As the best drone survey company in the UK, We know how important it is to have drone insurance to protect your operations. Drones can be valuable tools for businesses, but they also come with risks.
That’s why we believe it’s important for all drone owners to understand what drone insurance is and why it’s necessary. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of drone insurance, why it’s mandatory for commercial drone operators in the UK, and the different types of drone insurance available.
Best UK Drone Insurance
When looking for the best drone insurance in the UK, it’s important to carefully review your coverage needs and compare quotes from different providers. For hobbyist drone pilots, Grey Arrow provides an excellent comparison of insurance prices, with the average cost for public liability drone insurance cover being around £36 per year. Payment options for drone insurance in the UK typically include annual and monthly plans. Remember to consider factors such as coverage, cost, and payment options when choosing the best insurance for your needs.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a commercial operator, understanding the ins and outs of drone insurance can help you protect your investment and your business.
What is Drone Insurance and Why Do You Need It?
Drone insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection for drone owners in case their drone causes damage to property or injures a person. If you fly a drone or model aircraft in the UK that weighs less than 20kg for fun, recreation, sport, or as a hobby, you can choose whether or not to have insurance.
However, if you fly for any other reason, such as commercial or business use, you must have third-party liability insurance. Having drone insurance can help you mitigate the financial risks associated with operating a drone, and provide you with peace of mind while you fly.
Mandatory Drone Insurance in the UK
In the UK, drone insurance is mandatory for commercial drone operators. If you operate a drone for fun, recreation, sport, or as a hobby, you are not required to have insurance, unless your drone is over 20kg.
However, if you use your drone for any other purpose, such as for business or commercial use, you must have third-party liability insurance. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires commercial drone operators to hold an “adequate level of insurance,” which includes public liability and aviation-specific liability.
If you are operating commercially with your drone under an Operational Authorisation or an A2 Certificate of Competency, you are legally required to have public liability insurance that is compliant with EC 785/2004.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and risks to your business. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consider full coverage of your drone to ensure that your business is protected for the majority of cases.
Types of Drone Insurance in the UK
Understanding the different types of drone insurance and choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging because there are a variety of factors to consider, and each type of insurance provides different levels of coverage. The level of coverage you need may depend on a range of variables, including the type of drone you own, the level of risk associated with your operations, and whether you use your drone for commercial or hobbyist purposes.
The most common types of drone insurance in the UK include:
Liability-Only Insurance
Liability-only insurance provides coverage for damages to third-party property or injury to a person caused by your drone. It can help cover the cost of legal fees, compensation claims, and other expenses associated with third-party liability. Liability-only insurance is a mandatory requirement for commercial drone operations.
Hull Insurance
Hull insurance covers damage to your drone itself, such as damage caused by a crash or collision. It can also cover the cost of replacing or repairing parts of the drone, such as the camera or motors.
Combined Liability and Hull Insurance
Combined liability and hull insurance provides comprehensive coverage for both third-party liability and drone damage. It can cover the cost of legal fees, compensation claims, and other expenses associated with third-party liability, as well as the cost of repairing or replacing your drone if it’s damaged.
Accidental Damage Insurance
Accidental damage insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your drone if it’s accidentally damaged. It can cover a range of damage, such as crashes, collisions, or water damage, and it’s typically included as part of hull insurance.
Theft Insurance
Theft insurance provides coverage if your drone is stolen. It can help cover the cost of replacing your drone and any accessories that were stolen with it. Some insurance policies may also cover theft that occurs during transit or storage.
Loss Insurance
Loss insurance covers the cost of replacing your drone if it’s lost or cannot be recovered. This type of insurance is less common than accidental damage or theft insurance and may be more expensive.
Flyaway Insurance
Flyaway insurance provides coverage if your drone is lost due to flyaway, which occurs when your drone suddenly loses contact with the controller and flies away uncontrollably. Flyaway insurance can help cover the cost of replacing your drone and any accessories that were lost with it.
