What is drone insurance?
Drone insurance is a type of insurance that protects operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in case of accidental injuries or damages inflicted by their drones. The insurance is intended primarily for small businesses and covers bodily injuries as well as property damage claims.
Drone insurance typically covers commercial drone operators and their business against accidental injuries to other people or private property damage. It is suited best for professional photographers and videographers who capture footage of events or open space areas. However, drones are starting to be more and more used in other businesses, such as real estate or by agricultural companies, for security reasons.
Since drones are machines, equipment failure can happen any moment, regardless of the drone’s quality. Furthermore, even the most professional operators tend to make mistakes. So, drone insurance can cover you and your business when mistakes occur.
Who is it suitable for?
The drone insurance is best for:
- Photography companies using aerial footage;
- Drone operators working in densely populated areas;
- UAS and UAV operators covering concerts, sport events and fairs;
- Professional photographers and videographers capturing footage of open spaces;
- Security companies using drones for monitoring and patrolling unpopulated areas.
- Real estate agents;
- Agricultural companies;
Coverages
The drone insurance mainly covers three risks:
- Physical injuries – if your UAS flies out of control and lands in a group of people injuring them in the process;
- Property damage – your drone breaks a window or hits a power line that lights a building on fire. Also, emergency landings on cars and other property that lead to property damage;
- Privacy invasion – covers for claims of capturing private footage of people’s homes without their permission.
What does it cost?
The cost of the drone insurance policy is based on many factors. Mostly, it is based on the drone’s purpose and area of operation. For example, if the drone is going to be used to capture footage of a concert or a sporting event – usually places with a lot of people, the drone insurance will cost more. However, if the drone’s purpose is to monitor unpopulated areas – the insurance will cost less, since there is a lesser chance to injure someone.
All content is for general information purposes and does not constitute insurance or legal advice.
