Just taking your new drone out for a little spin couldn’t have any liability implications, could it? Some of you may remember radio controlled airplanes and helicopters. Did playing with those toys require insurance protection? How are today’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) any different? First of all, it’s a different world today, much more litigious. That is not news. Also, current drone technology allows operators to do much more than what was possible a decade or so ago.
Do you think you need insurance coverage for what some consider toys? Of course, if you are spending mid-five figures for your UAV, you naturally want to insure it for any damage. There are specialty insurance companies for that. But what about the $100-$500 kind? What you should be thinking about are two liability issues: invasion of privacy, property damage, and bodily injury.
If you are flying your drone over, say, a neighbor’s back yard and start filming people there, is that a crime? What about filming over a park and taking video of the people there? Better check with an attorney on that one. Potential bodily injury (crashing your drone into a person) or property damage (crashing your drone into an object) is something to discuss with your insurance professional.
Many homeowners and renter’s policies will cover minor liability claims for drone accidents. Anything beyond that would depend on your coverage. Bear in mind that some policies exclude UAVs altogether. As far as any self-inflicted damage, any homeowners or renter’s insurance protection probably doesn’t extend to your own property. Think of your vehicle. If you get into an accident and only have liability insurance, the other guy is covered. You are not.
Using drones in your business is another type of insurance altogether. Whether you are spot checking the north 40, getting some great camera shots for a film or video, or anything where you are making money using a drone, you probably need a business liability policy. Using the car analogy again, your personal auto coverage would not cover you if you were using your vehicle for business.
Check with your insurance professional to see what specialty coverages are available, what your current insurance policies may offer in the way of protection, and make sure you have the right policies for any eventuality.