Determining the Right Amount of Coverage for Your Drone
When purchasing drone insurance, it’s essential to determine the right amount of coverage to ensure that your drone and your business, if applicable, are adequately protected. Here are the factors to consider when determining the right amount of coverage for your drone:
Drone Coverage
The first thing to consider is the type of coverage you need. Liability-only insurance covers damages to third-party property or injury to a person, while hull insurance covers damage to the drone itself. Combined liability and hull insurance provides comprehensive coverage for both third-party liability and drone damage.
Plans
You can choose from a range of plans that offer different coverage amounts, deductibles, and premiums. The right plan for you will depend on your individual needs, budget, and the level of risk associated with your drone operations.
Amount of Drones
The number of drones you own can impact the amount of coverage you need. If you have multiple drones, you’ll need to ensure that each one is adequately covered.
Length of Insurance Needed For
The length of insurance you need will depend on how often you fly your drone and for what purposes. If you fly your drone frequently, you may need to purchase a longer-term policy to ensure you’re covered for the entire duration.
Commercial or Hobby
If you use your drone for commercial purposes, you may need more coverage than if you use it for hobby or recreational purposes. Commercial drone operations may require higher liability limits to protect against potential claims.
Type of Drone
The type of drone you own can also impact the amount of coverage you need. More expensive or larger drones may require more coverage than smaller or less expensive models.
Coverage Amount
Lastly, you’ll need to determine the right coverage amount based on the value of your drone and the potential risks associated with its use. A higher coverage amount can provide more protection in case of accidents or crashes.
Determining the right amount of coverage for your drone can be challenging, especially if you’re new to drone insurance. It’s important to work with a reputable drone insurance provider who can help you evaluate your needs and select the best plan for your situation.
Additionally, some insurance providers offer online calculators or tools that can help you estimate the right amount of coverage based on your drone and its intended use.
Remember, it’s better to have too much coverage than too little, so be sure to review your policy regularly to ensure that it still meets your needs.
Cost of Drone Insurance in the UK
Drone insurance is a crucial investment for any drone owner, providing a safety net in case of any accidents or incidents involving your drone. Without adequate insurance, you could be left with significant expenses to cover property damage, personal injury, or other losses. However, it’s important to understand the costs associated with drone insurance to ensure that you’re not overspending on coverage that you don’t need.
Hobbyist Drone Insurance Cost UK
For hobbyists looking for drone insurance in the UK, Grey Arrow provides an excellent comparison of insurance prices. Their list is impartial, regularly updated, and provides drone enthusiasts with current information on pricing and coverage.
It’s important to compare different insurance policies and providers to find the one that best meets your needs and budget. Drone scene’s comparison can be a valuable resource for anyone looking for the right drone hobbyist drone insurance policy.
For hobbyists drone pilots conducting recreational flights in the UK, the average cost for public liability drone insurance cover is around £36 per year.
This amount changes based on the level of public liability cover you choose. Public liability insurance can cover you against claims made by third parties, including legal expenses or compensation claims for personal injury or property damage caused by your drone. Different levels of public liability cover are available, ranging from £1,000,000 up to £25,000,000, depending on the amount of protection you need.
Commercial Drone Insurance Cost UK
The cost of commercial drone insurance in the UK can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of drone being used, the level of coverage required, and the intended use of the drone. Generally speaking, commercial drone insurance policies can range from a few hundred pounds per year for basic coverage to several thousand pounds per year for more comprehensive coverage.
Some of the factors that can impact the cost of commercial drone insurance in the UK include:
- The type of drone being used: Larger, more expensive drones may require more coverage and thus have higher premiums.
- The level of coverage required: Policies with higher coverage limits will typically have higher premiums.
- The intended use of the drone: Drones used for commercial purposes, such as aerial photography or surveying, may require more coverage and have higher premiums.
- The operator’s experience and training: More experienced and trained operators may be eligible for lower premiums.
- The deductibles and excesses: Policies with lower deductibles and excesses may have higher premiums.
It’s important to carefully review your coverage needs and shop around to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best deal. Additionally, taking steps to minimize risks and improve safety, such as investing in safety features and obtaining appropriate training and certification, may also help reduce insurance costs over time.
best drone insurance uk Companies Comparison
When it comes to finding the best drone insurance uk provider in the UK, it can be helpful to compare the options available to you.
