Drone Insurance
In recent years, we have witnessed a surge in the use of drones by wedding photographers as well as in the production of films. However, as the usage of drones becomes more prevalent, the risk of accidents that can cause loss or damage to the drone or third party also increases. Hence, keeping such unforeseen accidents in mind, several insurance providers have started offering Drone Insurance in India.
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What is Drone Insurance in India?
Drone operator insurance in India is a comprehensive insurance policy that covers the loss, damage, or theft of a drone. The coverage includes the drone’s camera, payload, and other related equipment. The insurance policy also covers third-party liabilities arising out of any damage caused by the drone.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initially offered coverage to drones within the Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and in the daytime. However, the recent guidelines now include coverage beyond VLOS.
Public authorities have used drones for health surveillance activities in Covid-affected areas to ensure social distancing. Hence, under the Indian drone regulations imposed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Directorate General of Civil Aviation, insurance companies can sell comprehensive drone insurance to any drone operator using it commercially. An operator can opt for hull and liability coverage as well.
Drone Operator Insurance Coverage in India
Here are the drone liability insurance coverage provided in India by the insurers:
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Accidental Damage
The insurer will provide coverage if the body of the drone gets damaged in an accident. -
Third-Party Damage
The insurer will provide coverage against any damage caused to the third-party property. -
Third-Party Bodily Injury:
The insurer will provide coverage to the insured against bodily injury or death to the third person. -
All India Coverage
Under personal drone insurance insured can operate the drone within the permissible flying zone in India. -
Hull Cover
The insured can get coverage in case of loss, damage or theft of the drone as well as if it disappears due to any fault in the drone within the scope of the policy. -
Payload Cover
The insured will get coverage for any accidental damage to equipment or the payload arising from the damage caused to the drone during the operation. The payload can be the fertilizer that is being sprayed by drones. -
Equipment Cover
The insured will get coverage for spare parts motor/engine or any other equipment damaged during the operation of the drone. -
Personal Accident Cover
The insured will get coverage for any physical injury sustained by the operator while operating the drone.
Drone Insurance in India: Add-ons
Here are the add-ons provided under the commercial Drone Insurance Policy in India:
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
This add-on provides coverage for conducting drone operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight.
RPTO/Training Cover
This add-on provides cover for DGCA-certified training drones.
Night Flying
This add-on provides cover for flying the drone at night.
Drone Insurance: Claim Process
Here are the steps that the insured will have to take to raise the claim under Drone flying insurance policy:
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Inform the insurer
Inform the insurer as soon as the accident or damage takes place.
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Claim Intimation Within 24 Hours
Make sure to inform the insurer within 24 hours of the incident.
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Surveyor Appointed
The insurer will appoint a surveyor to inspect how much damage has been caused by the drone.
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Claim Settlement
The insurer will begin the process of claim settlement after the survey report is submitted by the surveyor.
Documents Required to Raise Claim under Drone Insurance
Here is a list of documents required to raise a claim under Drone operator insurance:
01
Claim form02
Images of the damaged drone03
Pilot/Flying Logs Book04
Invoices05
FIR (If any)06
Any other document as per the requirement of the insurerInsurers Offering Drone Insurance
Here are the following insurance companies that have started offering Aerial Drone Insurance Policies:
Tata AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd.
SBI General Insurance
New India Assurance
National Insurance
Bajaj Allianz General
Documents Required to Purchase Drone Insurance
Here is a list of documents required to purchase a drone accident insurance policy in India:
Indian Drone Regulations
As per Rule 44 of Drone Rules, 2021, it is mandatory for all drone owners that weigh more than 250g must have third-party insurance. Provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, apply to the third-party insurance of Drones and compensation in case of any damage caused to the third-party property or life.
Drone Insurance in India: FAQs
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Que 1: Why do I need drone insurance in India?
Ans: Drone insurance is mandatory in India, as per the guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It is important to have insurance coverage in case of any damage or loss caused by the drone while flying. -
Que 2: How much does drone insurance cost in India?
Ans: The cost of drone insurance in India depends on various factors such as the type of drone, its usage, coverage amount, and duration of coverage. The premium for drone insurance can range from a few thousand to several lakh rupees. -
Que 3: Do I need to buy drone insurance every time I fly my drone?
Ans: No, you do not need to buy insurance every time you fly your drone. You can buy insurance for a specified period of time, such as a year, and renew it as needed. -
Que 4: Can I fly my drone without insurance in India?
Ans: No, it is illegal to fly a drone in India without insurance. Drone insurance is mandatory as per the DGCA guidelines. -
Que 5: What documents do I need to buy drone insurance in India?
Ans: To buy drone insurance in India, you typically need to provide documents such as the registration certificate of the drone, the pilot's license, and a copy of the operator's manual. Some insurance companies may require additional documents, depending on their specific requirements. -
Que 6: How do I choose the right drone insurance policy in India?
Ans: When choosing a drone insurance policy in India, it is important to consider factors such as the coverage amount, premium, policy duration, and any additional benefits offered by the insurance company. It is also important to compare policies from different insurance providers to find the best fit for your needs.
