You will need to show the CAA that you have drone insurance when you are applying for your Permission for Commercial Operation (PfCO) or Drone License as it is more commonly known. Without a PfCO you will not legally be able to carry out commercial operations using your Small Unmanned Surveillance System (SUAS).
You will need to demonstrate to the CAA that you have insurance that meets the requirements specified in EC Regulation 785/2004.
There are currently only a handful of companies that offer insurance to commercial drone operators that meet the requirements in EC Regulation 785/2004.
What Do I Need To Consider?
When you are choosing a policy that for commercial drone operations you will need to consider the following:
- Are there any excluded territories?
- Can you add additional drones to the policy?
- Are there any restrictions on the number of flying hours?
- Are you restricted from flying in ‘high risk’ locations?
- Are you restricted from flying indoors?
- Are you insured to operate a third party’s drone?
- Is your drone and equipment covered by the policy whilst in transit?
How Much Will it Cost?
Unfortunately it is hard to give an exact amount as there are varying levels of cover that can be offered and all circumstances are different. However, as an idea, Moonrock Drone Insurance starts at £31.00 per month, this covers Material Damage of £2,000 and offer Public Liability of £1m.
Who Will Insure Me?
The main drone insurance companies are as follows:
Can I Get Insurance Just For The Operational Evaluation (Flight Test)?
Some insurance companies will offer you drone insurance for one day whilst you carry out your flight assessment. Often the insurance company will reimburse you the full amount of your flight assessment cover when you take out a full policy.
UAV Headquarters is not affiliated with any of the above companies. It is for the reader to use this information at his/her discretion