For those of you who have experimental aircraft have you had issues getting insurance? Is there an agent or company that is stronger in the experimental market or are they all equivalent?

I've used AOPA, Falcon, and currently use Wings for my prime mover.

In an act of adolescent stupidity I put an offer on an experimental "toy" that it looks like I may shortly own. Stock market is crashing, world economy on the brink of financial ruin....hey I know, lets buy an airplane that I really don't need!

My wife is going to neuter me.

A common misconception is that the experimental aircraft insurance market is different from say the A36 or B58 market. It is not. The underwriting companies that quote those aircraft also quote experimentals - meaning the experimental aircraft market is much the same as production aircraft insurance just that there are fewer underwriting carriers that participate in quoting.

So whomever your existing broker is should always be able to secure you experimental insurance unless they have limited market contracts (meaning they are only contracted with a limited amount of carriers thus not giving you the full 'sweep' of options). In fact most brokers you will talk to also work with experimental aircraft just in smaller numbers than the production aircraft policies.

In my experience, the process was no different while getting my RV-6 insured than it was for my Bonanza or Cirrus or....

I called Alejandro and there it was! Done!

Like everything else in life; it depends. RVs are so popular (9000+) they are no more difficult to insure than certified aircraft. My RV7 has a hull value of 80k. In the process of renewing for $1254. If I had a similar airplane such as a Harmnon Rocket insurance may be double that. A one-off experimental may be difficult to insure. Sooo, what kind of toy are you talking about?

Not true David - a one-off experimental is not an issue to insure there are just perhaps limited underwriting options but coverages should not be a challenge to come by regardless of what type of experimental you are dealing with.

When the deal is done I'll post pic's of the new toy; provided I still have my male anatomy intact.

I probably disagree a bit with above, true "one-off" aircraft can absolutely be more difficult to insure. I do a lot of that sort of thing. Market is much more limited and many times they won't want to write hull coverage, or else it will be vrry expensive. Although many one-offs just have a different name for the same plane due to the builder being the Manufacturer.

Regular experimentals like Vans are just a no brainer.
Warbird, radial piston stuff pretty easy and cheap.
Warbird, turbine gets more limited and hull is expensive.

Regardless... pics prove it has happened.

We have had no issues with finding coverages for aircraft that are the only airworthy copies in the world - such as the Howard 500's in our backyard etc. The cost of said is the issue - not finding a carrier wanting to insure it.

So I would counter-disagree

Howard 500 is easy. Kinda just a Lockheed.

Now a Snargasher... that's some one off %#$@ right there.

I was pretty certain that you were just making that up; but ... SoAB, the Snargasher does exist. I will never doubt you again!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reid_and_Sigrist_R.S.1

I was pretty certain that you were just making that up; but ... SoAB, the Snargasher does exist. I will never doubt you again!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reid_and_Sigrist_R.S.1

Well it is official, I bought the Radial Rocket Neal had listed on BeachTalk. My index finger was getting a blister flying the Phenom so I needed to mix it up a little. My wife, bless her heart, has been terrific in her support of my "hobby".

As I get comfortable with the plane I will post some actual performance numbers. The plane will be primarily used for $100 hamburger runs and general stick-n-rudder fun.

Details to the max on Neal's "for sale" post.
viewtopic.php?f=43&t=97013

Oh man you got a beast on your hands!

Gorgeous plane - you are a lucky guy!