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Drone liability coverage is a must-have for any drone operator.
It provides financial protection in case of accidents or damages caused by your drone.
This type of coverage can be purchased separately or as part of a package with your drone.
Typically, it costs between 5% to 10% of the drone's value per year.
Most drone liability policies require a deductible, which can range from $100 to $1,000.
Deductibles can be paid out of pocket or through a separate insurance policy.
What is Drone Liability Coverage?
Drone liability coverage is a type of insurance that protects you against damage to people or property caused by your drone.
Unmanned aircraft can cause significant damage, which is why UAV and drone liability insurance policies are essential for drone owners and operators.
This type of insurance covers damage to people or property, as well as the costs associated with lawsuits and settlements.
Drones can be used for a variety of purposes, including firefighting, search and rescue, and explosive detection, which is why public entities need specialized coverage.
The Unmanned Aircraft Liability Endorsement provides express liability coverage for public entities that use drones, with coverage designed for unmanned aircraft up to five pounds.
This endorsement is currently approved for public entities, but it will soon be available for other risks, such as farming, infrastructure maintenance, construction, and oil and gas exploration.
UAV and drone liability insurance policies are designed to protect you against the unexpected, and they can provide peace of mind for drone owners and operators.
Types of Coverage
Liability coverage is a must-have for any commercial drone operation. Liability coverage protects you against legal liability for damages arising out of bodily injury or property damage caused by your drone.
Commercial drone liability insurance typically starts at $500,000 per occurrence, but we recommend carrying at least $1,000,000 in total liability insurance coverage.
You can increase your liability coverage during the policy if necessary, but it's essential to consider the anticipated jobsite liability insurance requirements and how much liability insurance protection you need to protect your business.
Here are some common factors to consider when determining the right liability coverage for your drone:
- Anticipated jobsite liability insurance requirements
- How much liability insurance protection you need to protect your business
- The minimum recommended amount of $1,000,000
Homeowners and Renters
If you own a drone, it's a good idea to have UAV & drone insurance to cover potential liabilities. Anyone who owns and/or operates a drone should consider getting insurance to avoid financial risk in case of an accident.
Liability coverage is a standard feature in commercial drone insurance policies, which protects the policyholder against legal liability for damages arising out of bodily injury or property damage. Liability coverage can be increased during the policy if necessary.
Having at least $1,000,000 in total liability insurance coverage is recommended. Liability insurance requirements vary depending on the jobsite, and you should consider these requirements when choosing your coverage amount.
If you're uninsured or underinsured, you could be liable for the costs of replacing the drone, medical bills, and damages to property. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting yourself financially.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing your liability coverage:
- What are the anticipated jobsite liability insurance requirements?
- How much liability insurance protection do you need to protect your business?
Policy Details
Liability coverage is a standard part of commercial drone insurance policies, protecting you against legal liability for damages arising out of bodily injury or property damage caused by your drone.
Commercial drone liability insurance typically starts at $500,000 per occurrence, but we recommend carrying at least $1,000,000 in total liability insurance coverage.
The amount of liability coverage you need depends on factors like anticipated jobsite liability insurance requirements and how much protection you need to safeguard your business.
Here are some key liability coverage details:
Hull coverage, which covers the full replacement cost of your drone and attached equipment, is an optional add-on that can be increased during the policy if necessary.
Cost
The cost of drone insurance can vary greatly, depending on what and how much insurance you need. For example, an annual drone policy that includes hull insurance and liability insurance could be $500 per year.
Liability insurance can start as low as $10 per hour for $1 million in coverage, making it a relatively affordable option. You can also pay by the month or year, which can help spread out the cost.
Hull coverage, which insures the drone itself, can start at $230 per year for a DJI Mavic 3 with a DJI Care Refresh plan. This cost can add up, especially if you're insuring a high-end drone.
Ultimately, the cost of drone insurance will depend on your specific needs and the policies offered by different insurance companies. Be sure to shop around and compare quotes to find the best deal for you.
Policy Language
Policy language is crucial in responding to the challenges posed by unmanned aircraft. The language used in policies specifically addresses these exposures.
In fact, policies have been drafted with this exact purpose in mind.
Commercial Coverage
Commercial coverage is a crucial aspect of drone liability coverage. It protects your business from liability damages incurred during commercial drone operations. Most companies require proof of liability insurance for drone operators before allowing them onsite.
Companies hiring drone businesses typically require minimum liability limits of $1,000,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the company's liability exposure on the work site. Some companies may require higher limits up to $25,000,000 in total liability coverage.
Commercial drone insurance policies offer increased liability coverage options, ranging from $500,000 to $25,000,000. This allows you to bid on larger commercial drone jobs with the security of maximum liability coverage.
Here are some industries that are covered under commercial drone insurance policies:
- Agriculture
- Education, Research & Development
- Infrastructure Inspection & Support
- Mapping/Geophysical
- Movie/TV Production
- Property Survey/Inspection/Real Estate
- Surveillance
- Commercial Photography/Videography
- Events (Concerts/Sports/Weddings etc.)
- Instruction and Training
- Media/News Gathering
- Package Delivery
- Sales/Demo
- Wildlife/Conservation/Environmental
- Construction
- Fire Fighting/Support
- Law Enforcement
- Military
- Private/Hobby
- Search and Rescue
Auto
Auto insurance can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations, like if your drone crashes into your car. If you have comprehensive insurance, damage to your vehicle may be covered.
