Drones are becoming more popular and widely used in Florida, both for personal and professional purposes. Whether you use your drone for fun, photography, videography, surveying, mapping, or any other activity, you need to be aware of the risks and responsibilities involved.
Drones can cause damage to property, injury to people, or even violate privacy laws. That’s why you need drone insurance to protect yourself and your business from potential liability and financial losses.
Drone insurance is a type of insurance that covers the risks associated with operating a drone. It can provide coverage for:
Liability
This covers the legal liability you may face if your drone causes bodily injury or property damage to a third party. For example, if your drone crashes into a car or a person, you may be sued for negligence and have to pay for medical bills, repairs, or compensation.
Physical damage
This covers the repair or replacement costs of your drone and its accessories if they are damaged or stolen. For example, if your drone is hit by a bird or a tree branch, or if it is lost or stolen, you may have to pay for a new one.
Payload
This covers the equipment or cargo that you attach to your drone, such as cameras, sensors, or packages. For example, if your drone is carrying a valuable camera and it falls or malfunctions, you may have to pay for the camera’s repair or replacement.
Personal injury
This covers the claims that may arise from invasion of privacy, trespassing, or nuisance caused by your drone. For example, if your drone flies over someone’s property or captures their image without their consent, you may be sued for violating their privacy rights.
Why Do You Need Drone Insurance in Florida?
Drone insurance is not mandatory in Florida, but it is highly recommended for several reasons:
It protects your investment
Drones are expensive devices that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. If your drone is damaged or stolen, you may not be able to afford to replace it without insurance.
It protects your reputation
Drones are subject to strict regulations and rules by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the state of Florida. If you violate any of these rules or cause an accident with your drone, you may face fines, penalties, or even criminal charges.
Having insurance can help you avoid or reduce these consequences and maintain your reputation as a responsible drone operator.
It protects your business
If you use your drone for commercial purposes, such as photography, videography, surveying, mapping, or delivery, you need to have insurance to protect your business from potential lawsuits and losses. Your clients may also require you to have insurance before hiring you for a project.
How Much Does Drone Insurance Cost in Florida?
The cost of drone insurance in Florida depends on several factors, such as:
The type and level of coverage
The more coverage you need, the more you will have to pay. For example, liability coverage is usually more expensive than physical damage coverage, and higher limits of coverage will cost more than lower limits.
The type and value of your drone
The more expensive and sophisticated your drone is, the more it will cost to insure. For example, a professional-grade drone with a high-resolution camera will cost more than a hobby-grade drone with a basic camera.
The purpose and frequency of your drone use
The more often and riskier you use your drone, the more it will cost to insure. For example, using your drone for commercial purposes will cost more than using it for personal purposes, and flying your drone in crowded or hazardous areas will cost more than flying it in open or safe areas.
Your personal and professional profile
Your personal and professional background may affect the cost of your insurance. For example, having a good credit score, a clean driving record, a valid FAA certification, and a membership in a reputable drone association may lower your insurance rates.
The average cost of drone insurance in Florida ranges from $500 to $1,000 per year for liability coverage only. If you want to add physical damage coverage or other types of coverage, you may have to pay an additional $200 to $500 per year. However, these are only general estimates and the actual cost may vary depending on your specific situation and needs.
How to Get Drone Insurance in Florida?
There are two main ways to get drone insurance in Florida:
Through an insurance company
You can contact an insurance company that offers drone insurance and get a quote based on your information and needs.
You can compare different quotes from different companies and choose the one that suits you best. Some of the leading insurance companies that offer drone insurance in Florida include:
Verifly
Verifly is a mobile app that allows you to buy drone insurance on-demand, by the hour or by the flight. You can choose from different coverage options and limits, and get instant proof of insurance.
Verifly is ideal for occasional or short-term drone users who want flexibility and convenience. You can get a quote and buy insurance in minutes, and pay as low as $10 per hour.
