With the use of personal drones on the rise, for everything from backyard fun to hobby photography, many people don't realize that their Homeowners policy doesn't cover drone-related incidents.

"Drones may be small, but the risks aren't," says RPS Personal Lines Manager Debra Buettner. "It's important to talk with clients about purchasing specialized drone coverage, known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV policy, to ensure they're not exposed to costly risks."

Typical Exposures of Drones

From parks to beaches, drones are now a common sight in public and private spaces. But even casual use can lead to serious exposures. A drone can cause property damage when it crashes into vehicles, windows or power lines. A malfunction or user error could result in a drone hitting someone, causing bodily injury.

Additionally, capturing and sharing images of individuals without their consent can lead to privacy violations and legal consequences.

"Even if it's a hobby drone, liability is a real concern," Buettner explains. "There are cases where a drone fell and injured someone, or photos were posted online without permission. That's why separate coverage is so important."

What the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Policy Covers

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) insurance policy typically includes two primary components:

  • Physical Damage coverage protects against repair or replacement costs if the drone is damaged or destroyed.
  • Liability coverage protects if the drone causes injury or damage to someone else or their property.

Limits usually start at $500,000 and go up to $2 million, with higher limits available for more advanced or commercial-grade drones. Premiums are often affordable. Buettner notes, "I recently quoted a $20,000 drone used for photography, and the premium was just $500, including physical damage."

Not Just for Hobbyists

Agents should also be aware that many clients use drones for side businesses, especially in photography and videography. Even part-time or occasional use for commercial purposes changes the risk profile.

"People don't realize that using a drone to take wedding photos or real estate shots is considered commercial use, even if it's just a side gig," Buettner says. "They need to disclose that up front so we can write the appropriate coverage."

Applying for UAV Coverage

Applying for UAV coverage is straightforward. For drones under 15 pounds, minimal documentation is needed, and training requirements are waived. For larger drones or those carrying payload (e.g., cameras, sprayers), certification and more detailed underwriting are required.

"It's an easy application process," says Buettner. "Our system even flags drones that are heavier than declared, based on serial numbers. It's very intuitive."

Don't Let Clients Assume They're Covered

Buettner emphasizes that agents must educate their clients proactively, especially those with tech-savvy teens or new hobby drones in the home.

"If there's a loss and Homeowners insurance doesn't cover it, it could come as a big surprise," she says. "That's why it's critical for agents to ask the question: 'Do you or anyone in your household operate a drone?' "

RPS Covers Commercial Drones, Too

RPS also provides coverage for commercial drones used in industries like agriculture (spraying), construction, public safety (search and rescue) and professional photography. These policies are written on the same form and backed by the same experienced carriers.

Whether personal or commercial, RPS has the tools and market access to help agents cover a fast-growing risk that often flies under the radar.

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