It cost more to go faster
Call Chris Davis at CS&A in Nashville. He's an expert.
Basically you are looking at three options - Global Aerospace, AIG, and US Specialty. Also AVEMCO, but they are HIGH!
Chris is well studied on insuring Rockets, in particular.
Edit - Chris's number is 800-999-1109 - sorry.
JDR
Thanks Jeff...
With regards to the Rocket...if you want the performance, you gotta pay for it. Rockets are in a class of their own in more areas than just performance. Do any Rocket owners really think that you can realistically operate a Rocket for the same price as an RV-4 or RV-8? More performance = more cost to build, more fuel to burn, and more insurance to pay. It exceeds it's RV cousins in every aspect and that includes insurance premiums. Just being honest with you fellows...
Today's market conditions:
Global got out of the Rocket market last year due to early 2008 losses. They will renew coverage on existing accounts, but will not increase coverage even on their current policies. AIG has also taken a hard stance on the Rockets following along much the same lines as Global. AIG got caught with their pants down insuring Rockets under the pretence of "hot rod RV-4's". This was a shady way that some agents were getting lower rates for Rocket owners and it did not go over well with AIG when they found out about it.
For "new business" to the underwriters, basically the companies that will quote the Rockets are US Specialty, Specialty Aviation, and Avemco. Specialty Aviation has been the most competitive as of late, with US Specialty running a close second...not too hard when there are only 3 of you.
I have a HR valued around $100k with a well qualified pilot insured in the $2,800 ballpark and a F-1 valued around $150k with a lesser qualified pilot insured in the $4,200 ballpark. It is a case by case basis and comparing one with the other is nearly impossible due to the many variables involved.
There are some "new" players in the aviation insurance marketplace, but thus far none of them have been willing to take a bite out of the Rocket pie.
Clear skies & tailwinds