Typically, standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover drones.

As the Drone Woman, I consistently receive queries from novice flyers. To help shed light on the question of whether homeowners’ insurance typically covers drones, I’ve collaborated with expert Patrick Sherman. As an avid drone enthusiast for many years, he has ascended to the role of professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical College, where he focuses on the very subject that drives his passion: drones. 

A concerned citizen penned a letter.

Here’s the rewritten text:

Patrick Sherman, the creator of the e-book, has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to starting up a successful drone business. You asked him to help you with a response.

Here was his response, and if you would like more of his insights, immediately!

Nice query! Pilots often neglect to consider — a critical oversight, especially for recreational aviators. Drones are often marketed as harmless playthings, unlikely to cause serious harm. Despite revolving at a furious rate of 5,000 rotations per minute – equivalent to the typical speed of a drone’s propellers – or plummeting from as high as 400 feet, the prospect of sustaining grave or mortal injury remains very real.

While some countries mandate insurance for recreational drone use, the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require drone owners to carry insurance to operate their unmanned aerial vehicles domestically. It’s perfectly reasonable that you would want to consider having it.

Typically, standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not explicitly cover drones. However, some insurers may provide limited coverage for damage to a drone or liability in the event of an accident?

Let’s review the nuances of our homeowner’s insurance policy regarding that specific clause. As I’m neither an insurance coverage agent nor a lawyer, this assessment cannot be viewed as legally binding advice on which you should base any decision. Notwithstanding my understanding, informed experts confirm that this type of clause is indeed prevalent in insurance contracts, including those covering drone-related activities. A solitary misstep could leave you financially vulnerable to paying out tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation.

Obtaining liability coverage for your drone: a simple, affordable solution.

Despite this, I would rather not discourage you from having your daughter learn to fly, fortunately, a simple solution exists. Since its inception in 1937, the Academy of Mannequin Aeronautics (AMA) has been a stalwart advocate for remote-controlled aviation enthusiasts, offering numerous benefits to its members, including a comprehensive $2.5 million liability coverage that safeguards individuals from claims related to the operation of remotely piloted flying machines. While the American Model Association (AMA) primarily concentrates on conventional model airplanes, its standards and regulations extend equally to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones.

Assuming your daughter is at least 18 years old, joining the American Medical Association (AMA) as an annual member offers remarkable value for just $15. This investment includes comprehensive insurance coverage, plus additional perks like a monthly journal featuring insightful articles by esteemed medical professionals. To ensure comprehensive coverage in high-pressure situations, it’s crucial for your daughter to adhere to the AMA’s established security protocols, which were developed to safeguard everyone involved. Regardless of the circumstances, learning to pilot a plane requires a focus on ensuring safe flight operations.

Have enjoyable!

-Patrick Sherman

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