Flying drones at events can be some of the most rewarding—and most challenging—work you do as a commercial UAV operator. From weddings and festivals to concerts and sporting events, these gigs often involve crowded spaces, high-value property, and strict venue requirements.
Without the right insurance, one incident could end your business—or prevent you from getting hired in the first place.
That’s where drone insurance for events comes in. At BWI Aviation Insurance, we specialize in creating event-ready UAV policies that keep pilots covered, compliant, and confident.
What Is Drone Insurance for Events?
Drone insurance for events is specialized commercial UAV coverage designed for aerial operations during public or private gatherings. It can be purchased as:
- Short-term event coverage – Protects you for the specific event days.
- Annual policy with event coverage – Year-round protection that satisfies venue requirements whenever you book an event.
This coverage ensures you meet venue, client, and legal requirements while protecting your business against liability and equipment loss.
Why Events Require Special Consideration
Flying at events comes with unique challenges:
- Crowds – Increased risk of bodily injury claims.
- Venue property – From staging equipment to historic buildings.
- Multiple stakeholders – Clients, event organizers, and property owners may all need to be named on your insurance policy.
- Time constraints – Venues often demand proof of insurance days (or weeks) in advance.
Typical Event Types That Require Drone Insurance
- Weddings – Aerial coverage of ceremonies and receptions.
- Concerts & Festivals – Live-streaming or promotional footage of large gatherings.
- Sporting Events – Filming games, races, and competitions.
- Corporate Events – Capturing conferences, product launches, or company celebrations.
- Community & Civic Events – Parades, fairs, or public holiday celebrations.
What Drone Insurance for Events Covers
With BWI, your event drone insurance can include:
1. Liability Coverage
- Covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties.
- Limits from $500K to $10M to meet even the strictest venue requirements.
2. Hull Coverage
- Pays to repair or replace your drone if damaged during the event.
3. Payload Coverage
- Protects high-value mounted equipment like cinema cameras, LiDAR, or thermal sensors.
4. Additional Insured Certificates
- Add venues, clients, and stakeholders to your policy at no extra cost.
Common Venue Insurance Requirements
Before allowing drones on-site, most event venues will require:
- Minimum $1M liability coverage
- Venue listed as Additional Insured on your policy
- A Certificate of Insurance (COI) issued by your insurer
- Confirmation that coverage applies to UAV operations
With BWI, we can issue a venue-compliant COI the same day you request it
Cost of Drone Insurance for Events
Pricing depends on the coverage type, event risk, and your UAV equipment value:
Short-Term Event Coverage:
- $1M liability-only: ~$150–$300/day
- $1M liability + $2,500 hull: ~$250–$450/day
Annual Coverage:
- $1M liability-only: $275–$350/year
- $1M liability + $5K hull: $700–$900/year
See: Drone Insurance Cost Guide
Why Event Coverage Matters Even If You’re Careful
Even the most experienced pilots face risks at events:
- A drone malfunctions and injures an attendee.
- UAV clips a lighting rig or camera boom.
- Sudden wind gust knocks your drone into venue property.
Without insurance, you’re paying for repairs, medical bills, or legal defense out of pocket.
Why Choose BWI for Drone Event Insurance
- 45+ years of aviation insurance experience
- Licensed in all 50 states
- Same-day COI issuance for venues
- Flexible coverage – short-term or annual
- Top-rated carriers for maximum protection
Read more: About Us
How to Get Drone Insurance for Your Event
- Request a Quote – Use our online form or call 800-666-4359.
- Choose Coverage Type – Short-term or annual.
- Provide Event Details – Date, venue, coverage requirements.
- Get Your COI – We’ll send it directly to you and/or the venue.
Final Word
Operating drones at events can be highly profitable, but it comes with higher stakes. Drone insurance for events protects you from costly accidents, satisfies venue requirements, and keeps your business running smoothly.
With BWI, you’ll have the coverage you need—delivered fast, tailored to your operation, and backed by decades of aviation expertise.
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