The starter ship is a free gift so the insurance cost to you is nothing, until you add modules that you paid for onto it then there will be a small charge. The charge will increase the more you pay for the ship and modules.I was surprised how sympathetic ED was after my Sidewinder blew up!
The insurance (which I didn't know I was paying a premium) covered its replacement with what seems absolutely no penalty to me the pilot. Seemed very generous, unless maybe they thought I wasn't completely to blame.![]()
The Pilots Federation takes care of the insurance premiums etc until you, like @Tyres O'Flaherty reach EliteII when you either have to start paying for your insurance or at least pay a higher charge.