Flying a drone is an exciting way to capture aerial footage, explore new perspectives, and share your adventures online. But accidents can happen, whether you’re flying for fun or earning a little income from your footage.
While drone insurance isn’t a legal requirement for recreational flying in the UK, it’s still a very good idea. Public liability cover protects you if your drone accidentally injures someone or damages property, and specialist policies can also protect your equipment. For commercial drone pilots, having insurance is a legal requirement.
That’s why understanding your options for drone insurance is essential if you want to fly with confidence.
In this guide, I’ll explore the benefits of drone insurance, provide a comparison of the top UK providers, and highlight different coverage types so you can choose the policy that best fits your flying style.
Key Takeaways: Drone Insurance in the UK
Before I get into the details, here’s a quick roundup of the key takeaway points.
- Not legally required for recreational flying, but strongly recommended for peace of mind.
- Commercial operators must have insurance that is EC 785/2004 compliant.
- Public liability cover protects you if your drone causes injury or property damage.
- Equipment cover is separate — most memberships (FPV UK, BMFA, GADC) don’t insure your drone itself.
- FPV UK is the most affordable at £24.99/year, including Article 16 and £5m liability cover.
- Coverdrone offers full liability + equipment cover, including worldwide options, but at a higher price.
- DJI Care Refresh only covers drone replacement (not liability).
- For occasional commercial work, short-term policies (e.g. 1–7 days from Coverdrone) may be cheaper.
Benefits of Drone Insurance
Drone insurance isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s essential for protecting yourself, your equipment, and others. I don’t fly commercially, but I do still have insurance, and here’s why:
1. Public Liability Protection
Public liability insurance is the most important coverage for any drone pilot. It protects you if your drone accidentally injures someone or damages property. Even recreational pilots in the UK can face legal claims if someone is harmed.
For example, a cyclist was sued for £30,000 after hitting a pedestrian who was looking at their phone, showing that accidents can have serious financial consequences, even when they aren’t entirely your fault.
Flying a drone carries similar risks. No matter how careful you are, equipment failures, bird collisions, or other unforeseen events can lead to accidents. Public liability cover gives you peace of mind, ensuring you’re protected if the unexpected happens. From as little as £24.99 a year, it’s a no-brainer.
2. Product & Equipment Coverage
Some policies cover accidental damage, theft, or loss of your drone. This means that even if your expensive drone crashes or gets stolen, you’re financially protected. In some cases, two policies might be required to cover both equipment and public liability. For example, my FPV UK policy covers many things, but not my equipment. I also have the DJI Refresh plan for both my DJI Air 3S and DJI Mini 4 Pro.
3. Professional Indemnity / Commercial Use Coverage
For pilots flying commercially, such as filming for clients or selling footage, insurance can cover professional liability. Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance covers legal and compensation costs when a client claims a professional error, negligence, or omission in your work caused them financial loss or harm to their reputation.
Imagine you are hired to film an event for a client using your drone. During editing, you accidentally delete some of the footage, or your filming decisions lead to a video that doesn’t meet the client’s brief. If the client claims this caused them financial loss or harmed their reputation, Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance can cover you
4. Peace of Mind When Travelling
Some policies offer coverage abroad, allowing you to fly safely while travelling outside the UK. This ensures you’re protected under different legal frameworks and local regulations. For example, my cover with FPV states that UK residents are covered anywhere in the UK + Channel Islands + Isle of Man + EU + Norway + Switzerland. This is great for me as I rarely travel outside the EU. For those travelling outside the EU, another provider like CoverDrone would be worth considering.
When travelling, it’s also important to protect your gear physically as well as financially. A solid carry case helps prevent damage in transit and makes flying abroad less stressful. If you’re a DJI Mini 4 Pro owner, check out this guide to the must-have accessories for the DJI Mini 4 Pro, which includes recommended cases and other travel essentials.
5. Compliance With UK Law
While not all recreational flights require insurance, commercial drone operators in the UK must comply with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements, including holding liability insurance that is EC Regulation 785/2004 compliant. Having this insurance ensures you meet legal obligations and are properly protected during commercial operations.
It’s important to note: creating YouTube videos or posting content online for ad revenue does not automatically make a flight “commercial” under UK law, but it’s wise to confirm the details with your provider.
