According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), over one million drones were sold this holiday season.1 That’s a lot of drones.

Several of my colleagues have blogged about the use of drones by certain insurance companies in the adjustment of property claims. Only time will tell if drone use will be common place in the insurance industry.

Well, what should consumers know about drones when it comes to their own insurance? If you own a drone, it would be a good idea to find out because as we all know, accidents can and will happen.

The California Department of Insurance offers these tips about drones and insurance implications:

  1. Using a private drone as a hobby is generally covered under a homeowner or renter insurance policy, which typically covers radio-controlled model aircraft, but review the contents section of your policy, or talk to your agent to see if your drone is covered if it is lost, stolen or damaged.
  2. If your drone falls onto your car, damage to your car may be covered if you have a comprehensive coverage auto policy.
  3. If your drone crashes into someone else’s vehicle or injures someone, you are responsible for the accident. Your homeowner or renter insurance will likely cover liability for an accident caused by your drone, but first check with your agent or insurer to verify your policy contains this important coverage.2

I want to thank everyone for reading our blog this past year. As 2015 draws to a close, it will be interesting to see what insurance developments lay ahead in the upcoming year. We will be here to share them with you.

1 “Drones top holiday wish lists and bring pilot responsibility,” California Dept. of Insurance Press Release 12/26/15.
2 Id.