Aircraft insurance rates with DUI/DWI charge?

Question

If one is a partner in a small aircraft, what effect does a potential DUI/DWI have on aircraft insurance rates?

Answer 1

A conviction could have some effect on medical certification and possibly insurance. A charge without a conviction (particularly if fully dismissed or if acquitted; no plea deal) would seemingly have no effect (presumption of innocence). In general, convictions, not charges, are what matter.

Answer 2

Why would you want to be in a partnership with someone who doesn't honor the "bottle to throttle" rule in a car?

Can you be sure they won't fly drunk?

Walk away from that situation.

Answer 3

Does the pilot have their medical back?

If not - then don't worry about the insurance.

Answer 4

I would suggest contacting your insurance company or AOPA.  

If I had a partnership in an aircraft with someone involved in DUI/DWI issues, I'd either get out of the partnership or ask them to sell their share (to me or another person).  There are too many risks involved in sharing an aircraft with someone who makes poor decisions such as mixing alcohol with vehicles.

Answer 5

As long as there was no damage to persons or property, there is at least one insurance company who will carry your plane.

If you or your partner have a DUI, your rates will increase 40-50%.  They will increase because you no longer can go to preferred risk carriers for your insurance.  You have to go to special risk.

Answer 6

I wouldn't even be asking this question. I'd be asking the partner if the DUI was reported to the FAA (that is a FAR requirement) and giving the person a deadline to sell their share of the aircraft either to me or someone who doesn't operate vehicles while drunk.

Answer 7

I imagine it will got up sky high or not even be available....and if a pilot is caught fly an aircraft drunk........they lost their pilot's license for life