UK Drone Insurance Providers: Comparison Chart
With so many options available, it can be tricky to know which drone insurance is right for you. To make things clearer, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the main UK drone insurance providers for recreational and light commercial pilots.
| Provider | Cost (Approx.) | Public Liability Limit | Commercial Turnover Limit | Article 16 Included | Equipment Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverdrone | Dependant on cover required* | £1m – £5m+ (flexible) | Unlimited | ❌ No | ✅ Optional |
| FPV UK | £24.99/year | £5m | £15,000 | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not included |
| GADC (Drone Scene) | £25/year | £5m | £15,000 | ❌ No | ❌ Not included |
| BMFA (British Drone Flyers) | £49/year | £25m | £20,000 | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not included |
| Drone Cover Club (DCC) | £29.95/year | £12m | ❌ No cover | ❌ No | ❌ Not included |
| DJI Care Refresh | Varies by model (£99 for my Air 3S) | N/A (replacement cover only) | N/A | ❌ No | ✅ Covers drone replacement only |
*I requested a quote from Coverdrone for £5 million public liability plus equipment cover for both my DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3S. The quote came to £328.82 per year.
If you want both liability and equipment cover, you have two main options:
- Take out a combined policy (e.g. Coverdrone).
- Or mix and match, using a membership-based liability policy and separate equipment cover.
In my case, I chose the second route:
- FPV UK membership: £24.99/year (includes £5m public liability + Article 16).
- DJI Air 3S equipment cover: £99/year.
- DJI Mini 4 Pro equipment cover: £75/year.
Total: £198.99 per year.
That’s around £130 cheaper than Coverdrone. The trade-off? Coverdrone’s policy includes worldwide cover (not just the EU) and unlimited commercial turnover, so it’s a better fit if you fly internationally or run a high-volume commercial operation.
What is Article 16 and Why Does It Matter?
Article 16 Operational Authorisation is a special permission from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted to recognised model aircraft associations such as FPV UK and BMFA. It allows their members to fly under rules that are more flexible than the standard “Open Category” drone regulations. You can read the full UK drone law here.
Key Privileges Under Article 16
As a member of an authorised association, you may:
- Fly FPV with a spotter, provided the spotter maintains unaided visual line of sight with the drone.
- Operate closer to uninvolved people: For drones weighing over 250 g but under 25 kg, Article 16 allows you to fly as close as 30 m horizontally and directly overhead of uninvolved people, provided you follow the association’s rules and carry out a proper risk assessment.
- Fly in built-up recreational areas such as parks, provided you carry out an appropriate risk assessment. Risk assessment forms should be completed for every flight.
- Benefit from clearer, association-specific rules, which are easier to follow compared to the standard Drone Code.
Important Clarifications
- Not for commercial use: Article 16 applies to recreational, FPV, educational, or sporting flying—not business operations.
- Competency is still required: Pilots must complete the CAA’s DMARES test or the association’s equivalent, and follow the association’s published procedures and safety guidelines.
Which Drone Insurance is Best for You?
Choosing the right drone insurance depends on how you fly, your budget, and whether you need commercial cover. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Coverdrone – Best for Professionals
With flexible cover, unlimited commercial turnover, and tailored policies, Coverdrone is ideal for serious commercial operators who need comprehensive protection. While more expensive, it offers peace of mind for pilots earning a full-time income.
Website: https://www.coverdrone.com/
FPV UK – Best Budget-Friendly Option for Hobbyists & Light Commercial Use
At just £24.99 per year, FPV UK offers excellent value with £5m public liability and commercial use up to £15k turnover. It’s especially popular with FPV and recreational pilots who occasionally earn from their drone. (Consider DJI Refresh alongside for equipment cover).
Website: https://fpvuk.org/
GADC (Drone Scene) – Best for Low-Cost Public Liability Cover
At £25 per year, GADC provides affordable £5m liability protection with limited commercial turnover allowance. It’s great for pilots who mainly want liability cover without extras. (Consider DJI Refresh alongside for equipment cover).
Website: https://greyarro.ws/
Insurance: https://dronescene.co.uk/drone-public-liability-insurance
BMFA (British Drone Flyers) – Best for Highest Liability Cover
Offering a huge £25m public liability limit, BMFA is ideal for pilots flying in groups, clubs, or events where higher liability protection is important. At £49 per year, it’s a strong balance between cost and coverage. (Consider DJI Refresh alongside for equipment cover).
Website: https://britishdroneflyers.org/
Drone Cover Club (DCC) – Best for Flexible Short-Term Cover
Drone Cover Club is ideal for occasional or seasonal pilots thanks to its flexible membership options: 2-day cover (£18.95), 30-day (£21.95), 6-month (£24.95), or annual (£29.95). All plans include £12m public liability protection, with optional European (+£7.95) or worldwide (+£12.95) extensions. However, cover is for recreational use only — there’s no EC 785/2004 commercial cover, no Article 16, and no equipment insurance.
Website: https://www.dronecoverclub.co.uk/
DJI Care Refresh – Best for Drone Replacement Only
DJI Care Refresh is not liability insurance but a product protection plan. It’s useful for those worried about accidental damage to their DJI drone but should be paired with a separate liability policy for full protection.
