CRITICAL COVERAGE

Aircraft Care, Custody & Control Insurance

For Aviation Contractors, FBO Service Providers & Ground Support Operations

If your business touches aircraft, works around aircraft, or is responsible for aircraft movement, cleaning, fueling support, or ramp services — you likely have exposure under what is known as Aircraft Care, Custody & Control (CCC).

This is one of the most misunderstood areas in aviation insurance. Most contractors assume general liability covers damage to aircraft. In many cases, it does not. If you damage a plane, you may be fully responsible.

damaged aircraft wing illustrating contractor liability exposure and aircraft care custody and control risk

What Is Aircraft Care, Custody & Control?

Care, custody and control refers to situations where your business is responsible for an aircraft — even temporarily. If an aircraft is in your possession, under your supervision, or being worked on by your team, you may be responsible for any resulting damage.

This includes aircraft on the ramp, in hangars, during cleaning, fueling support, marshaling, towing coordination, or any service where your operations directly impact the aircraft.

YOU HAVE CCC EXPOSURE IF YOU:

  • Touch or clean aircraft
  • Guide aircraft (marshaling)
  • Work on the ramp near aircraft
  • Provide fueling or support services
  • Store aircraft in hangars

WHAT CAN GO WRONG

  • Wing strike or ground collision
  • Paint or surface damage
  • Improper signaling during taxi
  • Equipment contact with aircraft
  • Fuel contamination or spills

WHY IT MATTERS

  • Aircraft values can exceed $1M+
  • Small mistakes = large claims
  • General liability often excludes it
  • Airport contracts require it
  • Uninsured losses can cripple a business

⚠️ Most Contractors Are Not Covered Here

This is where most aviation contractors get blindsided. They assume their general liability policy covers aircraft damage. In reality, many policies exclude property in your care, custody, or control.

If you damage an aircraft and do not have the correct coverage structure, the claim may be denied — leaving your business responsible for the full cost of repairs.

Related Aviation Insurance Pages

Need Help Structuring CCC Coverage?

If your business operates around aircraft and you are unsure whether you have proper care, custody and control coverage, we can review your current setup and identify gaps before they turn into major losses.