DOES YOUR POLICY COVER DRONE INSURANCE?
Drone coverage is not always clear. I asked four insurers whether their standard homeowners and renters policy would cover damage caused by a drone to people or property, and damage to the drone itself. Here are their responses, all emailed.
USAA: “In the unlikely event of a device crash, property damage or physical injury will be covered under the liability portion of our homeowners and renters insurance policies, subject to policy exclusions. In reference to damage to the drone itself, named peril coverage, which includes things such as fire, theft, water damage, wind damage, etc., would apply to the drone, however damage from a crash is not a named peril so in that situation the drone would not be covered.”
CSAA Insurance Group:
“Drones are considered personal property under our standard homeowners and renters insurance policies, subject to the same conditions and exclusions.”
The drone itself “would typically be covered if stolen but not if lost. If it crashed into something it would likely not be covered, but likely would be if something else crashed into it.”
Liability coverage “would usually extend to drones unless the damage was deliberate. We do not cover commer- cial use of a drone.”
State Farm: “There is no coverage for damage to the drone (itself ) due to a crash. Personal property coverage under a homeowners policy is most often provided for damage from certain causes of loss, or perils, named in the policy. A drone that is used personally and recreationally may be covered against those named perils, but damage due to crashing is not one of the named perils.”
Regarding damage caused by the drone, “The facts of the loss and the results of our investigation are critical in assessing whether or not liability coverage applies. If you are operating a drone and it accidentally injures someone, your homeowners policy may provide coverage under the liability section of your policy. However, it depends on several factors, including the circumstances of the claim and whether the drone is classified as an aircraft. Liability for bodily injury or property damage may be excluded when caused by aircraft. The classification of the drone may depend on the state law where the incident occurred, not on the perception of the owner or operator of the drone.”
Farmers Insurance: Would say only: “As the exposure to various risks evolves over time, it is not unusual for policies to similarly be modified over time to more clearly address new risk exposures. As such, there are homeowners and rental insurance policies available to consumers that may address risks associated with drones differently. Understanding that individual policies may vary, it is important for consumers to also recognize that every insurance claim is unique and evaluated individually. Thus, there may indeed be coverage available for damages caused by or to a drone, depending on the circumstances and insurance policy in force at the time of loss. Consumers are encouraged to review their coverage needs and options with their local agent.”