Aviation Commercial and Private Aviation Insurance in Canada
Every business. Every pilot. The same promise of excellence based in Laval and Montreal, serving all of Quebec and Canada.
Looking for commercial or private aviation insurance coverage?
Commercial Aviation Insurance
For businesses in the aviation sector.
Flight schools, charter operators, maintenance organizations (MROs), manufacturers, and airport managers face multiple, interrelated risks. A single incident can simultaneously trigger hull, liability, and business interruption losses. For over 40 years, Covalen has designed comprehensive commercial aviation insurance programs for operators across Quebec from the greater Montreal area to regional airports and across Canada, matched to the real complexity of your operations. Our programs are negotiated directly with specialized aviation insurers in Canada and international markets, including Lloyd's.
Who we insure:
- Flight training units and flight schools
- Air charter and air taxi operators
- Approved maintenance organizations (AMOs)
- Aircraft and component manufacturers
- Airport and aerodrome managers
- Aerial work operators (surveying, photography, agricultural spraying)
Private Aviation Insurance
Fly with confidence.
Reliable protection for those who fly for pleasure or personal business, in Quebec and across Canada. Whether you own a single-engine piston aircraft, a helicopter, or an ultralight, and whether you're a recreational pilot, professional pilot, or COPA member, our team of licensed pilots helps you choose coverage matched to your aircraft, flying hours, and budget.
COPA members: Covalen administers the official insurance program of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, with exclusive rates and benefits for members.
Learn about the COPA program →COPA Aviation Insurance | Private Pilot Insurance Program in Canada - Covalen
An aviation team based here
Based in Laval, Montreal, Brossard,Toronto and west Canada, Covalen's aviation team supports operators, flight schools, private owners, and airport managers across Quebec including the greater Montreal area, Montérégie, the Laurentians, and the Outaouais as well as throughout the rest of Canada. Our proximity to Canada's and Quebec's major airports and flying clubs gives us a direct understanding of your local operational and regulatory realities.
Our Team - Aviation
Joseph A. Zigrossi, R.I.B.(O)
Senior Vice-President - jzigrossi@covalen.ca
Joseph’s 46-year career in aviation and aerospace insurance is backed by his credentials as a professional pilot and a degree in business. A former executive at AON, Marsh, and Global Aerospace, he also serves on several industry boards. Since joining Covalen in 2018, he has led business development, strategic planning, and the design of specialized insurance programs.
Daniel Brochu, CIP, R.I.B.(O)
Account Executive - dbrochu@covalen.ca
For more than 26 years, Daniel has built his expertise in property and casualty insurance, devoting 14 of those years to the aviation sector. He offers clients clear, confident guidance rooted in a deep understanding of their operational realities. Known for working closely with underwriters, he consistently delivers dependable, well-recognized results.
Caleb Winterburn
Vice President, Aviation Insurance - Account Executive - cwinterburn@covalen.ca
Over nearly two decades, Caleb Winterburn has built a reputation as both an accomplished aviation insurance specialist and an experienced pilot. A professional and helicopter pilot, he has written more than 20,000 policies and flown over 20 types of aircraft. His unique perspective from both the cockpit and the insurance desk allows him to expertly guide pilots and aviation businesses through aircraft, hangar, and airport liability insurance with precision and confidence.
Angela Mann
Account Manager - amann@covalen.ca
Angela began her career in aviation in 2011, inspired by her first flight aboard a Cessna 150! It was an experience that reinforced her appreciation for pilots, aviation, and the importance of insurance. Over the years, working with experienced underwriters and brokers has allowed her to develop solid expertise in aviation insurance. Driven by a constant desire to learn in an evolving industry, she is committed to providing her clients with informed advice and exceptional service.
Philippe Mérineau, R.I.B.(O)
Account Manager - pmerineau@covalen.ca
Philippe’s 20-year career in the aviation and aerospace industry has equipped him with in-depth knowledge of the sector’s unique needs. Holding a RIBO license, he manages commercial, private, and general aviation accounts with rigour and professionalism, delivering insurance solutions tailored to the realities and requirements of each type of operation. His commitment and expertise make him a trusted partner for his clients.
Anna Tucci
Operation Leader - atucci@covalen.ca
Anna brings more than 20 years of insurance expertise to her key role within the Aviation team. Organized and versatile, she ensures efficient file management, smooth task coordination, and thorough customer follow-up, contributing directly to the quality of service delivered.
Jasmina Ivanisevic
Broker Assistant - jivanisevic@covalen.ca
Jasmina handles customer service, policy administration, and transaction support to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. New to aviation but with eight years of experience in the MGA sector, where she worked with Lloyd's syndicates, she is motivated to further develop her expertise and contribute to the team's success.
Why choose Covalen for your aviation insurance?
More than 40 years in aviation insurance, with licensed professional and helicopter pilots on our team. Our specialists have flown over 20 aircraft types and written more than 20,000 aviation policies.
No off-the-shelf policies. We assess your aircraft, usage, regulatory requirements, and exposures before recommending a program.Every policy is tailored to meet your specific needs.
Aircraft hull, liability, hangars, airports: every facet of your aviation activity, under one coordinated program. From commercial aviation to recreational aircraft, we cover every aspect of your flying operations, in Quebec and across Canada.
Direct access to your broker, responsive claims support, and continuity of service year after year.Our dedicated team is here when you need us most.
Yes, in most cases. Transport Canada requires proof of liability insurance for both private and commercial aircraft operations under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). Hull coverage and other specialized protections are optional but strongly recommended to protect your financial and operational stability.
Work with a specialized aviation insurance broker who understands your type of flying or aviation operation. At Covalen, we assess your aircraft, usage, regulatory requirements, and potential exposures to design a policy that fits your unique situation.
General aviation insurance protects private pilots, aircraft owners, and recreational flyers for personal flying activities.
Commercial aviation insurance covers businesses and organizations flight schools, charter companies, maintenance facilities, and airport operators — whose exposures are broader and more complex.
You need aviation-specific insurance. Aircraft operations, hangar use, and aviation liabilities are excluded from virtually all standard personal and commercial policies. Only a dedicated aviation policy properly protects these risks.
Coverage territory varies by policy. Many Canadian aviation policies include the continental United States, and coverage can often be extended for flights to other regions. Always confirm your policy's geographic limits with your broker before international flights.
The main factors are: aircraft type and value, pilot qualifications and total hours, hours on type, annual usage, storage (hangared vs. tie-down), claims history, and intended use. Additional pilot training and instrument ratings can reduce premiums.
Aviation insurance premiums in Canada typically depend on the aircraft's value, the pilot's experience and ratings, annual flying hours, aircraft usage (private vs. commercial), and where the aircraft is based and stored. A recreational single-engine aircraft may cost a few thousand dollars per year to insure, while complex commercial operations require customized programs. A Covalen broker can provide a precise quote based on your situation.
The best broker combines real flying expertise with deep knowledge of the insurance market. Covalen's aviation team includes licensed professional and helicopter pilots, over 40 years of combined experience, and more than 20,000 policies written, with offices in Laval and Montreal serving all of Quebec and Canada.
Yes. Covalen insures both private and commercial helicopters, including hull coverage, liability, and specialized uses such as aerial work and charter operations. Our brokers include licensed helicopter pilots who understand the risks specific to this aircraft type.