If you fly a drone or model aircraft for recreation, sport, or as a hobby, you can choose whether or not to have insurance.
If you fly for any other reason, you must have third party insurance.
For example, you must have insurance if you:
- get paid to take pictures or record video
- get paid to carry out surveys
- provide delivery services
- use your drone for work, such as on a farm, park, or estate
- use a drone in an educational setting, such as a school, college, or university
Although insurance is optional if you only fly for recreation, sport, or as a hobby, remember you’re responsible for your actions. You could be held liable for any injury or damage you cause, so you may want to consider getting third party insurance.
UAS Operators are responsible for ensuring they have appropriate insurance. This is a condition of every Operational Authorisation issued by the CAA.
There's more information in Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace – Policy and Guidance CAP722.
Regulatory requirements are in Assimilated Regulation (EU) 785/2004.
UK legislation that details insurance requirements is set out in Civil Aviation (Insurance) Regulations 2005.
Provide page feedback
Please enter your comments below, or use our usual service contacts if a specific matter requires an answer.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.