Website: https://www.dji.com/uk/support/service/djicare-refresh
Here are a few more considerations before buying drone insurance.
Flying Abroad and Insurance Coverage
If you plan to take your drone abroad, it’s essential to check whether your insurance covers you outside the UK. Policies can vary widely; some only provide cover within the UK, while others extend to the EU or even worldwide.
For example, my own insurance covers me across the EU, but not in the USA. If I wanted to fly there, I’d need to arrange additional cover or take out an alternative short-term policy. This is where providers like Coverdrone are useful, as they offer flexible one-week or short-term cover that can be ideal for international trips.
Other things to keep in mind when flying abroad include:
- Local drone laws: Insurance is only useful if you’re flying legally, so always check the regulations of the country you’re visiting.
- Liability requirements: Some countries have specific liability insurance rules you must meet before flying.
- Travel insurance limitations: Standard travel insurance often won’t cover drone-related accidents, so relying on it alone isn’t enough.
In short, if you plan to travel with your drone, make sure your policy covers you in your destination country, or arrange temporary cover to stay protected.
Annual vs Short-Term Drone Insurance
When choosing drone insurance, it’s important to consider how often you fly and whether your flights are recreational or commercial.
- Annual Insurance: This is ideal for pilots who fly frequently, whether for hobby or occasional commercial work. An annual policy provides continuous cover throughout the year, offering peace of mind for both liability and equipment damage without having to worry about arranging cover each time you fly. Providers like FPV UK, BMFA, and GADC offer affordable annual membership-based insurance that includes extra benefits like Article 16 and CAA Operator ID renewals.
- Short-Term Insurance: If you only need coverage for a specific commercial job, many providers, including Coverdrone, offer 1-day, 2-day, or weekly policies. This can be a cost-effective solution for pilots who fly commercially on a project-by-project basis, as it allows you to purchase cover only when it’s needed without committing to a full year. Short-term policies usually include the same liability protections but may not include all the membership benefits of annual plans.
EC Regulation 785/2004 and Commercial Drone Insurance
I fly drones for recreational purposes only, but if you’re thinking about selling your drone services, it’s worth understanding EC Regulation 785/2004. This EU law sets the minimum insurance requirements for all aircraft operators, including drones, and ensures that commercial pilots have adequate third-party liability coverage.
For commercial operations, having 785/2004-compliant insurance:
- Meets CAA legal requirements for liability cover.
- Protects against financial claims if your drone causes injury or property damage.
- Builds professional credibility, as clients may request proof of compliant cover.
Even though this doesn’t apply to recreational flights, it’s important reading if you plan to offer paid drone services.
Choosing between annual and short-term insurance depends on your flying frequency and type of operations. Frequent pilots generally benefit from an annual plan, while occasional commercial operators may find short-term cover more practical and cost-efficient.
Conclusion
Drone insurance isn’t a legal requirement for recreational flying in the UK, but for me it was a simple decision. Accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are. I wanted the reassurance that any damage or injury I might accidentally cause would be covered. That peace of mind is worth far more than the modest annual cost.
I chose FPV UK because it struck the perfect balance for my needs. At just £24.99 per year, it’s the most affordable option I found, yet it still provides plenty of cover for my recreational flying. It also covers me if I decide to take on some light paid work, which is a bonus.
Another huge benefit is that membership includes the Article 16 Authorisation. This gives me more flexibility and confidence when flying my larger drone, the DJI Air 3S. On top of that, FPV UK offers access to some great discounts for members. I recently used their code to take my A2 CofC with Coptrz for just £49 (a £50 saving). They also handle my annual CAA Operator ID renewal at no extra cost beyond the standard £11.49 CAA fee, which is a nice convenience.
For me, the choice was clear: affordable cover, excellent benefits, and the added freedom of Article 16. Even if you only fly recreationally, I think drone insurance is one of the smartest investments you can make as a responsible pilot.
Frequently asked questions — Drone insurance (UK)
Quick answers to the questions people search for most about drone insurance in the UK. Click a question to expand the answer.
Does drone insurance cover DJI drones? (drone insurance dji)
What is commercial drone insurance and do I need it? (commercial drone insurance)
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Is there FPV drone insurance and what does it include? (fpv drone insurance)
Do I need insurance for drones under 250g? (drone insurance under 250g)
What does Coverdrone offer and is it good for travel? (cover drone insurance / drone insurance worldwide)
What is drone liability insurance and what does it cover? (drone liability insurance)
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Can I get drone insurance that covers both liability and equipment? (drone insurance dji / drone insurance worldwide)
Tip: Always read policy documents to confirm geographic limits (UK/EU/worldwide), whether equipment is included, commercial turnover limits, and any exclusions such as flyaways or water damage.