Here are some of the main drone insurance providers in the UK:
1. Coverdrone
Coverdrone is one of the leading drone insurance providers in the UK market. They offer comprehensive and flexible policies designed to meet the diverse needs of commercial and recreational drone pilots. One of the notable benefits of Coverdrone’s policies is that they offer the biggest policy in the industry and the most competitive price/cover combination than any other commercial drone insurer in the market.
Coverdrone offers a wide range of policies for both commercial and recreational drone pilots, allowing you to select each cover as required to suit you individually. The policies are flexible, and you can choose a period of cover between one day and one year or anything in between, and when your cover is due to expire, just log back into your account and choose another period of cover.
Their commercial policies include public and product liability insurance, aviation liability insurance, and professional indemnity insurance. Their policies fully comply with EU Regulation EC785/2004, which provides both public liability and aviation liability (war risks) insurance, applicable to commercial drone operators. They also offer cover for ‘high-risk’ premises, hired-in equipment, increased costs of working cover, and reinstatement of data cover.
For recreational pilots, Coverdrone offers public liability insurance that covers you against any damage you might cause to third party persons or property. Their policies also include equipment cover that provides new for old cover if the insurer decides to replace your drone in the event of a claim. They also cover accidental loss or damage to the UAS equipment, including associated equipment such as ground-based units, laptops, etc.
Coverdrone’s policies offer full cover whilst in transit and operation, with no restriction on flying hours, no restriction on the number of drones or the number of operators, and worldwide cover. They also offer the Coverdrone FlySafe app, which delivers accurate safety data ranging from airspace maps, dynamic restrictions, and much more.
Overall, Coverdrone is the best drone insurance choice for anyone looking for comprehensive and flexible drone insurance policies. Their policies are competitively priced, and they offer excellent customer service to ensure their customers’ satisfaction. If you need help or advice, their support team is always available to help you with your claim every step of the way.
2. Moonrock Insurance
Moonrock is a leading drone insurance company in the UK that offers a range of policies for commercial drone operators. Their monthly subscriptions range from Basic to Deluxe, and they provide unlimited monthly flights, photographic and equipment cover, and bespoke cover. Moonrock’s policies include public liability cover ranging from £1 million to £10 million, depending on your needs, and material damage cover that includes personally owned and hired-in equipment in storage, in transit, and in flight, protecting against accidental damage.
One of the unique features of Moonrock’s policies is that they cover breach of Data Protection Act, multi-pilot cover, flights over higher risk premises, and invasion of privacy. They also offer fully flexible policies, which are suitable for both commercial and hobbyist purposes, and provide 24/7 insurance for 12 months worldwide, including the USA and Canada.
Moreover, Moonrock policies comply with Regulation (EC) 785/2004 as required by the CAA. They also cover personally owned and hired-in equipment such as gimbals, tablets, and chargers, and even allow for night flights. The company also offers instant drone policies with affordable monthly installments, ranging from basic to deluxe, providing comprehensive coverage for any type of operation.
Overall, Moonrock provides a high level of drone insurance that is flexible, customizable, and tailored to the needs of individual businesses. Their comprehensive policies offer the most comprehensive drone insurance in the market, and the added benefits of photographic and equipment cover, breach of data protection act, and multi-pilot cover make their policies stand out.
If you’re looking for comprehensive and reliable drone insurance, Moonrock is one of the best drone insurance to consider.
3. Towergate Insurance
Towergate Insurance offers some of the best commercial drone insurance for a wide range of industries, including professional photography, film and media, search and rescue operations, surveys and security, construction, and agriculture. The policy covers drone use, loss, theft, and damage, and provides expert liability and hull protection for commercial drone users. Towergate Insurance is EC 785/2004-compliant, and its public liability coverage extends to claims arising from war, terrorism, and hijacking. The policy also covers invasion of privacy and noise liability claims. With cover up to £50 million for bodily injury and property damage to third parties, you can have peace of mind while operating your drone.
