Whether you’re flying drones for fun, real estate photography, agriculture, or large-scale industrial work, one of the first questions pilots ask is: How much does drone insurance cost
The truth is, drone insurance costs vary depending on several factors: the value of your equipment, how you use it, the limits of liability you need, and even your pilot experience. In this guide, we’ll break down the typical cost of drone insurance, what influences pricing, and how to get the best coverage without overpaying.
Why Drone Insurance Matters
Before we dive into cost, it’s important to understand the stakes.
- A $1,500 drone crash into a parked car can create $20,000 in damages.
- A drone malfunction at a wedding or event could result in injury claims.
- Many contracts won’t hire drone operators without $1M liability insurance.
Insurance isn’t just about protecting your drone, it’s about protecting your finances, your reputation, and your business.
Average Drone Insurance Costs
At BWI, we’ve insured thousands of drones and operators. Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Small Commercial Operators (1–2 drones): $500–$2,500 annually.
- Mid-Sized Businesses (3–10 drones): $2,000–$5,000+ annually.
- Enterprise Fleets (10+ drones, industrial/agricultural): $10,000+ annually.
Liability limits make a big difference:
- $500K coverage → $300–$600 annually
- $1M coverage → $600–$1,200 annually
- $5M+ coverage → $2,000–$10,000+ annually
Factors That Affect Drone Insurance Cost
- Drone Value (Hull Coverage)
A DJI Mini 3 worth $900 has a very different premium compared to a $30,000 agriculture drone. Hull coverage is based on the replacement value of the equipment.
- Liability Limits
Contracts often require $1M–$5M in liability. The higher the limit, the higher the premium.
- Type of Operations
- Real estate photography is low risk.
- Power line inspections, pipeline surveys, or large events carry much higher risk and premiums.
- Pilot Experience
FAA Part 107 certification, training, and flight logs help lower premiums. New pilots or those without documented experience may pay more.
- Claims History
Just like auto insurance, prior losses increase your premium.
- Coverage Add-Ons
- Payload insurance (for cameras, LIDAR, sensors)
- Non-owned drone coverage (when renting)
- Worldwide coverage (if you fly internationally)
Hourly vs. Annual Policies
Some providers offer on-demand hourly insurance, which can cost as little as $10/hour for liability coverage. While this seems affordable, it rarely satisfies corporate contracts and can end up costing more if you fly often.
Annual policies, on the other hand, provide stability, broader coverage, and contract-ready certificates.
Case Study: Why Coverage Matters
A drone cinematographer purchased a $30/hour on-demand liability policy for small shoots. But when they landed a large film project, the contract required a $5M annual liability certificate. Their hourly coverage didn’t qualify, and they almost lost the job.
BWI placed them in an annual $5M liability plan within 48 hours. They secured the contract and went on to film without worry.
How to Save Money on Drone Insurance
- Bundle Multiple Drones – Fleet policies are often more affordable than insuring each drone separately.
- Provide Pilot Training Records – Demonstrates professionalism and reduces risk in the insurer’s eyes.
- Work With a Specialized Broker – At BWI, we shop multiple carriers to find the most competitive rates.
- Choose the Right Coverage – Don’t over-insure for risks you don’t face, but don’t cut corners on liability.
Why Choose BWI
- 45+ Years of Aviation Expertise
- Multiple Carrier Access (not tied to one insurer)
- Fast Certificates to meet client demands
- Dedicated Claims Support if something goes wrong
- Scalable Coverage from single drones to full fleets
Conclusion
Drone insurance costs vary, but for most operators, it’s a manageable investment compared to the risks of flying uninsured. For as little as $30/month, you can protect your drone, your business, and your peace of mind.
If you’re flying drones commercially, don’t shop on price alone, shop for coverage that fits your operations and protects your future.
Get your personalized drone insurance quote from BWI today.
bwifly.com / 800-666-4359
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