How To Drone Insurance

Here is everything you need to know about flying a drone

Article

•4 minute read•2020-05-11

Nowadays, more and more people have their own drone since manufacturers are now producing cheaper versions. Many people use them for private photos and video recordings so they can capture moments that would otherwise only be possible with helicopters or planes. But you have to be careful because drones can cause costly property damage and or physical harm. So if you have a drone, you have to protect yourself. But what is the appropriate insurance cover for your drone?

The ultimate guide to drone liability insurance

Getsafe’s personal liability insurance can be extended with a drone module to provide complete coverage. Read our guide to find out everything you should know about drone insurance. Here is our list of questions:

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What is drone liability insurance?

Drone liability insurance is an insurance extension that protects you if damage has been caused by your drone. As the owner, you are liable for any accident that may occur with your drone. A drone can easily crash, collide with a car roof or end up in a garden and ruin an expensive parasol.

Do I have to insure my drone?

Yes. Since 2005 insurance for drones has been mandatory in Germany. This applies regardless of whether a drone is used privately or commercially.

What damage does the insurance cover?

Your insurance pays for property damage and personal injury caused by your drone, for example if your drone accidentally breaks your neighbour’s glass terrace door or collides with a person and injures them. Basically everything that is permitted under the drone regulations is insured. There are only two exceptions:

Competitions are not covered.
Flights with video glasses over 30 meters or with a drone weighing over 5 kilos are also not insured.

What is the maximum amount paid by the drone insurance?

Depending where you got your liability insurance, the maximum payout for personal injury, property damage, and financial losses can range anywhere from one million euros to 25 million euros. This might sound like an incredibly high amount, but if you fly your drone near an airport and it disrupts operations, costs can easily reach millions. With Getsafe, damage caused by your drone is covered up to 15 millions euros.

When do I need commercial drone liability insurance?

If you earn money with your drone flight, you need commercial liability insurance. However, if you run a YouTube channel in your spare time, for example, with which you earn a few euros, this is considered a hobby by us and is therefore not commercial use. If you are not sure, you can always contact us.

How many drones can I insure at the same time?

As many as you want – there is no limit to the number of drones. If you have liability insurance with the additional drone extension you are automatically covered for all your drones.

Does the drone liability insurance also pay for damages that occur to my drones?

No, liability insurance does not cover damage to your drones. But you can insure them with comprehensive drone insurance. There are a number of companies offering this type of coverage.

What if I'm not responsible for the accident?

You're also liable for any damage your drone might cause, even if it's not your fault. That's why it’s so important to have a liability insurance policy specifically designed for operating drones.

What about the excess?

The drone liability extension is based on your personal liability insurance. If you have agreed to a deductible, it also applies to damage caused by your drone. When you take out your liability insurance, you can choose to pay no excess or an excess of either 150 or 300 euros.

Is my drone still insured if someone else flies it?

Many insurance companies will also cover you if other people fly your drone in your presence. If you make sure that they comply with the drone regulations, you have nothing to fear.

Do I need a drone pilot’s license to get insurance cover?

No, a drone licence is not a requirement for drone liability insurance coverage. However, if your drone weighs more than two kilograms, you will need to take a one-day course.

Am I covered when I fly outside the airfield?

Yes, you are also insured when flying outside model airfields, as long as you comply with the drone regulations. If you fly outside the airfield, you must affix a sticker to your drone with your name and address.

Am I insured when I fly my drone out of sight?

No, the new regulations state that you may only fly your drone within visual range.

Am I covered when flying my drone indoors?

Yes, even if you fly your drone inside a building, you are covered.

Am I also insured when flying abroad?

You should inquire whether your liability insurance also covers drone flights abroad. The insurance policies vary here. With Getsafe, your drone liability cover applies worldwide.

Can I take out drone insurance if I do not live in Germany?

If you do not have a German address, most insurers are unfortunately unable to offer you insurance cover at present.

How high can I fly my drone?

In general, you can fly your drone up to 100 metres high. If you want to fly it higher, you have to register it. Without a permit for this flight you are not legally insured.

What are the new drone regulations?

The number of drone pilots has increased significantly in recent times. Since drones are used both privately and commercially, they attract more and more fans and enthusiasts. The more drones there are in the air, the higher the risk of collisions and crashes. For this reason, the German Federal Ministry of Transport has laid down clear rules to prevent accidents. The regulations also aim to better protect the safety and privacy of fellow human beings.

These are the most important rules ...

... on a model airfield: The new rules only apply outside of model airfields.

... for drones heavier than 250 grams: If your drone is heavier than 250 grams, you must attach a sticker with your name and address. You can obtain such a sticker from many clubs or on the internet.

... for drones heavier than 2 kilograms: Besides the sticker you have to prove that you have specialist knowledge. For this you have to pass a kind of multiple-choice test at a recognised location of the federal aviation office. Topics such as air law, meteorology, flight operations and navigation are tested.

... for drones heavier than 5kg: You need an additional ascent permit issued by the state aviation authorities. In most cases, this permit can only be booked for the respective flight and cannot be issued nationwide. The application procedure varies within the federal states.

Get drone liability insurance now!