Is Recreational Drone Insurance Required in the UK? 2025 Guide

Do You Need Drone Insurance as a Hobbyist in the UK?

If you’re flying a drone for fun rather than work, it’s natural to wonder whether insurance is something you actually need. While the law doesn’t require hobbyists to hold drone insurance in the UK, there are still many good reasons to consider it, especially when flying in public spaces or attending organised events.

This article breaks down when insurance is required, why it’s definitely worth having, and how Coverdrone supports recreational pilots with affordable, flexible cover.

Are you sure you’re using your drone purely as a hobbyist? If you’re not sure, check out our handy guide.

What Does the Law Say About Recreational Drone Insurance?

In the UK, drone insurance is not a legal requirement for recreational use. That means if you’re flying purely as a hobbyist and not for payment or commercial gain, you are not required to hold a policy under EC Regulation 785/2004.

However, some flying clubs, public parks, and events may ask for proof of public liability insurance before allowing you to fly. It’s also worth considering the potential consequences if something goes wrong, especially if your drone causes injury or damage.

Why Get Insurance If It’s Not Required?

Even the most experienced pilots can make mistakes. If your drone crashes into a car, blows into a tree or building, injures a bystander, or causes damage to property, you could be held personally responsible for the costs. This is likely to get expensive very quickly.

Recreational drone insurance provides public liability cover to protect you in exactly these kinds of scenarios. With Coverdrone, you can also choose to insure your drone and equipment against theft, loss, accidental damage, bird strikes, mechanical failure, and much more. Unlike many other insurers, we also cover flyaways.

Cover Options for Recreational Drone Operators

Coverdrone’s recreational policies are designed to be flexible and straightforward. Depending on your needs, you can choose:

• Public liability insurance (starting from £1 million cover)
• Equipment cover (new-for-old)
• Short-term (starting at 1 day) or annual policies
• Worldwide cover, if you plan to fly abroad

You can start with a daily policy if you’re flying occasionally or choose an annual plan for better value if you fly more regularly. Either way, you’ll get instant access to your insurance documents via our online platform – ideal if you’re asked to show proof before flying.

If your drone use changes, Coverdrone also provides you with instant access to a 24/7 online portal to amend your policy at your own convenience.

Flying Abroad or at Events?

If you’re planning to take your drone on holiday or fly at a festival, event, or club meet-up, having insurance in place is often a condition of entry. With worldwide cover included as an option* on Coverdrone recreational policies, you can fly in most countries with peace of mind.

What Happens If You Fly Without Insurance?

While there are no specific fines for uninsured recreational pilots under UK law, the financial risk can be significant if your drone causes an incident. Liability claims, even from minor accidents, can be hugely expensive.

Some private landowners or local government may also ban uninsured pilots from flying in certain areas. Having a certificate of insurance on hand helps avoid these issues and gives you the confidence to fly responsibly.

Why Choose a Specialist Drone Insurance Provider Like Coverdrone?

Coverdrone is designed specifically for drone users, not adapted from general gadget or hobby insurance. As a specialist, we offer:

• Cover compliant with aviation standards
• Instant policy documents and certificate downloads
• A dedicate support team with drone expertise
• Flexible options for short-term and annual cover

Whether you’re capturing holiday footage, exploring local parks, or just learning to fly, Coverdrone’s recreational insurance gives you the support and protection you need to enjoy your hobby without worry.

Get a Quote in Minutes

It only takes a minute to get a recreational drone insurance quote online. With Coverdrone, you can customise your policy to fit your flying style and get insured quickly so you can focus on flying, not paperwork.