Q&A with Luke Carter - Aviation Senior Account Executive

Luke Carter, Aviation Senior Account Executive at ITIC, shares insights from a career that has spanned over eight years in the industry. Drawing on his experience, he reflects on the common misconception people have about professional liability insurance, and offers a glimpse into life outside of work, from time spent on the golf course to his favourite travel essentials.

1. What is your career background?

I first entered into the aviation industry over eight years ago as an air charter broker before leveraging that experience to pivot into the world of insurance. However, as anyone who works in the aviation sector will tell you, once you are in, it’s almost impossible to leave!

2. What is your role at ITIC?

My role as an Aviation Senior Account Executive means that I am responsible for underwriting professional liability policies, as well as handling any subsequent claims for aviation professionals. I use my industry experience to ensure that I understand the nuances of the work carried out by each of our assureds, while also providing a sympathetic approach to any claims, as I have seen first-hand, the types of errors that can lead to a claim (occasionally having made them myself).

3. What is a common misconception that people have about professional liability insurance in the aviation insurance market?

Our cover is commonly and incorrectly assumed to be included in the wide suite of traditional aviation insurances that are commonly purchased. Unfortunately, this means that by the time an aviation professional is faced with a claim and realises this, it’s often too late. A large part of my day-to-day work is spent explaining this fact, but usually, when clients hear examples of past claims and can picture themselves in that situation, you then see the proverbial penny drop.

4. What is one thing that helps build a strong relationship, between a broker and an underwriter, in your experience?

I think a relationship between insurance broker and underwriter is built entirely on clear communication. If both parties feel like there is no such thing as a stupid question, it encourages more direct discussion, resulting in better outcomes for all involved. Also, catching up over a coffee or a pint after work doesn’t do any harm…

5. What are your hobbies?

If I’m not thinking about planes overhead, I’m on the golf course instead. Unfortunately, I’ve come to realise that there is little correlation between time played and my handicap. If anything, the more I play, the worse I get.

6. What is the last book you read or music you downloaded?

I have just finished reading ‘Shogun’ after watching the series last year; next on the list is to read the ‘Dune’ books in preparation for the end of the trilogy coming to the cinemas at the end of the year.

7. Any pet hates?

When people leave the TV volume on an odd number.

8. What is your go-to travel essential?

My kindle, AirPods and my lucky aeroplane socks.

9. Looking ahead, what trends are you paying closest attention to in aviation insurance?

I’m paying close attention to the increasing use of AI, and the risk of overreliance on it. It is only going to become more prevalent in the industry, and while it has enormous potential to improve efficiency, it also creates new risks if misused.