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car from fallen objects, including your drone, if you have it. This type of coverage is optional, but it's worth considering if you own a drone.
If your drone causes damage to someone else's property, including their car, your homeowners or renters insurance would likely cover it.
Commercial Use
Commercial use of drones is heavily regulated by the FAA, requiring drone operators to be licensed and adhering to strict rules and qualifications.
If you're operating a drone for business purposes, your personal insurance policies won't cover commercial drones. You'll need to contact your insurance broker to ensure you have the right type and amount of insurance coverage.
Commercial drone insurance policies protect your business from liability risks associated with drone operation. These policies typically include liability coverage, which covers damages arising from property damage or bodily injury.
Liability coverage is a must-have for commercial drone operators, with a minimum recommended amount of $1,000,000. Some companies may require even higher limits, up to $25,000,000, depending on the job site requirements.
Commercial drone insurance policies also offer physical damage coverage, which covers the replacement cost of the drone and attached equipment. This coverage can range from 8-12% of the desired coverage amount.
Companies in various industries, such as agriculture, construction, and media/news gathering, require commercial drone insurance to mitigate liability risks.
Here are some industries that typically require commercial drone insurance:
- Agriculture
- Education, Research & Development
- Infrastructure Inspection & Support
- Mapping/Geophysical
- Movie/TV Production
- Property Survey/Inspection/Real Estate
- Surveillance
- Commercial Photography/Videography
- Events (Concerts/Sports/Weddings etc.)
- Instruction and Training
- Media/News Gathering
- Package Delivery
- Sales/Demo
- Wildlife/Conservation/Environmental
- Construction
- Fire Fighting/Support
- Law Enforcement
- Military
- Private/Hobby
- Search and Rescue
By investing in commercial drone insurance, you can protect your business from potential risks and ensure you're compliant with industry requirements.
Where to Buy and Providers
If you're looking to buy drone insurance, there are several options to consider. On-demand insurance providers like SkyWatch, AutoPylot, and DroneInsurance.com offer liability insurance for as low as $10/hour, with the ability to purchase directly through an app.
You can also consider working with a drone insurance broker, such as those listed by Aerial Pak, Avalon Risk Management, and Aviation Insurance Resources. These brokers can help you develop a custom policy that meets your specific needs.
If you're flying a DJI drone, you may also want to check out the DJI Care or DJI Care Refresh options for hull coverage.
Where to Buy
If you're looking for on-demand drone insurance, there are several options available. You can download the SkyWatch app and plug in your flight location and mission parameters to see what the rate would be, and then buy the insurance directly through the app without needing to speak to a broker.
For DJI drone owners, consider checking out the DJI Care or DJI Care Refresh (or Refresh+) options for hull coverage. These options can provide you with the coverage you need at a lower cost.
If you're just starting out and not sure how often you'll be flying, on-demand insurance can be a lower-cost alternative to an annual policy. Some on-demand insurance providers include AutoPylot, DroneInsurance.com, and SkyWatch, which offers coverage as low as $10 per hour.
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To get a quote from a drone insurance broker, you'll need to have some information ready, including your address and contact info, the type of coverage you need, and the cost of each part of your rig, including equipment. You'll also need to provide specific information about the UAVs you have, where you're planning to operate, and how many hours you've flown.
List of Brokers
If you're looking for a more personalized approach to drone insurance, working with a broker can be a great option. They'll help you create a plan tailored to your needs and negotiate an annual premium.
You can choose from a variety of drone insurance brokers, including Aerial Pak (Hill & Usher), Avalon Risk Management, and Aviation Insurance Resources. Each of these companies has experience working with drone pilots and can help you find the right policy.
Some brokers, like Aerial Pak, offer a more hands-on approach, working closely with you to understand your specific needs. Others, like Avalon Risk Management, may have more diverse business products to offer.
Here are some drone insurance brokers to consider:
- Aerial Pak (Hill & Usher)
- Avalon Risk Management
- Aviation Insurance Resources
- AVION Insurance
- Bullock Agency, Inc.
- BWI Aviation Insurance
- Driessen Assuadeuren (Drone-Insurance.com)
- Full Frame Insurance
- Harpenau Insurance Agency
- Kinney Pike Insurance
- MFE Insurance (InsureMyDrone)
- SkySmith
- Sutton James Incorporated
- Transport Risk Management
- Unmanned Risk Management
Keep in mind that working with a broker requires you to be proactive and provide them with accurate information about your drone operations. This includes logging your flights, registering your serial number, and maintaining your drone's battery cycles and maintenance records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my drone covered by insurance?
Yes, drone insurance covers your commercial drone in case of loss, damage, or liability. Check your policy for details on what's covered and to what extent.
Does drone insurance cover crashes?
Yes, drone insurance covers damage caused by crashes, as well as other accidents and technical failures. This protection can help you recover from unexpected losses and financial burdens.
What are the exclusions for drone insurance?
Drone insurance typically excludes incidents involving aircraft, including damage to the drone itself or third-party property during a crash. Review your policy carefully to understand what's covered and what's not
Sources
- https://avioninsurance.com/uav-drone-insurance/
- https://uavcoach.com/drone-insurance-guide
- https://www.aig.com/home/risk-solutions/business/specialty-risks/aerospace-and-aviation/unmanned-aircraft-systems
- https://www.iii.org/article/drones-and-insurance
- https://bwifly.com/commercial-aviation-insurance/commercial-drone-insurance/
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