Are drones covered by homeowners insurance?

Drones, and accidents caused while flying them, are generally covered by homeowners insurance. There are a lot of different types of drones, from small toys to larger, expensive units. Many drones are not valuable enough to file a home insurance claim if they are damaged.

However, a liability claim could become expensive if your drone injures someone or causes damage; for example, if it crashes through a window or into someone’s car.

Before you launch a drone, make sure you know how your insurance will cover you.

Does homeowners insurance cover drones?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies exclude liability coverage for aircraft but will include coverage for “model or hobby aircraft,” like your personal drone. If your policy does offer this coverage, and if you crash your drone and cause bodily injury or property damage, it should be covered by the terms and limits of your policy.

If you crash your drone, it also should be covered under the personal property portion of your homeowners coverage. However, the deductible for your property coverage may be more than you paid for your drone.

What types of drones are covered by homeowners insurance?

Commercial or business use of your drone is not normally covered under a homeowners policy. 

If you have a more expensive drone, you should ask your insurer if there is a rider you could buy to make sure it is fully covered if damaged. 

Additionally, if you fly a drone outside, you now need to register it with the FAA before you operate it outdoors. The cost is only $5, but you will have to renew your registration every five years.

Find out more on FAA drone registration rules and drone insurance.

Which component of a homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for drones?

Two parts of your home insurance cover drones. First, the personal property section, or Coverage C, will cover damage to the drone itself if it exceeds your deductible.

Second, the liability portion of your policy, or Coverage E, will cover you if a drone accident injuries someone or damages your property. Medical payments coverage (Coverage F) may also apply if there a minor injuries to someone else.

Pro-tip:
If your drone is over 55 pounds, you need to register it with the Federal Aviation Administration. If you don’t, and you cause damage with your drone, you could be arrested and it’s likely that your insurance won’t cover you.

What types of damages caused by drones are covered?

You’re generally covered for any damage as long as it was an accident; homeowners insurance will pay for hospital bills or property damage. Alongside the repairs, homeowners insurance may cover the cost of replacing the drone. If you are sued, homeowners insurance will likely also cover legal fees.

Keep in mind that we’re talking about drones used for recreation. If you have a drone you use for your business – maybe you’re a real estate agent taking photos of homes with your drone – and there’s an accident, your homeowners insurance probably won’t cover the damage. However, your business insurance should.

Any damage or injuries that were intentional will not be covered.

How to file a claim for drone damage

Filing a claim for a drone is similar to filing any other insurance claim. If your drone went careening into a park and sent a wedding party diving into a lake, you’ll want to explain everything to your insurer. If you have photos of the drenched bride and groom, you’ll want to send those. If somebody filed a police report, you may need to ultimately give that to your insurer.

Every bit of information that the insurer needs to show that you have a drone that went out of control, you’ll likely have to produce. And then you wait to hear what your insurer says your payout will be.

Drone insurance for hobbyists

Many insurers insure drones, but some companies specialize in drone insurance, and then plenty of conventional insurance companies that handle drone insurance. Here’s a partial list of what’s out there:

• BWI Fly
• SkyWatch.AI
• Thimble
• DroneInsurance.com
• Avion Drone Insurance
• United States Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG)
• Global Aerospace
• Progressive
• State Farm
• Liberty Mutual
• Geico
• Chubb Insurance

It’s a good idea to talk to your insurance company about your drone if you aren’t sure about your coverage.

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