Why do You Need Drone Insurance Coverage in Australia and What is the Cost?

In Australia, it’s required by law that if you own an airplane or helicopter you must have liability insurance that will cover any injury sustained by your passengers and any damage caused by your aircraft in the event of the crash. When it comes to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, though, you don’t need insurance at all – at least according to the law. However, getting drone insurance is an incredibly smart decision for any operator who wants to protect themselves and their equipment. Since drones can cost upwards of $15k and cause serious damage if they fail, the low price of drone insurance is definitely one that is worth paying.

What do the Laws Cover?

If you are using a drone for commercial purposes, you must be licensed and certified by the government to operate that drone to avoid getting fined. Commercial purposes are defined as those in which you are using the drone for financial gain, whether that means filming a car commercial or surveying a construction site. If you’re using the drone for recreational purposes, you don’t need a license, but there are a few strict rules that you do need to follow:

• Keep the drone below an elevation of 400ft
• Don’t use the drone within 30m of any pedestrians
• Don’t use the drone within 5km of an airport
• Don’t fly over any crowds
• Keep the drone in sight at all times during operation.

Breaking any of these rules can result in a pretty hefty fine, so it’s best to be diligent about following them when operating your drone.

Why Get Drone Insurance?

In the event of an accident, such as your drone losing power and plummeting 400ft down to earth, a lot of damage and serious injuries can be caused as a result. Since you own the drone, fixing the accident is your responsibility, and that won’t be cheap, especially compared with the low drone insurance cost. The insurance will cover the damage for you and pay all of the bills, including all the repairs that need to be done to get your drone flying once more.

Types of Drone Insurance Coverage

As with most types of vehicle insurance, you’re able to purchase different levels of coverage. Public liability insurance will pay for any damage done to property or individuals as a result of a drone accident, while comprehensive coverage will pay the cost of any damage sustained by your drone. There are different premiums offered by different companies, so definitely shop around and get a few quotes before settling on a policy. If you’re in Australia, Avcover is your go-to insurance company for all your aircraft and drone needs.

Working with Avcover

We are a locally owned and operated company that provides valuable coverage to all our clients at a fair cost. We work hard to ensure that we’re always offering the best insurance schemes on the market, and with many different pricing and coverage levels, we have something for everyone. Don’t let your drone cause you any financial or legal problems – get a free quote from Avcover today!