As drone technology continues to evolve, more and more professionals are turning to UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) for agriculture, logistics, events, data collection, and cinematic production.
But for all the momentum and innovation in the drone space, there’s one thing that keeps tripping operators up: Getting an insurance quote is a lot more complicated than they expect.
And it’s not because agents are gatekeeping, or because insurance companies are dragging their feet. It’s because commercial drone insurance depends on something most operators don’t think about until it’s too late: FAA waivers, pilot credentials, and operational compliance.
At BWI, we’ve quoted thousands of commercial drone operators, from startup teams with a single DJI Matrice to large-scale ag operations with full fleets of 55+ lb aircraft.
And one of the most common conversations we have starts with this line: “I didn’t know I needed that just to get a quote…”
Why This Matters
When you request a drone insurance quote, especially for any kind of business use, underwriters want to know two things:
- Is this operator qualified to fly this drone under current FAA rules?
- Are they operating legally within the scope of their intended use?
Without proper certifications, the answer is often “no.” And that’s where the quoting process breaks down.
Here’s What We Need to See Before Most Drone Quotes Can Even Be Started
1. Operator Experience & Credentials
The very first thing underwriters want to see is a clear summary of the operator’s experience with the drone being insured. That includes:
- Total hours logged
- Aircraft types flown
- Part 107 certification (or equivalent)
- Any relevant safety or manufacturer training
If you have multiple operators, each one should have their own record.
The more detail you can provide, the more likely you are to receive competitive pricing and avoid delays.
2. Agricultural Drone Operations (Spraying)
If your drone is being used to spray crops, you will need to provide your FAA Part 137 Certificate.
Without it, underwriters will decline the submission outright. This waiver is essential because spraying is regulated under agricultural aviation rules, and the risk profile is much higher due to chemicals, weight, and altitude requirements.
Part 137 waivers take time to obtain, so apply early.
3. Drones Over 55 lbs
This one catches a lot of people off guard.
If your drone weighs more than 55 lbs (including payload), the standard Part 107 doesn’t apply. You’ll need a 44807 Waiver from the FAA, also known as a Section 44807 Exemption, to legally operate.
From an insurance perspective, no waiver = no quote. Full stop.
These drones are treated like small aircraft by many underwriters, and without the exemption, the operator is essentially uninsured by default.
4. Drone Light Shows
This is one of the most exciting sectors in commercial drone use and one of the most complicated to insure.
Light show operators typically need multiple FAA waivers, including:
- §107.29: To fly at night or in civil twilight without anti-collision lights
- §107.35: To operate more than one drone at a time
- Additional details about your command and control systems, number of aircraft, operator roles, and safety protocols
Light shows are considered high coordination, high exposure operations, and underwriters require a detailed submission package.
5. Operations Over People
Flying drones over crowds or populated areas? If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, you’ll need a §107.39 Waiver.
Even if you’re not directly flying over people, underwriters will often ask for safety protocols, ground risk mitigation strategies, and proof that you’ve secured this waiver before offering terms.
6. BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)
If your operation includes any flights beyond the visual line of sight of the pilot, you must have a §107.33 Waiver.
These waivers are complex and require a solid operational safety case. If you’re planning BVLOS operations and haven’t started your FAA application yet, do that first, before you request quotes.
Underwriters take BVLOS very seriously and will expect proof of airspace coordination, redundant controls, and flight tracking systems.
Why It’s So Important to Know This Upfront
In traditional aviation, pilots expect a lot of paperwork. Logbooks, medicals, and type ratings, are part of the culture.
But in the drone space, especially for new operators, that same expectation doesn’t always exist. Which leads to frustration when an insurance agent responds with:
“Sorry, we can’t quote this without XYZ waiver…”
This delay can cost operators real money, missed opportunities, lost client confidence, and rework on jobs already quoted.
And from the broker side, it’s painful to see a solid business owner hit a wall just because no one ever told them what was required to be quote-ready.
At BWI, we’re not just selling policies, we’re helping you build the right foundation.
We’ve built out a dedicated drone insurance team here, led by our in-house drone specialist, Lisa, and supported by the quoting power of iFlyQuote, our proprietary aviation software.
When you reach out to us, we’re not just submitting your info to carriers.
We are:
- Reviewing your operation for missing approvals
- Helping you navigate the FAA waiver process
- Flagging exposures that could block your quote
- And most importantly, educating you on what’s required to fly and grow safely
Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
If you’re thinking about commercial drone insurance, here’s the best advice we can give:
Start early. Ask questions. And get your waivers in order.
Because once a job is on the line or a contract demands insurance, it is already too late to scramble for FAA approvals.
The good news? We’ve helped hundreds of drone operators do this the right way, and we’re happy to walk you through it, step-by-step.
If you’re building a drone business, we want to be part of your team.
Let’s make sure you’re covered, and ready to fly.
Need help getting quote-ready?
📞 Call us at (800) 666-4359
📄 Or get a quote by clicking the button below.
GET A DRONE QUOTE
