Drone Insurance Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: What Every Operator Needs to Know Before Getting a Quote

Drone quote preparation guide

A useful drone insurance submission describes the aircraft, pilots, work and operating authority. Agriculture, light shows, filming and beyond-visual-line-of-sight work can require different information.

Start the conversation early. Tell BWI what you plan to do and which approvals are held or pending, rather than assuming one waiver or certificate fits every operation.

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Why This Matters

An insurer needs an accurate description of the proposed operation and relevant qualifications. Provide approvals and conditions where applicable, and identify anything still pending.

Regulatory approval and insurance acceptance are separate. Neither an application nor a general guide confirms that an operation is authorized or covered.

Information to gather for your drone quote

1. Operator experience and credentials

List the pilots, relevant experience, training and certificates. Provide the aircraft model, maximum operating weight including payload, work area and intended use.

2. Agricultural dispensing

For activities regulated by Part 137, review the FAA’s agricultural UAS process. A certificate and an exemption are different documents. Supply the actual approvals and operating conditions; do not assume all insurers apply one automatic decline rule.

3. Drones weighing 55 pounds or more

Part 107’s small-UAS pathway applies below 55 pounds at takeoff, including attached items. At 55 pounds or more, confirm the applicable authority with the FAA; an exemption is not simply a “44807 waiver.” The agricultural guidance explains that pathway for dispensing operations.

4. Drone light shows

Describe aircraft count, pilot roles, control systems and the proposed operation. Compare the plan with the applicable night and multiple-aircraft rules and any required Part 107 waivers. A light show does not create one universal package of approvals.

5. Operations over people

Weight above 250 grams does not by itself mean a waiver is always required. The FAA’s operations-over-people categories have specific eligibility and operating conditions. Confirm whether the aircraft and operation meet them or require additional authorization.

6. Beyond visual line of sight

Under Part 107, the visual-line-of-sight provision is §107.31; 107.33 addresses visual observers. Confirm the authority needed for your proposed BVLOS activity and provide it to BWI. Do not treat an unrelated waiver as permission for the flight.

Why It’s So Important to Know This Upfront

Send an accurate operation summary and ask which supporting documents are needed. If approvals are pending, say so and discuss the timing with BWI and the relevant authority.

Our team can help with insurance questions and the submission. Current FAA resources and the terms of your actual approvals govern flight authorization; BWI’s insurance review does not replace that process.

Start before a client deadline, compare the offered terms and obtain written binding confirmation before relying on coverage.

Need help getting quote-ready?

Call 800-666-4359 or use the original drone application below. Share the aircraft, pilots and work you want to insure.

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