SkyWatch
SkyWatch is another mobile app that offers drone insurance on-demand, by the hour, by the month, or by the year. You can also choose from different coverage options and limits, and get instant proof of insurance.
SkyWatch is ideal for frequent or long-term drone users who want to save money and get rewards. You can get a quote and buy insurance in minutes, and pay as low as $5 per hour.
SkyWatch also offers a safety score system that tracks your flight data and gives you discounts and bonuses for safe flying.
Coverdrone
Coverdrone is a website that offers drone insurance for both personal and commercial use. You can customize your coverage according to your needs and preferences, and get a comprehensive policy that covers liability, physical damage, payload, personal injury, and more.
Coverdrone is ideal for professional or advanced drone users who want to have peace of mind and protection. You can get a quote and buy insurance online, and pay as low as $500 per year. Coverdrone also offers free flight training and safety guides for drone operators.
Through a drone association
You can join a drone association that offers drone insurance as part of its membership benefits. You can enjoy the advantages of being part of a community of drone enthusiasts and professionals, and get access to various resources and services. Some of the leading drone associations that offer drone insurance in Florida include:
- Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA): AMA is the largest and oldest drone association in the US, with over 200,000 members nationwide. AMA offers drone insurance for personal use only, covering liability up to $2.5 million and physical damage up to $25,000.
AMA also offers educational programs, safety guidelines, advocacy efforts, and events for drone hobbyists. You can join AMA online, and pay an annual membership fee of $75. - Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI): AUVSI is the world’s largest drone association, with over 7,000 members from more than 60 countries. AUVSI offers drone insurance for both personal and commercial use, covering liability up to $1 million and physical damage up to $10,000.
AUVSI also offers networking opportunities, industry news, research reports, policy updates, and events for drone professionals. You can join AUVSI online, and pay an annual membership fee of $95. - Drone U: Drone U is a drone association that focuses on providing online training courses, podcasts, webinars, and resources for drone operators of all levels. Drone U offers drone insurance for both personal and commercial use, covering liability up to $1 million and physical damage up to $10,000.
Drone U also offers discounts on other products and services, such as software, hardware, accessories, and legal advice. You can join Drone U online, and pay an annual membership fee of $47.
How to Choose the Best Drone Insurance in Florida?
Choosing the best drone insurance in Florida depends on your specific needs and goals. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:
Assess your risk exposure
Think about how often you use your drone, where you fly it, what you use it for, how much it costs, what kind of equipment or cargo you attach to it, etc. These factors will determine how much coverage you need and how much you are willing to pay.
Compare different options:
Shop around and compare different quotes from different providers or associations. Look at the coverage details, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and premiums of each option. Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not, and what you have to do in case of a claim.
Choose the option that matches your needs and budget:
Based on your risk assessment and comparison, choose the option that provides the best value for your money. Don’t overpay for coverage you don’t need, but don’t underpay for coverage you do need. Find the balance that works for you and your drone.
Related post
- State Farm Drone Insurance Policy – Should You Buy It?
- How to Get Drone Insurance Through State Farm
- Geico Drone Insurance: How to Buy, File a Claim, and Save Money
- DJI Drone Insurance Worth It? Pros and Cons of DJI Care Refresh
Conclusion
Drone insurance is a smart and responsible way to protect yourself and your business from the risks and liabilities associated with operating a drone in Florida. By having drone insurance, you can enjoy flying your drone without worrying about the potential consequences of an accident or a mistake. You can also enhance your reputation and credibility as a drone operator, and attract more clients and opportunities.
There are many options available for drone insurance in Florida, from insurance companies to drone associations. You can choose the option that suits your needs and budget, and get the coverage that you need. However, before you buy drone insurance, make sure you do your research and compare different options. You should also follow the rules and regulations of the FAA and the state of Florida, and fly your drone safely and responsibly.
We hope this article has helped you understand everything you need to know about drone insurance in Florida. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you with your drone insurance needs. Thank you for reading!