Question: I plan to buy a drone soon. Will my insurance cover any damages it might cause?
Answer: Damages caused by drones may be covered by the liability portion of your homeowners or renters’ insurance policy, but the details vary by insurer. “Some homeowners policies cover ‘model or hobby’ aircraft; others cover only model aircraft, and others exclude any aircraft,” says Bill Wilson, an insurance educator who runs the InsuranceCommentary.com blog.
Contact your insurance agent or company to find out whether your drone is covered and if there are any requirements or restrictions. You usually have to register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration. (It costs $5 to register drones that weigh from 0.55 pounds to 55 pounds with the FAA for three years; see FAADroneZone.)
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The policy may cover hobby use of the drone, but not commercial use by a business. For example, if you’re being paid to take pictures with the drone, ask your insurer whether you need to get special coverage.
If your drone damages your own car, it would be covered by the comprehensive coverage on your car insurance. And it may be covered by the liability coverage on your homeowners or renters’ insurance if it damages someone else’s car.
Your homeowners or renters’ insurance may pay to replace a stolen drone (after the deductible). Ask your insurer about the property coverage limits on your policy.
If your home insurance policy provides no-fault medical coverage, it may cover any injuries to others caused by the drone (but not injury to your own family members), according to the Insurance Information Institute.
The Insurance Information Institute recommends checking your insurance coverage for drones frequently because insurers continue to develop their coverage as drones become more popular and the technology evolves.
For more information about insurance coverage for drones, see the III’s Drones and Insurance guide. For more information about the safety and registration requirements for drones, see KnowBeforeYouFly.org.
The bottom line
Whether you need extra insurance for your drone depends largely on how you use it and the potential risks involved. Standard homeowner or renter policies might provide limited coverage. If you fly frequently, use a high-value drone or operate it commercially, specialized coverage could be a wise investment.
By weighing the costs of additional protection against the potential financial and legal risks of an accident, you can make a more informed decision that safeguards both your investment and peace of mind.
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