Towergate Insurance covers multiple drones, unlimited qualified pilots, and meets the EU regulation EC785/2004 and CAA requirements. The company offers drone insurance for all categories, including sub-categories A1, A2, and A3, subject to having the correct permissions. Its standard cover provides comprehensive protection for a wide range of commercial drone uses. You are covered for bodily injury and damage to third parties caused by your drone, up to £50 million, giving you complete protection.
If you need to make a claim, Towergate Insurance provides a hassle-free claims process, guiding you through the process and getting your claim settled as quickly as possible. The company also offers direct debit payment options, allowing you to split your payment into ten monthly instalments.
With a customer rating of 4.6/5 and a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, Towergate Insurance is a reliable choice for commercial drone insurance.
4. FPV UK
The FPV UK liability insurance offers a comprehensive cover of up to £5,000,000 for members who participate in authorized and recognized activities of the Association in the UK, EU, Norway, and Switzerland. The liability cover is provided by Sportscover Europe through Howden Insurance Brokers Limited and excludes commercial operations.. However, the policy covers public and product liability up to £5,000,000 and professional indemnity up to £1,000,000.
Members must adhere to FPV UK rules and regulations to ensure the insurance policy is valid. The policy covers only recreational use and flights for pleasure purposes unless a member has subscribed to the Flight Test Cover. Flight Test Cover allows for non-commercial flights, such as training or demonstrations. The policy excludes airside activities, criminal acts, and damage to own property. In case of an accident or incident involving a third party, members must immediately notify the chief executive and follow the occurrence reporting system to promote good air safety culture.
The FPV UK policy provides basic coverage for hobbyists, but it may not be suitable for commercial or more extensive operations. Members are advised to contact the chief executive and submit as much detail as possible in the event of a claim.
Payment Types for Drone Insurance in the UK
When it comes to paying for drone insurance in the UK, there are a few different options available. Here’s a closer look at the two main payment types for drone insurance:
Traditional Annual Policy with Monthly Payments: This is the most common payment type for drone insurance in the UK. With this type of policy, you pay a yearly premium, which is then split into monthly payments. This can make the cost of drone insurance more manageable, as you’re not required to pay the full premium upfront. Keep in mind that some insurance providers may charge interest or fees for this payment option, so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.
Pay-As-You-Fly (PAFL) Policy: A pay-as-you-fly policy is a more flexible payment option for drone insurance in the UK. With this type of policy, you only pay for coverage when you’re actually flying your drone. This can be a good option for hobbyist drone pilots who don’t fly their drone on a regular basis. PAFL policies typically offer coverage for a set amount of time (e.g. 24 hours), and can be purchased on-demand through an app or website. Keep in mind that PAFL policies may be more expensive than traditional annual policies if you fly your drone frequently.
When choosing a payment type for your drone insurance, it’s important to consider your budget, how often you fly your drone, and the type of coverage you need. Be sure to compare different insurance providers and policies to find the best option for your needs.
Claims Process for Drone Insurance in the UK
While no one wants to think about the possibility of their drone being damaged or lost, accidents can happen. That’s where drone insurance comes in, providing peace of mind and financial protection in case of incidents or accidents involving your drone. But what happens if you need to make a claim on your drone insurance?
The claims process for drone insurance can vary depending on the provider and the type of coverage you have. Understanding the claims process is important to ensure that you’re prepared and know what to expect if you ever need to make a claim.
When making a claim on your drone insurance, you should follow these general steps:
How to Make a Drone Insurance Claim:
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the incident or accident. This can usually be done online or by phone, and your insurance provider will guide you through the process.
- Provide your insurance provider with any relevant information about the incident, such as the location, time, and date, as well as any witness statements or photos.
- Your insurance provider may require you to complete a claims form or provide additional documentation, such as a police report or proof of ownership.
- Once your claim is submitted, your insurance provider will begin the process of evaluating the claim and determining the appropriate course of action.
What to Expect During the Drone Coverage Claims Process:
- Your insurance provider will assess the validity of the claim and determine the extent of the coverage provided under your policy.
- Your drone insurance provider may appoint an adjuster to investigate the claim and determine the amount of compensation that you’re entitled to receive.
