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drone insurance india

Drone Insurance

In recent years, wedding photographers and filmmakers have increasingly used drones. However, as drone usage grows, the risk of accidents that could damage the drone or harm third parties also rises. To address these potential risks, several insurance providers in India have started offering Drone Insurance.

What does Drone Insurance cover in India?

Drone operator insurance in India provides comprehensive coverage for the loss, damage, or theft of a drone. It also covers the drone’s camera, payload, and other related equipment. Additionally, the policy protects against third-party liabilities arising from any damage caused by the drone.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initially provided coverage for drones operating within the Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and during the daytime. However, the recent guidelines now extend the coverage to include operations beyond VLOS.

Public authorities have utilized drones for health surveillance in Covid-affected areas to enforce social distancing. As a result, under the Indian drone regulations set by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, insurance companies can offer comprehensive drone insurance to any commercial drone operator. Operators can also choose hull and liability coverage.

Drone Operator Insurance Coverage in India?

Here are the drone liability insurance coverages that insurers provide in India:

  1. Personal Accident Cover: The insurance will cover any physical injury the operator sustains while operating the drone.
  2. Equipment Cover: The insurance will cover damage to spare parts, the motor/engine, or any other equipment during drone operation.
  3. Payload Cover: The insurance will cover accidental damage to equipment or payload resulting from drone damage during operation. The payload may include fertilizers sprayed by drones.
  4. Hull Cover: The insurance covers the loss, damage, or theft of the drone, as well as its disappearance due to any fault within the policy’s scope.
  5. All India Coverage: Personal drone insurance allows the insured to operate the drone within India’s permissible flying zone.
  6. Third-Party Bodily Injury: The insurance will cover the insured against bodily injury or death of a third party.
  7. Third-Party Damage: The insurance will cover the insured against bodily injury or death of a third party.
  8. Accidental Damage: The insurance will cover damage to the drone’s body if it is involved in an accident.

Add-ons for Drone Insurance in India

Here are the add-ons available under India’s commercial Drone Insurance Policy:

  1. Beyond Visual Line of Sight: This add-on covers drone operations conducted beyond the Visual Line of Sight.
  2. RPTO/Training Cover: This add-on covers training drones certified by the DGCA.
  3. Night Flying: This add-on covers drone operations conducted at night.

Required Documents to File a Drone Insurance Claim

Here is a list of documents required to file a claim under Drone Operator Insurance:

  • Any other document as per the requirement of the insurer
  • Images of the damaged drone
  • Pilot/Flying Logs Book
  • Invoices
  • Claim form
  • FIR (If any)

Required Documents to Buy Drone Insurance

Here is a list of documents required to buy a drone accident insurance policy in India:

  1. Drone Registration: DGCA registration with a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
  2. Invoice: A purchase invoice for the drone is required.
  3. Purchased after 2019: You must purchase the drone on or after the year 2019.
  4. Drone Serial Number: You must provide the drone’s marked Unique Serial Number.
  5. Images of Drone: You must submit the latest images of the drone.

Indian Drone Regulations

As per Rule 44 of the Drone Rules, 2021, all drone owners must have third-party insurance for drones weighing more than 250g. The provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 apply to third-party drone insurance and compensation for any damage caused to third-party property or life.