The CAA’s new Drone Code came into effect on 1st January 2026, and many operators are now reviewing what these changes mean for their insurance.
As far as insurance is concerned, Coverdrone’s position is clear and unchanged:
Your insurance remains valid as long as your drone flights comply with the aviation laws of the country in which you are flying. Regulation shapes how, where, and what you fly. Insurance protects you when something goes wrong during a legal flight. Both of these work together, which is why checking the regulatory requirements for your area is essential before every flight.
To keep your cover accurate, we encourage all customers to review their Policy Schedule and other details within their Coverdrone online account. You can download this at any time. It is the best and quickest way to confirm that the information on file reflects the type of flying you do today.
If your flying changes – for example, you add a new drone, begin commercial work, or fly in a different category – update your policy so that your cover matches your activities. This ensures your protection stays aligned with your real-world use all year round.
How Regulation and Insurance Work Together
Drone regulations set the rules around where and how drones may be operated, including operational categories, proximity to people or property, and airspace access. These requirements are set by national aviation authorities and may be updated over time.
Insurance does not replace regulatory compliance. It applies when an insured incident occurs during a legal operation.
For this reason, operators should always check the latest regulatory guidance before flying. For UK operators, the most reliable source of current information is the Civil Aviation Authority website. When flying abroad, operators must follow the rules of the relevant aviation authority in that country.
Another useful thing to consider is joining an association such as Unmanned Support, as they provide specific support and resources for understanding drone regulations in the UK.
Keeping Your Cover Accurate
While regulations may change, your responsibility as an operator remains the same: ensure your flying is legal and that your insurance accurately reflects how you use your drone.
We recommend reviewing your Coverdrone online account regularly and downloading your Policy Schedule. This document confirms:
- The type of flying you are insured for
- The aircraft listed on your policy
- Territorial limits
- The policy dates and limits of cover
If your drone use changes at any point, such as adding a new drone or undertaking commercial work, your policy should be updated to reflect this.
Keeping your Policy Schedule accurate helps ensure your cover responds as expected.
If you need any help with this, please contact our support team and they will be happy to help. They can be contacted via phone, email, or by clicking the live chat button at the bottom of your screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the January 2026 regulation change affect my Coverdrone insurance?
Your insurance remains in place as long as your flight is legal and compliant with local aviation rules. Coverdrone policies are designed to respond to incidents that occur during lawful flights.
Do I need a new policy, endorsement, or update because of the new rules?
Not automatically. Review your Policy Schedule to ensure the details match your drone use. If your flying activities have changed, update your policy in your online account. If you require any help with this, you can always reach out to our Support Team who will be happy to help.
Will my insurance cover me if I accidentally breach a regulation?
No. Coverdrone policies provide protection for legal flights only. If you fly outside the rules set by the relevant aviation authority, your cover may not respond.
If I change my flying activity, do I need to update my policy?
Yes. Any change in the type of flying you do, such as adding new aircraft or undertaking new activities should be reflected in your Policy Schedule.
Does Coverdrone provide regulatory guidance?
Coverdrone cannot provide formal regulatory advice. For authoritative information, check the latest guidance from the aviation authority in the country where you are flying For the UK, you need to check with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Your policy remains valid when you follow those rules.
How can I check if my policy is still appropriate?
Log into your Coverdrone account and download your Policy Schedule. Confirm that the aircraft, use type, territories, and dates align with your current operations.
What if I am flying abroad after 1 January 2026?
Comply with the aviation rules of the country you are visiting. Your Coverdrone policy remains valid for legal and compliant flights, subject to the terms shown in your Policy Documents.
Where can I get help if I am unsure?
Our support team is available to answer insurance-related questions and guide you on how to update your account details. For regulatory information, we recommend that you refer to the aviation authority’s official website. For UK flights, this is the CAA.
