accident causes damage on the ground. Third-party legal liability pays the property owner's claim and the legal defence costs. Aviation liability is rated separately from hull and is often the larger exposure on commercial operations.

Aircraft in maintenance damaged at MRO facility

An aircraft is damaged while in the care of a third-party MRO. The owner's hull policy pays the loss; the MRO's hangar-keepers' liability indemnifies the MRO and the insurer's recovery action. Without hangar-keepers' cover, the MRO would face the loss directly.

Optional Benefits & Add-ons

War, hijacking, and political risk extensions

Cargo and baggage liability

Cabin crew personal accident

Lost equipment and spares cover

Loss-of-use / lost income following hull damage

Search and rescue / SAR costs reimbursement

Availability varies by underwriter. Our advisors will confirm what is available on your chosen policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Primarily through specialist Lloyd's of London brokers and reinsurance markets — local Kenyan insurers typically front the policy and reinsure significant portions. We work with brokers who lead aviation business so wording and pricing are competitive.