About Your Claim

NationAir's Claims Advisors are pleased to introduce a new information sheet addressing the topics that arise most frequently during the claims process. This information is presented below, and the complete information sheet is always available on the NationAir website. Simply log on to nationair.com, click on About Us and Resources.

Did you know NationAir's Claims Advisors are available to assist our clients in the event of complex, delayed or otherwise unusual claims with the underwriting company? Should there be delays or complications in processing a claim, simply contact a NationAir Claims Advisor, who will advise you and represent your interests to the underwriter's claims department, making sure the underwriter is meeting its coverage obligations. At the same time, our Claims Advisors work with the underwriter to facilitate clear communications from them to you.

Important Information About the Claim Process
Whenever there is a claim, it is the insurance company's wish to handle that claim promptly and courteously. Of course, at times delays and challenges arise; in these cases, NationAir's Claims Advisors work with the underwriting company and our clients to facilitate a timely, appropriate outcome.

In the course of working with clients and underwriters, our Claims Advisors have encountered several topics that routinely arise concerning the claim process. Information about each of those topics is presented here. If you have additional questions after reviewing this document, please contact your specific agent or one of NationAir's Claims Advisors.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your policy is the sole basis of coverage and the insurance company's obligations in the event of a loss. Nothing in this document changes your policy in any manner.

Engine Inspections Due to Prop Strike, Foreign Object Damage (FOD), etc.
If it becomes necessary to disassemble your engine because of a propeller strike or FOD on turbine engines, your insurance company will routinely reimburse the cost to remove, inspect and reinstall the engine based upon a competitive pricing standard at an approved regional engine repair facility. An owner may elect to have the engine inspected at any facility; however, reimbursement is limited to the competitive pricing standard for inspection and shipping costs. Any engine components damaged as a direct result of sudden stoppage or FOD will be reimbursed.

On occasion, parts may be discovered that are not airworthy for reasons of wear and tear or other causes unrelated to the accident. Your insurance policy does not provide reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing such parts. Likewise, the cost to comply with any unrelated Airworthiness Directives or Service Bulletins when an engine is torn down is also the owner's responsibility.

Depreciation of Propellers, Paint and Time Life Components
In many cases when propellers, paint or other time life limited components are damaged, they are returned in a “zero-time,” new or overhauled condition. Repair costs to these items are reimbursed based upon the prorated costs you would incur as part of your normal aircraft operating expense. In most policies this is referred to as betterment. For example, let's say your propeller is at 50% of Time Between Overhaul (TBO) at the time of damage and the cost of an overhaul at TBO is $800. If you get a new or overhauled propeller due to the accident, the prorated reimbursement received would be $400, since you now have a prop with 50 percent more life.

Estimates and Repair Invoices
All insurance companies request that you have a repair shop provide a detailed estimate of repair before work is commenced. In most cases, it will be necessary to obtain more than one estimate to properly evaluate the damage. You may have any shop submit a repair bid. However, your insurer's payment will be based upon the most reasonable and competitive costs to repair a damaged aircraft.

When final repair invoices are available, your repair facility needs to exclude any work from the invoice that is unrelated to the claim repairs. Send itemized originals to the adjuster or legible copies to avoid unnecessary delays. These invoices must detail all parts and labor performed in the course of the repair. In the event that hidden damage is discovered during the repair or for any other situation, either you or the shop will need to let the adjuster know what the additional damage is and the costs to repair. This will eliminate a surprise on the final invoice and allow for adjustments to be made so that your claim can be paid promptly.

Payment of Your Claim
When it is time for payment on a repair, the insurance company must have a Proof of Loss form properly executed. The insurance company will supply this form to you upon receipt of partial and/or final repair invoices. Payment checks will include the names of all named insureds and loss payees listed in your policy. If your aircraft has a lienholder, or if the premium on your policy has been financed, the lienholder and/or premium finance company will be included as payees unless they provide the insurance company with a fax or letter agreeing that they may be deleted from the payment check. Please contact your agent if naming these parties will create difficulties for you.

In Conclusion
It is most insurance companies' sincere desire to settle claims fairly and efficiently. As your insurance broker we welcome feedback on how your process is handled, so that we can do our best to ensure that any unnecessary difficulties are addressed going forward.

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