As commercial drone operations continue to diversify across agriculture, land management, logistics, engineering, inspection, and more, drones are taking on more specialist roles. Operators need protection that reflects these changing requirements.
From 1 January 2026, Coverdrone commercial policyholders will be able to add two new options to their policies: Chemical Liability and Cargo Liability. Both have been designed to support safe, compliant flying in sectors where operators are working with more complex tasks, materials and delivery expectations.
Why These New Commercial Insurance Options Matter
Drones are increasingly being used to:
- Apply agricultural chemicals with precision
- Manage large estates, forestry zones or remote land
- Transport equipment to confined, elevated or difficult locations
- Provide fast, point-to-point deliveries for industrial or technical teams
- Support logistics workflows for medical, engineering and infrastructure work
These operations all have distinct exposures and risks, and Coverdrone’s new Chemical Liability and Cargo Liability options will give operators access to tailored protection aligned with these growing specialist uses.
Chemical Liability Insurance for Drones
Drone chemical liability insurance provides protection for Bodily Injury and Property Damage to third parties, including livestock and crops, caused by chemical movement beyond the intended spraying area during aerial application.
This applies when an insured drone/UAV intentionally sprays or spreads:
- Fertilisers
- Fungicides
- Herbicides
- Insecticides
- Defoliants
- Seed
Operators must follow all statutory and regulatory requirements relating to chemical use and aerial spraying, so compliant flying is still the number one priority as with all Coverdrone policies.
Practical Examples
Agricultural Spraying
A drone applies fertiliser to a defined field. A brief wind change carries spray across the boundary onto neighbouring crops. Chemical Liability provides protection for resulting third-party damage to the neighbouring land.
Estate and Land Treatment
A drone applies herbicide along a steep embankment. Some drift moves downslope onto adjacent pasture. This option provides protection for third-party property, including crops and livestock.
Cargo Liability Insurance for Drones
Drone cargo liability insurance provides protection for cargo in the operator’s care, custody or control while being transported by drone/UAV or stored on the ground during the delivery process.
This applies from acceptance of the item through to final delivery or handover to a successive carrier.
Exclusions include perishables, livestock, money, jewellery, precious materials, and consequential loss.
Practical Examples
Engineering Parts Delivery
A drone transports metal fittings to a maintenance crew at a remote facility. A hard landing damages the components. Cargo Liability provides protection for the items being carried by the drone while in the operator’s possession.
Medical Equipment Transfer
A drone carries non-perishable diagnostic equipment between clinics. The item is damaged during loading. Cargo Liability provides protection for the damage.
Expert Insight on a Rapidly Changing Drone Sector
Andrew Heath, Director at Coverdrone, said:
“Drone operations continue to expand into new specialist areas, and insurance must keep pace with that progress. These new options provide the reassurance operators need when working with agricultural chemicals or transporting cargo by air. Our focus is to support safe, legal and responsible flying across the industry, and strengthening our cover in line with real operational demand is an important part of that.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can add Chemical Liability or Cargo Liability to their policy?
Any commercial operator with a Coverdrone commercial policy can add these options from 1 January 2026.
Can these options be added mid-term?
Yes. They can be added at renewal or mid-term.
Does Chemical Liability cover intentional spraying?
Yes. Cover applies when chemicals or seed are intentionally sprayed or spread from an insured UAV, provided all statutory and regulatory requirements are followed.
What kinds of cargo are covered?
Cargo Liability covers non-perishable, non-hazardous goods that are not otherwise excluded. Items such as tools, components, equipment and non-perishable medical devices are typical examples.
When does Cargo Liability begin and end?
Cover applies from the moment the operator accepts the cargo until delivery at the final destination or handover to a successive carrier.
Are there sector limitations?
No. Operators across agriculture, land management, engineering, logistics, surveying, inspection and more can add these options.
