What is Drone Insurance and do I need it?
Drone Insurance is one of the most common topics on drone forums, but much confusion remains.
Drone Insurance refers to an Insurance Policy that primarily covers the operator in the event of an incident with a third party; optional hull coverage that will replace the drone is also available. This is called a Public Liability Insurance Policy (PLI). Public Liability offers protection and cover when your drone may injure or damage someone’s property. Under EASA Regulations, Public Liability Insurance is mandatory for commercial operations, and is recommended for recreational and hobbyist users.
DJI Care Refresh is not Drone Insurance
When buying a new drone, many people choose the care refresh option offered to them and mistakenly believe it is drone insurance. DJI Care Refresh is a product replacement policy that covers the drone in the event of a flyaway, a crash, and, in certain cases, water damage. DJI will replace the drone after verifying the claim.
Drone Insurance Policy Caveats
As with any insurance policy, there are terms and conditions; these are important to read and understand.
The most important thing to remember is that your insurance policy only covers you when you are flying within the regulations.
That means you are not covered or insured if you are in an Amber Geographical zone that limits you to 30m AGL and flying at 50m. If you have an incident, the insurance company may ask for your flight logs, and failure to provide them may result in your claim being denied.
This could leave you personally liable for injuries or damages.
Drone Services Ireland recommends Coverdrone for Public Liability Insurance. We have been with them for many years now.
Drone Professional Ireland members can avail of a 10% discount on Coverdrone Policies.