Hobby drone insurance, also known as recreational drone insurance, is a specific insurance plan designed to protect drone enthusiasts who fly for fun, not for business purposes. It provides financial coverage in case of accidents or mishaps involving your drone.
Here’s a breakdown of common coverage areas:
This is the most crucial aspect. It covers any bodily injury or property damage your drone might cause to others or their belongings during flight.
This covers repairs or replacements for your drone in case of accidental crashes, falls, or collisions.
Some plans offer coverage if your drone is lost or stolen.
If you’re using a camera or other equipment mounted on your drone (payload), this covers damage to that specific equipment in case of a crash.
This can provide coverage for any additional equipment you use on the ground alongside your drone, like controllers or spare batteries.
This is less common but provides some financial protection if you’re injured while operating your drone.
Remember:
Not all policies will include all these coverages. Be sure to compare plans and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Homeowners and renters insurance policies sometimes cover recreational drones, but there are important conditions:
Most policies will only cover drones used for hobby purposes, not for any commercial activities.
The drone would likely be covered under the personal property section of your policy, which insures your belongings against theft, fire, and other covered perils.
This might extend to damage or injury caused by your drone to others or their property.
There may be instance where your drone may not be covered under existing liability insurance policies for the following reasons:
Drone coverage may not be explicitly mentioned in your policy. It’s best to contact your insurance provider to clarify if they cover drones and under what circumstances.
There might be limitations on the value of personal property covered, so high-value drones may require additional coverage.
Some policies might exclude drones altogether or have specific exclusions for things like racing or flying near airports.
Overall, it’s wise to check with your current insurance provider before assuming your homeowners or renters insurance covers your drone. In some cases, you might need a separate recreational drone liability insurance policy for comprehensive coverage.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US currently does not mandate drone insurance for hobbyists. However, they do have weight restrictions and registration requirements for drones. Always check the FAA regulations to ensure you’re flying legally.
However, even though it’s not mandatory, having drone insurance is a wise decision for several reasons:
Accidents can happen, and drone insurance can provide financial coverage for any damage your drone causes to others or their property (through liability insurance). It can also cover repairs or replacements for your own drone in case of crashes or mishaps.
Knowing you’re insured allows you to fly with greater confidence, focusing on capturing stunning aerial shots or enjoying recreational flight.
While not currently mandated, drone insurance regulations could change in the future. By having insurance already, you’ll be prepared for any potential upcoming requirements.
Remember, even though the FAA doesn’t require drone insurance, it’s a responsible choice for safe and enjoyable drone flying.
For purely recreational drone photography, you might be able to get by with your standard hobby drone insurance. However, there are some key distinctions to consider:
Recreational drone insurance is designed for recreational flying, not commercial activities. If you’re using your drone to capture photos or videos for payment, even occasional projects, that could be considered commercial use.
Commercial drone photography often involves flying near people or property, potentially leading to higher liability risks. Hobby drone insurance might not provide sufficient coverage in these scenarios.
There might be additional FAA regulations for commercial drone operations, and insurance that meets those specific requirements might be necessary.
Here’s a breakdown of when you might need a different insurance policy:
If you plan to sell your drone photos or videos commercially, even for a small fee, you’ll likely need commercial drone insurance.
If you’re hired by someone to capture aerial photos or videos with your drone, you’ll need commercial drone insurance.
Even if you’re not directly profiting, regularly flying your drone near people or property during photography sessions increases the liability risk. Commercial drone insurance might be advisable.
Commercial drone insurance typically offers broader liability limits, coverage for payloads (like your camera), and may include additional features like premises liability (if clients visit your operating location).
Commercial drone insurance also ensures you comply with any specific FAA regulations for commercial drone operations.
The cost of recreational drone insurance can vary depending on several factors, but here’s a breakdown to give you an idea:
Value of your drone: This is a major factor. Higher-value drones naturally cost more to insure.
Coverage amount: The amount of liability coverage you choose (typically measured in millions of dollars) will also affect the price.
Location: Insurance costs can vary depending on your location due to factors like local regulations or risk assessments.
Your flying experience: Some providers may offer discounts for experienced drone pilots.
With those factors in mind, here’s a general range for recreational drone insurance:
$50 to $200 per year: This is a common range for basic coverage plans.
On-demand options: For occasional flyers, some providers offer hourly or daily insurance plans that can be more cost-effective.
Finding the right drone insurance policies as a hobbyist can be daunting but it doesn’t have to be. With Commercial Aviation Insurance, we ensure that you and your drone are adequately protected with the right policies you need at the best prices.
Here are some tips on finding the best drone insurance:
Some drone manufacturers offer bundled packages that include the drone and basic insurance coverage.
Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but remember this is the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in.
We don’t settle for the first option we find. At Commercial Aviation Insurance, we shop from over 30+ insurance companies and providers to help you get the best prices and coverage.
Get a free drone insurance quote now or contact us to learn more about how our Premium Control Plan can proactively give you the best policies for you and your drone.
