There are different drone insurance policy covers available and this is partly dependent on the reason as to why you own a drone. By taking out drone insurance you can make sure that it is covered should the worst case scenario occur. If you have a drone, you will want to make sure that it is insured in the event that you lose it or it gets accidentally damaged. This rise has also had implications for regulations on drones and therefore an impact on insurance policies. It may not sound like a considerable amount, but this is up from just 6 in 2014. It was reported by the Civil Aviation Authority than in 2016 there were over 70 reported drone incidents. However, as drone sales have soared, so have drone-related incidents. Contact your HUB broker to make sure you’ve got the right coverage wherever you fly.Drones have become increasingly popular items to have, with sales of drones in the UK have risen dramatically in recent years.

And there are plenty of low-cost insurance options if you aren’t automatically covered for the liability of a recreational droneįor hobbyists, the pursuit might be in the name of fun, but even recreational drones intended for harmless amusement can have significant implications if an incident occurs. Whether a drone’s camera unintentionally infringes upon the privacy rights of a civilian, resulting in a law suit, or it crashes into an upscale antique store, causing significant damage, insurance is an essential precaution, and a hobbyist might consider additional liability or umbrella insurance beyond what’s covered in a drone manufacturer’s (DJI) or homeowner’s policy. So, when one or more of these steps isn’t followed and you find yourself “caught” somewhere you shouldn’t be, insurance is critical because accidents do occur.

Do not conduct surveillance or photograph people in areas where there is an expectation of privacy.

Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.

Do not fly near or over buildings or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, government facilities, etc.

Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Do not fly in bad weather conditions to ensure control and visibility.

If operating near an airport, contact the control tower before flying within five miles.

Do not intentionally fly over people or moving vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from people.

Stay clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations at all times.

Keep your drone in view at all times, and use an observer to assist if needed.Do not fly higher than 400 feet and stay below surrounding obstacles.Here are the top 10 regulations you should keep in mind: But before you run out and buy one and send it off into flight, familiarize yourself with the regulations. Anyone is permitted to operate them, as long as the drone is under 55 pounds. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates that the sales of small, hobbyist drones will more than triple in number to 3.5 million drones by 2021, which is significantly more than the 1.1 million sold in 2016.Īlthough commonly regarded as a fun toy, the reality is a drone is a sophisticated form of aircraft that assumes a larger responsibility than many hobbyists are aware of. Enthusiasts of all ages – including children – whose interests range from photography to scoping for hunting purposes are purchasing recreational drones at a rapidly growing rate.

Hobby drone insurance