Most drone operators are experts at what they do.
They understand FAA rules.
They know how to fly safely.
They invest in quality equipment.
But when it comes to insurance?
Many get it wrong.
And not because they’re careless, because the drone insurance landscape is confusing, fast-changing, and often misunderstood.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the most common insurance mistakes we see drone operators make, and how you can avoid them to protect your equipment, your contracts, and your future.
Mistake #1: Thinking General Business Insurance Is Enough
Your LLC might have a general liability policy.
But unless it specifically includes aviation and unmanned aircraft, it likely excludes drone operations.
Why it’s a problem:
- Claims involving drones will likely be denied
- Clients may reject your certificate of insurance
- You may not be compliant with FAA expectations
How to fix it:
Ask your broker directly: “Does this policy include commercial drone operations?”
If not, get a separate drone-specific policy.
Mistake #2: Underinsuring the Drone’s Value
A $20,000–$50,000 drone is a major investment.
But too often, we see clients:
- Use old valuations
- Insure for partial value to save on premiums
- Skip hull coverage altogether
Why it’s a problem:
- A total loss could bankrupt your business
- Your policy may only cover a fraction of replacement cost
- You may fail to meet client contract requirements
How to fix it:
Use the current market or replacement cost value, and factor in payloads, sensors, and custom mods.
Mistake #3: Thinking a Waiver Equals Coverage
Just because you have a Part 137, 44807, or BVLOS waiver doesn’t mean your insurance automatically covers those activities.
Why it’s a problem:
- Your operation may go beyond your policy’s scope
- Carriers may exclude certain use types unless specifically endorsed
How to fix it:
Work with a broker who understands waivers AND insurance.
Match the policy to your actual use, don’t assume.
Mistake #4: Missing Additional Insured Requests
Clients often ask to be listed as additional insureds on your policy.
Why it’s a problem:
- Without this, you may not be allowed on-site
- It delays jobs or kills deals
- You appear unprofessional
How to fix it:
Use a broker (like BWI) who offers same-day COI turnaround and unlimited additional insureds with no hassle.
Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Get Coverage
You shouldn’t be scrambling for insurance the night before your job starts.
Why it’s a problem:
- Rushed submissions may miss details
- Some policies take 48–72 hours to bind
- You may overpay out of urgency
How to fix it:
Contact a broker at least a week before your job begins. Earlier if you’re working with complex waivers or spraying.
Bonus Mistake: Assuming All Drone Policies Are the Same
Every carrier has different risk models.
Some love ag spraying. Some hate it.
Some reward experience. Some don’t.
How to fix it:
Work with a broker who quotes multiple markets and knows what each underwriter prefers.
Why BWI Helps You Avoid These Pitfalls
We’ve insured thousands of drone operators across industries like:
- Agriculture and spraying
- Infrastructure inspections
- Surveying and mapping
- Cinematography
- Light shows and BVLOS ops
We know what goes wrong, what clients ask for, and what underwriters need to see.
When you work with BWI, you get:
- Drone-specific coverage
- Fast, competitive quotes
- Help navigating FAA waivers
- Same-day COIs
- Custom policies built around your ops
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Policy. It’s Your Safety Net.
The right insurance policy won’t just check a box.
It will protect your business when something goes wrong.
Avoiding these common mistakes could save you thousands of dollars, and your reputation.
Let’s get your policy done right, from day one.
[Request a Drone Insurance Quote That Gets It Right, With BWI]
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