- Your drone insurance provider will work with you to determine the best course of action, whether that be repairing or replacing your drone, or providing compensation for any damages or losses.
- The time it takes to process a claim can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the extent of the damage. In some cases, it may take several weeks to process a claim and receive compensation.
How to Speed Up the Claims Process
If you need to make a claim on your drone insurance, you may be wondering how to speed up the claims process and get back to flying as soon as possible. Providing your drone insurance provider with all the relevant information about the incident or accident can also help speed up the claims process.
To help speed up the claims process, we recommend providing the following documentation where relevant:
For commercial claims:
- Pre-flight and on-site survey
- Photos or videos of the incident
- Copy of the operations manual
- Copy of the permission for aerial work from the relevant aviation authority
- Proof of purchase/ownership
- Flight data (where available)
For recreational claims:
- Proof of purchase/ownership
- Photos or videos of the incident
- Flight data (where available)
Submitting all the necessary documentation and information in a timely manner can help ensure that your claim is processed quickly and efficiently. Working with a reputable drone insurance provider and understanding the claims process can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience if you ever need to make a claim.
Underwriters and Agents in the UK Drone Insurance Industry
Drone insurance underwriters and agents play important roles in the UK drone insurance industry. Here’s a closer look at what they do and how they help drone pilots.
Drone Insurance Underwriters
Drone insurance underwriters are professionals who evaluate the risks associated with insuring a drone and determine the appropriate level of coverage and premium for the policy. They use various factors to assess the level of risk, such as the type of drone, the pilot’s experience and training, and the intended use of the drone. Based on this assessment, underwriters decide on the appropriate level of coverage and premium to offer. They play a critical role in the drone insurance industry, as their assessments help ensure that insurance policies are properly priced and provide adequate protection for drone pilots.
Drone Insurance Agents
Drone insurance agents are professionals who help drone pilots find and purchase appropriate insurance coverage. They work as intermediaries between the insurance company and the customer and are responsible for helping the customer navigate the different insurance options available to them. Agents may work for a specific insurance company or may be independent and work with multiple insurance providers to offer their customers a wider range of coverage options. They can help customers determine the appropriate level of coverage for their needs, fill out insurance applications, and assist with the claims process if necessary.
Together, drone insurance underwriters and agents play a critical role in ensuring that drone pilots have access to the coverage they need. They help drone pilots understand the risks associated with flying a drone and provide them with the protection they need to operate safely and with peace of mind.
When looking for drone insurance, it’s important to work with reputable underwriters and agents who have experience in the drone insurance industry and can help you find the right policy for your needs.
Consider DJI Care Refresh over Drone Insurance
While traditional drone insurance may be an option, there is also another service to consider: DJI Care Refresh. This manufacturer’s drone insurance plan covers accidental damage to your DJI drone, gimbal, or camera, providing you with peace of mind and potentially reducing repair costs.
DJI Care Refresh: What It Covers and Where to Purchase
DJI Care Refresh is a service plan offered by the drone manufacturer DJI that provides coverage for accidental damage to your DJI drone, gimbal or camera during normal use. This plan is sometimes referred to as manufacturer’s drone insurance.
If you purchase DJI Care Refresh, repair fees and related costs for covered damages will be covered by DJI, without any deductibles. The plan is valid for one year and covers damage due to dropping, squeezing, or crashing caused by operator error or other accidents.
DJI Care Refresh does not cover lost or partially lost aircraft or accessories, stolen or abandoned aircraft or accessories, damage caused by flight under unsuitable flight conditions, or any legal fees related to warranty coverage.
You can purchase DJI Care Refresh from the Official DJI Online Store or from your local dealer or authorized retailers. The plan is available in certain regions, including the US, Canada, EU countries, UK, Hong Kong, and mainland China.
Comparison DJI Care Refresh VS Drone Insurance
While DJI Care Refresh provides protection for accidental damage during normal use, it is not the same as drone insurance. DJI Care Refresh only covers damage to the drone, gimbal, or camera, while drone insurance can provide a wider range of coverage, including liability and property damage to third parties.
