Family-owned aviation insurance since 1977
Chemical Drift Liability: What Every Ag Drone Operator Needs to Know
Spraying brings its own coverage questions. Understand what to ask before the next job.
Matt and the BWI teamReal aviation insurance professionals. Meet us →
Real people. Real experiences.
What BWI customers say
Reviews of BWI’s aviation insurance service.
Great service great follow-up by Katie 11 years as customer
Emily is a fantastic agent. She's very knowledgeable and helpful. I would definitely recommend her for your aviation insurance needs!
If you are shopping for aviation insurance, you MUST speak with Katie! Helpful, knowledgeable and ready to go the extra Nautical Mile for you!
A conversation built around your operation
Start with what matters to you.
Your operation
Describe the work, equipment and people behind each flight.
Explore the guideThe coverage details
Review liability, equipment and any application-specific exposures.
Explore the guideYour next step
Bring the operation and approval details to a real person.
Explore the guideCoverage varies by policy. Discuss the proposed terms, conditions and exclusions with BWI.
Chemical drift coverage questions
Use the actual proposal and policy documents when deciding. Insurance terms, availability and premiums depend on the submission; coverage is not effective until binding is confirmed. Request a quote for your drone operation; terms, availability and premiums depend on the insurer and your details.
Chemical drift is an important coverage question for agricultural drone operators. If a substance moves outside the intended application area, the operator may face allegations of damage or injury.
Review the operation, label requirements and insurance wording before a spraying job. This guide identifies questions to raise, rather than guaranteeing coverage or giving a universal application recipe.
GET AN AG DRONE INSURANCE QUOTE
What Is Chemical Drift?
Drift can move an applied pesticide away from its intended target. Weather, equipment and application technique matter. Follow the applicable product label and restrictions; consult EPA drift guidance and the relevant state authority.
Who Is at Risk?
Discuss chemical application whether you are a farm owner, commercial contractor, cooperative or agricultural consultant. Describe the substances, equipment, treated area, nearby exposures and your role in the work.
Situations to discuss before a job
- Alleged damage to a neighboring crop.
- A claim involving nearby people, livestock or property.
- A dispute about cleanup, remediation or application work.
These are illustrative situations, not verified BWI customer claims. The facts, legal responsibility and policy wording determine how a particular matter is handled.
Does Your Drone Insurance Cover Chemical Drift?
Do not assume ordinary drone liability includes chemical drift. Ask for the actual wording addressing aerial application and chemical or pollution-related exposures.
- Which substances and activities are covered?
- What limit, aggregate and deductible apply?
- How are defense, settlement and remediation costs treated?
- Which exclusions or operating conditions apply?
Request a current quote. An old premium example does not establish today’s terms, and regulatory fines are not assumed to be insured.
How to Minimize Chemical Drift Risk
Follow the product label, required application conditions and any applicable state restrictions. A general wind-speed number is not a substitute for the label. Check weather, equipment setup, buffers and recordkeeping with qualified application guidance.
Use EPA’s drift resources as a starting point and keep the records required for your work. Insurance does not make an otherwise prohibited application acceptable.
Do You Need Part 137 Certification?
For regulated agricultural dispensing, review the FAA Part 137 process. The required certificate, exemptions and operating conditions depend on the operation. Give BWI your actual documentation; do not assume a missing document automatically determines a claim or quote outcome.
Talk with BWI about your operation
Ask BWI to review the coverage questions for your actual spraying operation. Call 800-666-4359 or use the original application link below. Coverage and availability must be confirmed in the quote and issued policy.
Your next step
A few details help us get started.
- Aircraft and equipment details, values and operating weight.
- Description of work, locations and any substances applied.
- Pilot experience, training and relevant operating approvals.
- Current insurance, contracts and your preferred effective date.
A real team behind you.
Meet Matt White and the people who help BWI customers every day.
Let’s talk about your next flight
