Most of us have heard the word “drone,” yet we may not truly know what a drone is and how owning one may impact our insurance coverage.
A drone, also called an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is a lightweight, hand-operated device that has the ability to take high-resolution photos and video. Drones have often been associated with the military for reconnaissance, yet they’re also used for surveillance, search and rescue, and traffic and weather monitoring, for example.
The personal use of drones has become more and more popular in recent years. In fact, the FAA expects 30,000 drones will be in use by 2020. A personal drone is easy to insure – provided you only want to use it for recreational purposes.
Consider the following scenario: You’re outside having fun, flying your drone around the neighborhood, and the drone crashes into a neighbor’s window or causes bodily injury to his pet. Does your home insurance cover the damage and injuries? Probably. As with every insurance coverage issue, however, the availability of coverage depends on your policy’s language regarding coverage terms and exclusions.
Using a drone for business purposes is another matter. Let’s say you’re taking aerial photos for real estate listings. This is not considered recreational use and your homeowners’ policy typically does not cover claims resulting from business-related activities.
The bottom line? It comes down to intent. If you plan to fly a drone for fun, chances are you’re covered should anything terrible happen. Your PDCM agent will be happy to review your homeowners’ policy with you to make sure it provides adequate coverage. If, on the other hand, you plan to use a drone for business purposes, your agent can review your coverage options before you take to the sky so you’re protected should an unexpected situation arise.
What You Need To Know: Drones and Insurance by PDCM Insurance
