Sutton James
Sutton James is a U.S.-based aviation insurance brokerage division of King Risk Partners, placing aviation policies for individual aircraft owners, commercial operators, corporate flight departments, Robinson helicopter operators, and UAS/drone operators through pilot-brokers with FAA certifications.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersHartford, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Sutton James does
Sutton James is a U.S.-based aviation insurance brokerage organized as a brand or division of King Risk Partners, an independent insurance agency. The firm sources and services aviation insurance placements for individual aircraft owners, commercial aviation operators, corporate flight departments, Robinson helicopter owners and operators, and unmanned aerial systems (drone) operators. Its product surface spans general aviation insurance, the Robinson Helicopter Insurance Program underwritten by Starr Aviation (A.M. Best A-rated), UAS/Drone insurance, broad aircraft coverage across light aircraft, seaplanes, jets, vintage/warbirds, helicopters, owner-flown turbine aircraft, and aviation and aerospace liability coverage for charter companies, flight schools, airports, and corporate operators.
The broker talent base is the firm's defining operational feature: every broker holds a Bachelor of Science in aviation and is an FAA-certified pilot, with prior industry experience across aviation underwriting, certified flight instruction, charter piloting, and dispatching. Distribution is direct, with licensed agents consulting individual owners (phone/online quote requests) and conducting annual on-site visits for corporate accounts. The firm differentiates on claims service (15-minute callback commitment, weekly follow-ups, after-hours mobile claims line), industry association leadership (Aviation Insurance Association Board), trade publication contributions, and FAA WINGS and safety program participation.
The business model is transaction-based: the firm earns placement commissions from carriers such as Starr Aviation, with recurring renewal commissions and bespoke, quote-based pricing calibrated to each client's aircraft type, pilot experience, usage patterns, and coverage requirements. Specialized pricing constructs include a Robinson Helicopter program with a no-claims bonus of up to 15% off renewal and fleet discounts for operators with three or more helicopters. There is no disclosed revenue, headcount, or pricing scale.
Sutton James firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sutton James
- Legal name
- Sutton James
- Website
- https://suttonjames.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Sutton James is a U.S.-based aviation insurance brokerage division of King Risk Partners, placing aviation policies for individual aircraft owners, commercial operators, corporate flight departments, Robinson helicopter operators, and UAS/drone operators through pilot-brokers with FAA certifications.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sutton James industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aviation Insurance Brokerage
- NAICS
- Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (52421), Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (524210)
- 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), Private Aviation Insurance & Financing/Leasing Services (THABAFAM)
Keywords
Where Sutton James is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hartford
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Sutton James business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
Revenue model
- Insurance Brokerage Commissions: The firm operates as an insurance brokerage earning commissions from insurance carriers for placing aviation insurance policies. Revenue is generated through placement fees and commissions from insurance underwriters including Starr Aviation. The model is transaction-based per policy placement with recurring renewal commissions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Custom Aviation Insurance Policies |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Sutton James product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sutton James is an aviation insurance brokerage that places aviation insurance policies on behalf of aircraft owners and operators, earning commissions from carriers such as Starr Aviation. It operates as a division/brand of King Risk Partners and provides tailored coverage for general aviation aircraft, helicopters (including a specialized Robinson Helicopter program), and unmanned aerial systems (drones), serving both individual owners and commercial aviation businesses.
