No one sets out to make an insurance claim, but accidents do happen. While drone insurance is there to protect you when something goes wrong, it’s always better to avoid the hassle and downtime that inevitably comes with making a claim (no matter how quickly it is processed).
Here are some easy, practical ways to reduce the risk of needing to use your policy.
- Stick to Pre-Flight Checks
Simple, routine checks make a big difference. Loose propellers, firmware issues, or calibration errors can lead to accidents. A pre-flight checklist helps keep every flight safe.
- Know Your Airspace
As a drone operator, you’re responsible for knowing where you can and can’t fly.
Misjudging airspace is a common cause of incident. Make sure you’re flying legally, especially near airports, crowds, or restricted areas.
A key resource for this is the Coverdrone FlySafe app, a completely free app designed to help customers plan and conduct their drone flights quickly and safely.
- Avoid Risky Weather
High wind, low visibility and rain all increase the chance of equipment failure or crash. Insurance may not cover flying in unsafe conditions, so it’s worth waiting for better weather. If your drone is damaged in poor conditions and the weather was a contributing factor, your claim could be challenged.
Check local forecasts, use wind mapping apps, and avoid pushing your drone’s capabilities. The FlySafe app also provides information on environmental conditions.
- Store and Transport Equipment Safely
Many damage claims happen off-site, during transport or storage. Use protective cases and keep batteries stored correctly. You’ll reduce the chance of accidental loss or damage between flights.
Coverdrone policies cover damage on the ground and in transit as well as in the air, but prevention is always the best policy. Secure storage is particularly important when travelling or working in busy locations.
- Keep Your Cover in Line with Your Flights
Flying abroad? Trying out a new drone? Adding accessories? Make sure your policy reflects what you’re doing and what you’re using. This avoids complications if a claim ever arises.
If you’re not sure whether your plans require an update to your cover, it’s always best to check. Coverdrone’s customer support team can help you assess whether your policy needs adjusting.
You can also reduce risk by staying current with training and manufacturer updates. Some drone models require firmware updates that address known safety issues – keeping your system updated means a lower risk of malfunction mid-flight.
Similarly, staying in practice with manual flight skills can help in unexpected scenarios like GPS loss or signal interference. We recommend checking your drone manufacturer’s website for any updates you might need.
Fly Smart, Stay Protected
Reducing risk doesn’t mean flying less; it just means flying smarter. And when things do go wrong, having the right insurance in place helps get you back in the air quickly. Taking a little time to prevent a claim today can save you a lot of time, stress, and cost tomorrow.
Want to make sure you’re properly covered? With Coverdrone, you get flexible policies, instant documentation, and support when it matters most. In 2024, our award-winning in-house claims team paid out on over 95% of all claims submitted, so you can fly with peace of mind.