DJI Care Refresh can be a good option for those who only want protection for their drone in case of accidental damage during normal use. It can also be a more affordable option than drone insurance, as it typically has a lower premium and no deductible. Additionally, DJI Care Refresh is specifically designed for DJI drones, so it provides more comprehensive coverage for these specific products.
On the other hand, drone insurance may be a better choice for those who require more comprehensive coverage, such as commercial drone operators who use their drones for business purposes. Drone insurance can also cover a wider range of risks, such as theft, loss, and damage from extreme weather conditions, which are not covered under DJI Care Refresh.
Ultimately, the decision to choose DJI Care Refresh or drone insurance depends on your specific needs and circumstances. It’s important to carefully consider your options and choose the coverage that best meets your needs and budget. Whether you go with DJI Care Refresh or drone insurance, it’s always a good idea to protect your investment and give yourself peace of mind when flying your drone.
Coverage for Lost or Stolen Drones with UK Drone Insurance
Lost or stolen drone coverage is an optional feature provided by some drone insurance policies in the UK. This coverage protects against the loss or theft of a drone and can help provide financial reimbursement for the cost of the drone, subject to the policy limit. Lost or stolen coverage may also provide coverage for any equipment, such as cameras or other accessories, that were lost or stolen at the same time as the drone.
However, it’s important to note that lost or stolen coverage may come with higher premiums or deductibles, and may require additional documentation or proof of ownership in the event of a claim.
Coverage for Crashed Drones with UK Drone Insurance
Crashed drone coverage is a type of insurance that provides financial protection for accidental damages to your drone. This coverage can include crashes that result from pilot error, equipment failure, or other unforeseeable incidents. In the UK, drone insurance policies typically include coverage for damage to the drone itself, as well as liability coverage for damages to third-party property or injury to a person.
It’s important to carefully review your drone insurance policy to understand what types of damages are covered and what the limits and deductibles are for each type of coverage. In case of a crash, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance provider and provide any relevant documentation, such as photos or flight data, to support your claim.
With crashed drone coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against unexpected expenses resulting from an accident.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Your Drone Insurance in the UK
Drone insurance is an essential investment for all drone owners, but it can be expensive, especially for commercial operators.
However, there are several ways to reduce the cost of your drone insurance:
- Choose the right level of coverage: Be sure to only choose the coverage you actually need, as extra coverage will likely result in a higher premium.
- Shop around for the best price: Don’t just settle for the first insurance provider you find. Shop around and compare quotes from different providers to find the best deal.
- Consider a higher excess: Raising your excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) can help lower your premium.
- Invest in safety features: Investing in safety features such as propeller guards or GPS tracking can lower your risk of accidents and thus reduce your premium.
- Join a professional organization: Some insurance providers offer discounts for members of professional organizations related to the drone industry.
- Take a training course: Completing a training course for drone operation can show insurers that you are a responsible operator and thus lower your premium.
- Pay annually: Many insurers offer a discount for paying the premium annually rather than in monthly installments.
By following these tips, you may be able to lower the cost of your drone insurance in the UK.
Choosing the Right Drone Insurance in the UK
Drone insurance is a crucial investment for all drone owners, particularly for those who use their drones for commercial purposes. UK drone insurance policies can provide coverage for a range of risks, including damage to the drone and third-party liability. It’s important to carefully evaluate your coverage needs and choose a policy that fits your budget. You can also take steps to reduce the cost of your drone insurance, such as shopping around for the best price, investing in safety features, and joining a professional organization.
When it comes to choosing the right coverage for your DJI drone, DJI Care Refresh is a viable option to consider in addition to or instead of traditional drone insurance. While DJI Care Refresh provides coverage for accidental damage to your DJI drone, it is not the same as drone insurance and may not be suitable for all users. It’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option and select the coverage that best fits your specific needs and budget.
Overall, whether you choose traditional drone insurance or DJI Care Refresh, it’s important to protect your investment and make sure you have the coverage you need to fly your drone without worrying. Working with reputable underwriters and agents can help you find the right policy for your needs and guide you through the claims process if you need to. With the right coverage, you can fly your drone with confidence and focus on capturing stunning aerial footage.
