Drone Insurance UK: When You Need It and What to Check

According to the CAA, insurance is optional if you fly for recreation or sport. If you fly commercially, you must have third-party insurance.

When you register for an Operator ID, the CAA asks for details of any insurance you are required to have. For hobby flying you have nothing to enter.

A drone that falls on a person, a car or a building can cause damage you are liable for. Third-party liability cover pays such claims, and it costs far less than a serious claim would.

Check first whether you are already covered. Membership of the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) includes liability cover for recreational flying of up to £25 million. It is worldwide, except in the USA. Home insurance policies differ on drones, so read the terms or ask your insurer before you rely on it.

• Liability cover: how much the policy pays if you injure someone or damage property.
• Damage to the drone: whether crashes, water damage and theft are covered, or only liability.
• Use: whether it covers recreational flying, commercial work or both.
• Where it applies: whether you are covered when you fly abroad.
• Who is covered: whether other pilots, such as family members, may fly your drone under the policy.
• Duration: an annual policy or cover for single days or jobs.

Commercial pilots must have third-party insurance that meets the legal requirements for the work they do. The BMFA offers cover for commercial flights in the Open Category that it describes as compliant with Regulation (EC) 785/2004, and specialist drone insurers offer policies for commercial work.

If you fly near people with the A2 Certificate of Competency, or under an Operational Authorisation, check that the policy covers that type of flying.

• Where you can fly (insurance) (checked 30 October 2026)
• Get an Operator ID (checked 30 October 2026)
• BMFA insurance (checked 30 October 2026)