Aviation Specialty Insurance

What Aviation Specialty Insurance does

Aviation Specialty Insurance is a US-based aviation insurance brokerage headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana with a satellite office in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2011 when Chuck Surack acquired the agency following a favorable personal claim experience, the firm operates as a subsidiary of Surack Enterprises — a diversified conglomerate that also owns Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Sweet Aviation, and Sweet Helicopters. The brokerage represents nearly every major North American aviation insurance carrier (20+ underwriters, plus international broker relationships in Europe and South America) and places coverage across corporate aviation, light aircraft, airports and FBOs, flight schools and flying clubs, drone/UAV operators, maintenance/repair operations, and niche segments such as experimental and War Birds aircraft. Core product coverage limits reach $500M in liability and $100M in hull for corporate fleets, with $100M liability available for drone operators and airport/FBO programs.

The firm's product portfolio is delivered through a hybrid of agent-led sales (24/7 toll-free line, trade show presence at HELI-EXPO/NBAA/NATA/Verticon, direct field engagement) and self-service digital portals for renters insurance, drone/UAV insurance, light aircraft instant quoting, and airport/FBO coverage. Differentiated offerings include the proprietary SmoothPay in-house installment program (the first such facility offered by a US aviation agency) and the Enstrom Owner's Program — a tailored policy built around an OEM relationship with parent-owned Enstrom. Ancillary products such as Pilot Life Insurance and Pilot Loss of License coverage extend wallet share beyond standard aviation placements. Revenue is generated through standard brokerage commissions on premium placed with carrier partners, with no public disclosure of revenue or headcount detail beyond the 11–50 employee range.

The company's go-to-market is sales-led, with deep industry expertise supplied by a team of active pilots including President Matt Drummelsmith (30+ years aviation experience). Customer references include related-party accounts Sweet Aviation, Sweet Helicopters, and Indiana Helicopters (all Surack Enterprises affiliates), plus DataWing Global on the drone/UAV side. Marketing channels span industry trade shows, a "Squawk Box" blog, email newsletter, and active Facebook presence; distribution leverages direct phone sales, website quote requests, and self-service digital portals, including a partnership with Chubb for bundled high-net-worth personal coverage.

Name

Aviation Specialty Insurance

Legal name

Aviation Specialty Insurance

Website

https://aviationspecialtyinsurance.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Aviation Specialty Insurance is a US aviation insurance brokerage (Fort Wayne, IN) placing coverage with 20+ North American carriers across corporate, light aircraft, airport, flight school, drone, and niche segments, serving individual pilots, FBOs, and enterprise operators as a subsidiary of Surack Enterprises.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Insurance Brokerage

NAICS

Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (524210), Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities (5242)

SIC

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Insurance Brokerage (Marine, Aviation, Cyber, Professional Lines) (FSAEADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aviation Specialty (FSAJAGAK), Airport & Ground Operations Insurance (FSAJAHAF)

Keywords

• Aviation insurance brokerage
• Aircraft hull coverage
• Drone insurance
• Airport liability insurance
• Flight school insurance

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Wayne

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Insurance Brokerage Commissions: Aviation Specialty Insurance operates as a brokerage, earning commissions from insurance carriers for placing coverage. They represent nearly every major aviation insurance carrier in North America with broker relationships in Europe and South America. Revenue is generated through commissions based on premium volume placed with carrier partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Aviation Specialty Insurance is an aviation-focused insurance brokerage that places coverage with more than 20 major North American aviation carriers for clients ranging from individual pilots and renters to corporate flight departments, flight schools, airports/FBOs, drone operators, and helicopter owners. The firm earns commissions on placed premiums and supports its placements with specialized programs (Enstrom Owner's Program), ancillary coverages (pilot life, loss of license, renters), and the proprietary SmoothPay in-house payment plan.

Product overview

Aviation Specialty Insurance operates as an insurance brokerage offering a comprehensive portfolio of aviation insurance products. The core offerings include Corporate Aircraft Insurance for executive and commercial fleets, Light Aircraft Insurance for individual owners, Airport Insurance for FBOs and airfields, Flight School Insurance for training operations, and Drone/UAV Insurance for unmanned aircraft. Specialized programs include the Enstrom Owner's Program for helicopter owners and various ancillary coverages like Renter's Insurance, Pilot Life Insurance, and Pilot Loss of License Coverage. The company differentiates through its proprietary SmoothPay payment plan system, allowing clients to spread premiums over quarterly or monthly installments. The firm represents nearly all major aviation insurance underwriters in North America with broker relationships in Europe and South America, enabling access to the best pricing and coverage options.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SmoothPay: An in-house flexible premium payment program that allows clients to spread premiums over multiple months or quarters.
• Squawk Box