Product overview
Sutton James operates as part of the King Risk Partners network, specializing in aviation insurance solutions. The company offers a portfolio of insurance products including General Aviation Insurance, the Robinson Helicopter Insurance Program, and UAS/Drone Insurance. These core products are complemented by specialized aircraft coverage (covering Light Aircraft, Seaplanes, Jets, Vintage/Warbirds, Helicopters, Owner-flown Turbine Aircraft, and Drones/UAVs) and Aviation & Aerospace Liability coverage for various aviation businesses including flight schools, manufacturers, airports, and corporate flight departments. The company also provides customizable policy bundling and claims advocacy services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- General Aviation Insurance
Quantifiable outcome
- Claims callback within 15 minutes
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Sutton James
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Sutton James technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Sutton James partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Starr AviationcoreStarr Aviation is the underwriter for the specialized Robinson Helicopter Insurance Program. Starr Aviation holds an A rating from A.M. Best & Company, one of the most prominent aviation insurance carriers in the industry. The program specifically covers Robinson R-22 and R-44 helicopters for both private owners and commercial operators.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sutton James competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- AIG Aerospace: Large multinational insurer offering aviation and aerospace products as part of a broader specialty insurance portfolio. Comparable on product but competes through scale and global reach rather than niche specialization.
- Marsh Aviation Practice: Aviation brokerage and risk advisory practice within a global insurance broker. Comparable aviation product offering but operated as part of a much wider portfolio targeting enterprise clients including airlines, airports, and corporate flight departments.
Direct peers
- USAIG: United States Aircraft Insurance Group provides aviation insurance for commercial operators, corporate flight departments, and private owners. Directly comparable on product, customer base, and broker-mediated distribution model.
- Avemco Insurance Company: Direct specialty aviation insurance carrier focused on general aviation and recreational pilots. Like Sutton James, it underwrites/personal aviation, owner-flown aircraft, and recreational flying risks, making it the closest direct comparator in target customer and product line.
- AOPA Insurance Agency: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's in-house insurance agency serves individual pilots with general aviation coverage. Direct competitor for the individual aircraft owner segment via association-led distribution.
- Global Aerospace: Specialty aviation insurance pool offering hull, liability, and product liability coverage for commercial operators, corporate flight departments, and general aviation. Comparable on aviation-specific underwriting expertise and product breadth.
Emerging players
- Starr Aviation: Aviation insurance carrier that underwrites Sutton James's Robinson Helicopter program. Functions as both a partner (capacity provider) and a potential competitor for direct aviation insurance placement.
- Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR): Specialty aviation insurance broker covering piston, turbine, helicopter, and corporate aircraft risks. Direct niche competitor for the individual aircraft owner and corporate flight department segments.
- Falcon Insurance Agency: Specialty broker offering aviation, helicopter, and drone insurance to individuals and commercial operators. Comparable niche brokerage competitor, particularly in the UAS and helicopter segments.
- Loomis & Heist Insurance: Independent insurance agency with a dedicated aviation practice covering personal, commercial, and corporate aircraft. Comparable niche brokerage serving overlapping customer segments.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sutton James social profiles
Digital presenceSutton James financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sutton James leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Sutton James funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sutton James M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sutton James
What does Sutton James do?
Sutton James is an aviation insurance brokerage that places aviation insurance policies on behalf of aircraft owners and operators, earning commissions from carriers such as Starr Aviation. It operates as a division/brand of King Risk Partners and provides tailored coverage for general aviation aircraft, helicopters (including a specialized Robinson Helicopter program), and unmanned aerial systems (drones), serving both individual owners and commercial aviation businesses.
Is Sutton James a public or private company?
Sutton James is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Sutton James founded?
Sutton James was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Sutton James based?
Sutton James is headquartered in Hartford, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sutton James make money?
One revenue line is on record: insurance Brokerage Commissions.
Who are Sutton James's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are AIG Aerospace and Marsh Aviation Practice. Direct peers are USAIG, Avemco Insurance Company, AOPA Insurance Agency and Global Aerospace. Emerging players are Starr Aviation, Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR), Falcon Insurance Agency and Loomis & Heist Insurance.
Does Sutton James have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sutton James.
What industry is Sutton James in?
Sutton James's product category is Aviation Insurance Brokerage. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAEADAJ, Specialty Insurance Brokerage (Marine, Aviation, Cyber, Professional Lines), with a secondary code of FSAJAGAK, Aviation Specialty. Its NAICS code is 52421 and its SIC code is 6411.