Your drone is valuable, but in many cases, the payload it carries is worth even more. Whether it’s a high-resolution cinema camera, a multispectral sensor for agriculture, or a LiDAR scanner for surveying, losing or damaging that equipment can cost your business tens of thousands of dollars.
That’s why drone payload insurance is a must-have for commercial UAV operators. At BWI Aviation Insurance, we provide specialized payload coverage to protect your most important gear from accidents, theft, and other risks.
Get Your Drone Payload Insurance Quote Today>>
What Is Drone Payload Insurance?
Drone payload insurance is dedicated coverage that protects specialized equipment mounted to your UAV. While hull insurance covers the drone itself, payload coverage applies to high-value attachments, such as:
- Cameras – Cinema-grade, DSLR, or mirrorless
- LiDAR systems – For mapping and surveying
- Multispectral & NDVI sensors – For precision agriculture
- Thermal imaging cameras – For inspections, search and rescue, firefighting
- Sprayer systems – For agricultural drones
Why Payload Coverage Isn’t Included in Standard Hull Insurance
Many commercial drone operators assume their hull coverage automatically protects their payload, but that’s rarely the case. Hull coverage is typically limited to the aircraft frame, motors, and permanently attached components.
Specialized equipment, especially if it’s removable or worth more than the drone itself, often requires separate payload coverage to ensure full protection.
Risks That Drone Payload Insurance Covers
- Accidental damage – Crashes, collisions, or hard landings
- Water damage – Rain, submersion, or high-humidity exposure
- Theft – From vehicles, job sites, or storage facilities
- Fire damage – In-flight, during charging, or in storage
- Vandalism – Deliberate destruction of equipment
Who Needs Drone Payload Insurance?
Payload coverage is essential for:
- Film & Media Companies – Operating with cinema-grade cameras and lenses
- Survey & Mapping Firms – Flying LiDAR or multispectral sensors
- Agriculture Operators – Using high-value sprayers and NDVI equipment
- Industrial Inspectors – Utilizing thermal imaging or zoom lenses
- Public Safety Agencies – Deploying specialized payloads for rescue and firefighting
Cost of Drone Payload Insurance
Premiums vary based on equipment value, type of operations, and coverage limits:
Typical Annual Rates:
- $5K payload: $150–$250/year (added to existing UAV policy)
- $10K payload: $250–$400/year
- $20K+ payload: $400–$700/year
Factors influencing cost:
- Equipment replacement value
- Risk profile of your operations
- Frequency of use and flight environment
See: Drone Insurance Cost Guide
Real-World Claim Examples
Case 1 – LiDAR Damage During Mapping Flight
- Incident: Drone clipped a tree during a low-altitude survey
- Loss: $17,000 LiDAR unit destroyed
- Covered: Full replacement cost paid under payload coverage
Case 2 – Thermal Camera Damaged in Fire Inspection
- Incident: UAV exposed to extreme heat during firefighting operation
- Loss: $8,500 thermal camera ruined
- Covered: Replacement cost covered under payload insurance
How Payload Insurance Works With Other Coverages
For full protection, payload coverage should be paired with:
- Liability insurance – Covers injury or property damage to others
- Hull insurance – Covers damage to the drone airframe itself
- Non-owned coverage – Protects you when using rented or subcontracted UAVs
Meeting Client and Contract Requirements
Many contracts, especially in film, mapping, and industrial sectors—require:
- Proof of payload coverage
- Coverage limits equal to or greater than payload value
- Certificates of Insurance (COIs) naming the client as Additional Insured
BWI can issue compliant COIs the same day you request them.
Why Choose BWI for Drone Payload Insurance
- 45+ years of aviation insurance expertise
- Licensed in all 50 states
- Same-day quotes and COIs
- Tailored coverage for any payload type or value
- Access to top-rated carriers for maximum protection
Read:About Us
How to Get Drone Payload Insurance from BWI
- Request a Quote – Use our payload insurance form or call 800-666-4359
- Provide Equipment Details – Type, value, and operational use
- Select Coverage Limit – Match to your payload’s replacement value
- Receive Your Certificate – Same-day COI to meet client requirements
Final Word
If your UAV business depends on specialized equipment, drone payload insurance is the only way to ensure you’re fully protected. From high-end cameras to LiDAR and thermal sensors, payload coverage safeguards the tools that make your business possible.
With BWI, you’ll get competitive rates, customized coverage, and fast service, so you can focus on flying, not worrying about your gear.
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