Products and services

• Corporate Aircraft Insurance Insurance coverage for executive aircraft and corporate fleets, ranging from private aircraft to major airlines, with liability limits up to $500,000,000 and hull coverage up to $100,000,000 per aircraft, including worldwide territory and workers compensation for pilots and crew.
• Light Aircraft Insurance Insurance for all types of light aircraft owned by individuals or businesses for personal or commercial use, with instant quotes, real-time policy issuance, liability coverage up to $1,000,000, pilots accepted up to age 79, and up to 15% credit for safety devices.
• Airport Insurance Customized coverage for airstrips, regional airparks, international airports, and Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), including premises liability, hangarkeepers coverage, fuel coverage, pollution coverage, workers compensation, premises auto, rental car, and completed operations with liability limits up to $100,000,000.
• Flight School Insurance Comprehensive and customizable insurance programs for flight schools, flying clubs, and university flight schools, including renter agreement review, fleet crediting, student/renter liability coverage, waivers of subrogation, and monthly premium reporting plans.
• Drone & UAV Insurance Insurance coverage for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles for personal and commercial use, with liability limits up to $100,000,000, worldwide territory, and coverage for over 20 commercial use cases including aerial photography, agricultural applications, powerline/pipeline patrol, news coverage, and disaster response, supported by an automated portal for instant quoting and binding.
• Enstrom Owner's Program Exclusive insurance program for Enstrom helicopter owners and operators, offering ultra-competitive rates, tiered rating credits based on pilot experience, five liability limit options, instant rate indications, and lightning-fast response times backed by an A+ rated aviation carrier.
• SmoothPay Proprietary in-house flexible premium payment program allowing pilots and aviation operators to spread premiums over multiple months or quarters with quarterly or monthly payment options, electronic funds transfer, and no extra application or approval process.
• Renter's Insurance Personal liability coverage for student pilots, freelance CFIs, and aircraft renters, available 24/7 through an automated portal that provides instant proof of insurance in approximately five minutes.
• Pilot Life Insurance Life insurance coverage for pilots offered in partnership with one of the largest pilot life insurers in the country, providing quotes through an online process handled by dedicated agents.
• Pilot Loss of License Coverage Coverage bridging the gap between life insurance and workers' comp for pilots, available on demand with no applications or forms required, providing monthly billing and coverage enhancements.
• Maintenance/Repair Operations Insurance Insurance coverage for maintenance and repair operations including Part 145 repair stations and freelance A&P mechanics.
• Avionics Manufacturers/Installers Insurance Insurance coverage tailored for avionics manufacturers and installers operating in the aviation industry.
• Aircraft Brokers Insurance Insurance coverage for aircraft brokers operating in the aviation sales market.
• Sport and Leisure Aircraft Insurance Insurance coverage for sport and leisure aircraft.
• Experimental/Home-built Aircraft Insurance Insurance coverage for experimental and home-built aircraft.
• War Birds Insurance Insurance coverage for vintage military aircraft (War Birds).

Quantifiable outcome

• Claims paid within 2 weeks of incident - customer received full check to cover total loss with zero hassle
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Enstrom Helicopter CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024Aviation Specialty Insurance partnered with Enstrom Helicopter Corporation to reintroduce an insurance program tailor-made for Enstrom owners and operators. The Enstrom Owner's Program offers ultra-competitive rates, tiered rating credits based on pilot experience, five liability limit options, and instant rate indications. An A+ rated aviation carrier underwrites the program.
• DataWing GlobalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAviation Specialty Insurance is the preferred partner of DataWing Global, a leader in data collection and analytics. The partnership provides drone/UAV insurance solutions to DataWing Global's customer base.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BWI Aviation Insurance Brokerage: Aviation insurance brokerage specializing in general aviation, corporate aircraft, and helicopter coverage across the US. Comparable to ASI in customer segments, products offered, and sales-led brokerage model.
• Falcon Insurance Group: Aviation-specialty insurance brokerage serving general aviation, corporate flight departments, FBOs, and helicopters. Closely comparable to ASI in niche focus, pilot-led service orientation, and multi-segment aviation coverage.
• Avion Insurance Services: Aircraft insurance brokerage placing coverage for individual owners, flight schools, and commercial operators. Direct peer to ASI in target customer (pilots, FBOs, flight schools), product set (hull, liability, renter), and sales-led distribution model.

Broad incumbents

• Brown & Brown, Inc. Large US insurance brokerage with an Aviation & Aerospace Specialty Practice that places aircraft, airport, and product liability coverage. Highly comparable brokerage model to ASI; W. Brown & Associates is also a carrier partner represented by ASI, highlighting the dual customer/competitor dynamic.
• Willis Towers Watson (WTW): Global insurance and reinsurance broker with an established Aerospace practice providing fleet, hull, liability, and product recall coverage. Directly comparable to ASI in placing corporate, light aircraft, and specialty aviation coverage, but with broader financial lines and global reach.
• Marsh McLennan: World's largest insurance broker with a multi-decade Aviation Practice serving airlines, corporate flight departments, airports, and aerospace manufacturers. Highly comparable to ASI's corporate and airport/FBO placement work, though serving a much larger and more complex risk profile.
• Aon plc: Global insurance brokerage with a dedicated Aviation & Aerospace practice that places corporate fleet, hangar, FBO, and drone coverage for airlines and large operators. Comparable to ASI as an aviation-focused distribution channel across virtually every line ASI brokers, but at vastly larger scale and broader portfolio.

Others

• USAIG (United States Aircraft Insurance Group): Aviation insurance underwriting pool providing hull and liability coverage to general aviation and corporate operators. Listed as a carrier partner represented by ASI — a strategic counterparty and adjacent market participant, not a direct broker competitor.
• Starr Companies: Aviation insurance carrier providing personal aircraft, corporate aviation, and excess liability coverage; ASI rents the StarrLink renters portal and Starr is a represented carrier partner. Adjacent, not a direct broker competitor.
• Global Aerospace: Aviation insurance underwriting pool (SMART Insurance) serving commercial, corporate, and general aviation operators across North America and Europe. A carrier partner represented by ASI; relevant as adjacent market participant defining coverage terms ASI distributes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AviationSpecialtyInsurance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aviation-specialty-insurance-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aviation Specialty Insurance