USA Do I need Insurance?

[rmb]

I am a 107 pilot that has been insured in the past with an aviation policy underwritten by Global Aviation (a very reputable firm)
It is a good policy and I always fly with confidence.

I am a professional videographer and being able to put one of my 2 drones up for certain shots is very important to many of my projects and clients. That said I only need to do this 10 -12 times a year if that.
The insurance costs just shy of $600 per drone per year. Depending on the shot sometimes the I2 is the right tool for the job and sometimes the Mavic pro 2 is best. So to be ready for anything I need to insure both which is now close to $1,200 per year. Now that Verifly covers my home state of NY and is approx $10 per flight this seems to be the best option for me.

Here is my question:
What about recreational and practice flights? As a 107 is it assumed that I am always flying professionally ie. need to be commercially insured for every flight? Cause if not, I have an umbrella on my homeowner's policy that should cover non-commercial flights.

 

[The Editor]

I am a 107 pilot that has been insured in the past with an aviation policy underwritten by Global Aviation (a very reputable firm)
It is a good policy and I always fly with confidence.

I am a professional videographer and being able to put one of my 2 drones up for certain shots is very important to many of my projects and clients. That said I only need to do this 10 -12 times a year if that.
The insurance costs just shy of $600 per drone per year. Depending on the shot sometimes the I2 is the right tool for the job and sometimes the Mavic pro 2 is best. So to be ready for anything I need to insure both which is now close to $1,200 per year. Now that Verifly covers my home state of NY and is approx $10 per flight this seems to be the best option for me.

Here is my question:
What about recreational and practice flights? As a 107 is it assumed that I am always flying professionally ie. need to be commercially insured for every flight? Cause if not, I have an umbrella on my homeowner's policy that should cover non-commercial flights.

I never understand this.
UAV policies are a license to print money for many insurers.
You should ask your current insurer on the basis that you only have one UAV in the air at any one time, why are they charging you double the premium?
The risk is (assuming you have hull cover) only that they will both be stolen (much lower rating than liability). And the higher rated risk would be when you have ONE aircraft in the air.
To answer your original question, your existing cover should also insure you for any and all recreational/maintenance flights.

 

[rmb]

I never understand this.
UAV policies are a license to print money for many insurers.
You should ask your current insurer on the basis that you only have one UAV in the air at any one time, why are they charging you double the premium?
The risk is (assuming you have hull cover) only that they will both be stolen (much lower rating than liability). And the higher rated risk would be when you have ONE aircraft in the air.
To answer your original question, your existing cover should also insure you for any and all recreational/maintenance flights.

Thanks, Just to be clear.
According to Global aviation it is just like car insurance. You insure per can, not driver.
As for me, I own 2 drones and yes only have one in the air at any given time.
My homeowner's policy has an umbrella that says that I am covered for recreational flights, but I was unsure if being 107 mandated commercial insurance for all flights or conversely if being a commercially registered pilot negated recreational coverage. I guess that I should ask my homeowners insurance underwriter rather than torture you with such questions. I posted this here cause I see much confusion on this subject.
BTW thanks again, I have been a member here for over 3 years and you do a fantastic (probably thankless job)

 

[The Editor]

Thanks, Just to be clear.
According to Global aviation it is just like car insurance. You insure per can, not driver.
As for me, I own 2 drones and yes only have one in the air at any given time.
My homeowner's policy has an umbrella that says that I am covered for recreational flights, but I was unsure if being 107 mandated commercial insurance for all flights or conversely if being a commercially registered pilot negated recreational coverage. I guess that I should ask my homeowners insurance underwriter rather than torture you with such questions. I posted this here cause I see much confusion on this subject.
BTW thanks again, I have been a member here for over 3 years and you do a fantastic (probably thankless job)

Your policy wording will always be your Bible (since that's what will be relied on in court in the event of any dispute).
If your were recreational flying it could always become a 'maintenance' flight for the purposes of any claim. They would never know any different or be able to tell your we're not trying out 'battery performance' or 'testing firmware behavior'

 

[licensed pilot]

Thanks, Just to be clear.
According to Global aviation it is just like car insurance. You insure per can, not driver.
As for me, I own 2 drones and yes only have one in the air at any given time.
My homeowner's policy has an umbrella that says that I am covered for recreational flights, but I was unsure if being 107 mandated commercial insurance for all flights or conversely if being a commercially registered pilot negated recreational coverage. I guess that I should ask my homeowners insurance underwriter rather than torture you with such questions. I posted this here cause I see much confusion on this subject.
BTW thanks again, I have been a member here for over 3 years and you do a fantastic (probably thankless job)

Find a different carrier.

 

[rmb]

Find a different carrier.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Or perhaps just let me know who you are currently happy with.
thx, rb

 

[licensed pilot]

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Or perhaps just let me know who you are currently happy with.
thx, rb

AMA commercial insurance (Starr)

https://quote.amadroneinsurance.com/quote/

 

[rmb]

AMA commercial insurance (Starr)

https://quote.amadroneinsurance.com/quote/

Thanks. Checking them out now

rb

 

[mdcaldwell74]

Talk to an aviation insurance broker/specialist they will be able to guide you through this process and make sure the product you purchase will meet our needs and provide certificates for clients if necessary

 

[Florida Drone Supply]

I am no expert on Insurance but, I think you are on the right track. AMA is great for coverage and I think if you're flying a lot of FPV and such that would be a good thing to have in your pocket for the money. Also if you're in a high-risk area Verfly works. I would also keep your homeowners on line, for nothing else it covers hull damage usually.