Coverage figures are from the providers’ published 2026 documents; always read the actual policy.
Drone insurance isn’t required by the FAA for recreational flyers, but one crash into a car, a roof or a person can cost far more than the drone. Here’s what kinds of cover exist and what beginners should consider. This is general information, not insurance advice.
Two kinds of coverage
| Type | Covers | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Injury to people or damage to other people’s property caused by your drone | Everyone should consider it; clients usually require it for paid work |
| Hull (physical damage) | Damage to or loss of your own drone | Optional; worth it for expensive drones |
Manufacturer accidental-damage plans are a third option for repairing or replacing your own drone; they’re not liability insurance.
Options for recreational flyers
AMA membership
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) includes insurance with membership. According to AMA’s 2026 summary, full membership includes $2.5 million per-occurrence liability coverage for recreational model aircraft including drones flown under the AMA Safety Code, plus $25,000 accident/medical and $1,000 fire, theft and vandalism coverage. The liability cover is “excess” to other insurance like homeowners and excludes business use (AMA insurance summary). AMA lists full membership at $89 a year for ages 19–64 and $79 for 65+, and a $52 Park Pilot membership with $500,000 liability for aircraft up to 2 lb (AMA membership options).
Homeowners or renters insurance
Some policies cover liability from hobby drones; others exclude aircraft. Ask your agent in writing.
Options for Part 107 (commercial) pilots
Paid work isn’t covered by recreational policies. Commercial drone policies typically offer liability limits from $500,000 to $2 million per occurrence, with optional hull cover. For example, the AMA Commercial Drone Program offers $500,000, $1 million or $2 million liability and hull cover up to $20,000 (AMA commercial program overview). Specialist drone insurers also sell annual and on-demand (hourly or daily) policies.
What to check in any policy
- Per-occurrence liability limit (many clients ask for $1 million)
- Whether it covers recreational use, commercial use, or both
- Exclusions: night flights, flights over people, waivers, flying abroad
- Whether cameras and payloads are covered under hull
- Deductibles and whether cover is “excess” to other policies
- Invasion-of-privacy (personal injury) cover for commercial work
- Whether you can add a client as “additional insured” and get a certificate quickly
Insurance doesn’t replace the rules
Follow FAA rules and your policy’s conditions. A policy may not pay out if you were flying illegally. See Drone Rules, Part 107 and starting a drone business.
