With the huge increase in the popularity of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in recent years it didn’t take long for problems to arise with the widespread use of drones. A December 2015 announcement from the Federal Aviation Authority decrees that all drones weighing between 0.55 and 55.0 pounds must be registered and a “nominal” fee of $5 will apply.
Quite apart from the necessity to register your drone, there are the security issues of where you can and can’t fly a drone and, most importantly, the question of insurance. It’s one thing if your beloved drone is lost or damaged but there is the more serious matter of insurance coverage from https://illinois-insurance.website/illinois-home-insurance-quotes/ should your drone cause an accident or injury.
Covered or Not
The chances are that your drone is covered for damage or loss under your existing household insurance policy. While cargo and people carrying aircraft would definitely not be included in a household policy, hobby and model aircraft don’t fall into this category. It is a simple matter of checking the contents cover sections, or contacting your insurance company, to clarify if your drone is covered for damage, loss or theft.
Bigger Issues
That’s the simple part of drone insurance but, on a more serious note, what if an out of control drone causes a car to crash or injures a bystander. Will your household insurance policy cover these eventualities? This is something that should be checked with your insurance provider but the answer is most likely a resounding NO!
Illinois homeowners insurance with drones covered for all possible outcomes doesn’t exist as yet and won’t until the FAA clarifies the position with regard to drone usage. Drones are, as yet, illegal for commercial purposes, with some notable exemptions, and until fully legalized the insurance companies must hold off with specific policies and additional clauses covering the use of drones.
REF: https://illinois-insurance.website/home-insurance/illinois-homeowners-insurance-with-drones/
Separate Cover
For minor accidents, personal injury coverage in your insurance policy may cover you or the injured party but for more serious injuries you are strongly advised to take out a separate insurance policy which is specifically tailored to your requirements. Another, more expensive option, would be to insure your drone for individual liability coverage.
New Era, New Problem
Unmanned Aircraft Systems are still a relatively new phenomenon in the United States and it will take time for the legal complications to be nailed down. Replacing your drone can be expensive and it is a good idea to have it insured to at least some extent. If it is not covered in the existing policy it may be worth asking your insurance provider if they can provide Illinois homeowners insurance with drones covered but it may take some time before the insurance companies catch up with today’s technology.