Why Hull Coverage Is Essential for Commercial Drone Operators
If you operate drones commercially, your UAV is more than just a tool, it’s a core asset of your business. Whether you’re flying a $1,500 DJI Mavic 3 or a $30,000 Matrice 300 RTK with LiDAR, a crash, theft, or major malfunction can bring work to a halt and cost you thousands to replace.
That’s why hull insurance for drones is the second most important coverage for commercial UAV pilots, right after drone liability insurance.
What Is Hull Insurance for Drones?
Hull insurance, also called physical damage coverage, pays to repair or replace your drone if it’s damaged, lost, or stolen.
It’s the UAV equivalent of collision and comprehensive coverage for a car.
This coverage applies to:
- Your drone’s body/frame
- Standard onboard camera/gimbal systems
- Any permanently attached components
What Hull Insurance Covers
- Crash damage – Collisions with trees, buildings, vehicles, or other objects
- Water damage – UAV submersion or heavy rain exposure
- Theft – From vehicles, job sites, or storage locations
- Vandalism – Deliberate damage to your equipment
- Fire damage – In storage or during charging
What Hull Insurance Doesn’t Cover
- Damage to someone else’s property or injuries (that’s Liability Insurance)
- Wear and tear from normal use
- Manufacturer defects (covered by warranty)
- Payload equipment (requires Payload Coverage)
Hull Coverage vs. DJI Care Refresh
Many DJI owners think DJI Care Refresh is the same as hull insurance, it’s not.
DJI Care Refresh:
- Repairs/replaces DJI drones for accidental damage
- Limited to 1–2 replacements per term
- Only covers DJI brand drones
Hull Insurance from BWI:
- Covers any commercial drone brand/model
- Includes theft, vandalism, fire, and more
- Meets commercial contract requirements
- No replacement count limits during policy term
When Hull Insurance Makes Sense
You should strongly consider hull coverage if:
- Your UAV is worth more than $1,500
- You rely on your drone for income
- You fly in high-risk environments (construction sites, events, industrial facilities)
- You travel frequently with your drone
- You operate high-value drones with specialized payloads
Real-World Hull Claim Examples
Construction Inspection Crash
A Matrice 300 RTK clipped scaffolding and fell. Damage repair: $8,900, covered under hull insurance.
Wedding Filming Incident
A DJI Inspire 2 struck an overhead wire during an outdoor ceremony. Camera and gimbal destroyed. Replacement: $6,200, covered under hull insurance.
Equipment Theft
Two DJI Mavic 3s stolen from a vehicle after an event shoot. Replacement cost: $4,400, covered under hull insurance.
How Hull Coverage Works in a Claim
- Incident Occurs – Crash, theft, or damage to your UAV.
- File a Claim – Contact BWI, submit a claim form, photos, and incident report.
- Evaluation – Adjuster reviews damage, repair estimates, or replacement costs.
- Payout or Repair – You receive payment or authorization for repair/replacement.
Hull Insurance Cost
Your premium is based on:
- Insured value (replacement cost of the UAV)
- Make/model of the drone
- Operational use (events, inspection, agriculture, etc.)
- Deductible amount (higher deductible = lower premium)
- Your flying experience & claims history
Typical Annual Pricing:
- $2,500 hull value + $1M liability: $600–$800/year
- $10,000 hull value + $1M liability: $1,000–$1,200/year
- $20,000 hull value + $1M liability: $1,400–$1,800/year
See: Drone Insurance Cost Guide
Pair Hull Coverage with Liability for Full Protection
Hull covers your drone, liability covers your legal and financial risks to others.
For most commercial pilots, the best policy combines:
- Liability insurance – $1M+ limit
- Hull insurance – Replacement value of your UAV
- Optional payload coverage – For high-value sensors or cameras
- Non-owned coverage – For rented or subcontracted UAVs
Industries That Benefit Most from Hull Coverage
- Construction & Inspection Firms – High-value drones in hazardous areas
- Agriculture UAV Operators – Large acreage, potential for accidents in rough terrain
- Event & Media Companies – Crowds, tight spaces, unpredictable obstacles
- Surveying & Mapping Businesses – High-cost UAVs and sensitive sensors
- Public Safety Agencies – Expensive drones deployed in challenging conditions
Why Choose BWI for Hull Insurance
- 45+ years in aviation insurance
- Licensed in all 50 states
- Coverage for all major UAV brands
- Same-day quotes and Certificates of Insurance
- Tailored policies for your industry and budget
Read: About Us
How to Get Hull Insurance for Your Drone
- Get a Quote – Use our hull insurance form or call 800-666-4359
- Set Your Insured Value – Based on replacement cost
- Select Your Deductible – Choose a balance between premium and out-of-pocket risk
- Get Covered – Receive your policy and Certificate of Insurance
Final Word
Hull insurance protects your UAV investment so you can keep flying, keep earning, and keep clients happy—even when accidents happen.
With BWI hull insurance, you get:
- Comprehensive protection
- Flexible deductibles
- Fast claims handling
- Industry-leading expertise
Get Your Hull Insurance Quote Today >>
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