Agricultural drones have become indispensable tools for modern farms. Among them, spraying drones stand out as some of the most powerful, and riskiest, assets in a grower’s operation. These UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are capable of applying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides with pinpoint precision. But with great capability comes increased liability.
If you’re operating a spraying drone, getting the right insurance is not optional. It’s essential to protecting your investment, complying with regulations, and maintaining the trust of landowners and clients.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to insure your spraying drone the right way.
1. Why Spraying Drones Require Specialized Insurance
Compared to drones used solely for mapping or scouting, spraying drones pose a greater risk profile:
- Higher replacement costs (many exceed $20,000+)
- Chemical exposure risks (to people, crops, and animals)
- Regulatory scrutiny (Part 137, pesticide applicator licenses)
- Complex payload systems that require fine-tuned calibration
General drone insurance often excludes coverage for chemical application. To be properly insured, you need a policy built specifically for aerial application operations.
2. Key Coverages You Must Have
A comprehensive spraying drone insurance policy includes several types of coverage. Here’s what to look for:
Drone Physical Damage (Hull)
- Covers repair or replacement if your drone is damaged in a crash, malfunction, or due to weather or theft
- Typical premiums: $4,000–$6,000/year for drones valued at $30,000–$40,000]
Liability Insurance
- Covers bodily injury or property damage caused by your UAV
- Usually includes $1M or higher in limits
- Premiums range from $1,000 to $1,500/year
Chemical Drift Liability
- Essential for spraying drones
- Covers damage from unintended overspray or chemical exposure to third parties
- Premiums: ~$3,500/year for $100,000 limits
Payload Insurance
- Protects valuable sensors, tanks, nozzles, and spray systems
Errors & Omissions (E&O)
- Covers mistakes in application, flight planning, or data interpretation
Legal Defense & Regulatory Support
- Helps cover FAA enforcement actions or lawsuits from environmental or agricultural agencies
3. FAA & Legal Requirements: Part 107 + Part 137
To operate a spraying drone legally in the U.S., you need:
- FAA Part 107 certification (for all commercial drone pilots)
- FAA Part 137 certificate (required for aerial chemical application)
- State pesticide applicator licenses, depending on your jurisdiction
Some insurance carriers will not offer chemical liability coverage without proof of Part 137 certification.
Failing to comply could invalidate your policy entirely.
4. What Influences Your Insurance Premiums?
Several factors will affect how much you pay for spraying drone insurance:
- Drone value (higher cost = higher premium)
- Flight experience (logged hours, certifications)
- Number of drones (fleet discounts may apply)
- Type of chemicals used
- Territory and airspace class
- Past claims or incidents
5. Real-World Example: DJI Agras T40 Policy
Let’s look at a real quote example:
- Drone Value: $40,000
- Hull Premium: $5,000
- Liability Premium: $1,350
- Chemical Liability Premium: $3,500 (limit: $100,000)
- Total Annual Premium: ~$10,457
This is a comprehensive policy tailored for a UAV operator applying agricultural chemicals under FAA regulations.
6. How to Get the Right Policy
Choosing the right broker makes a huge difference. Look for an agency that:
- Specializes in aviation and agricultural risk
- Understands Part 137 and FAA compliance
- Has access to multiple carriers offering UAV-specific coverage
- Offers fast quoting and support
At BWI, we’ve insured thousands of aircraft and UAV operators across the U.S. We work directly with UAV applicators, agribusinesses, and drone service providers to build customized policies that fit the real risks of agricultural spraying.
Final Thoughts: Fly with Confidence
Spraying drones have transformed farming, but they also come with legal, environmental, and financial exposure. With the right insurance policy in place, you can focus on your fields, not fear.
Let us help you build the right coverage for your operation.
Call 800.666.4359 or click below to get a personalized spraying drone insurance quote today.
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