Drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - UAV - Insurance
Broker Directory Article
Drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Insurance in South Africa
Drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Remotely-Piloted Aircraft (RPA), have become a common phenomenon for the military, meteorologists as well as hobbyists, with the latter category quickly seeing these toys become incorporated into the lifestyles of many South Africans
Drone/UAV Insurance - Taking photos/video, have invasion of privacy concerns |
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Drone or UAV Insurance - Know & understand policy terms & conditions |
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See News on Drones (Also known as UAVs or RPA): |
2018: • Insurers to drive change through Drones (September 20, 2018) • The Rise of Drones - Managing the Risks (Feb 20, 2018) 2017: • New Drone Insurance Product Launched (April 06, 2017) |
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Drone hobbyists & enthusiasts should familiarise themselves with the regulations as well as liabilities, for operating drones in South Africa – especially now that South African Civil Aviation Authority has fine-tuned the regulations governing the use of Remotely-Piloted Aircraft (RPA)Although drones (unmanned aircraft) are still relatively new in South Africa, the commercial applications for drones in United States have shown astronomical growth.Drone prices can vary from as little as R1,000-00 for a “toy” version, up to as high as R100,000-00 plus for the high-end drones - meaning that owners could suffer substantial financial losses, if something goes wrong. If the drone is used as a hobby only, then far less restrictions, licensing and liabilities may apply. In this instance, most local insurers may offer cover for the drone under the Household Contents insurance section for suitable drone hobby users. However, some restrictions, exclusions and liability limitations may apply. Ask your broker to assist you in better understanding your policy wording and conditions - also with regards to insurance cover for liabilities & risk factors involved when flying a drone (eg. collision with 3rd party property, collision with a person causing injury or death and the collision with airborne objects). Removing the drone from the physical address stated on your policy, may also require extra cover considerations. |
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Operating your drone as a Hobby? | |
The following rules may apply as a guideline prescribed by the South African Civil Aviation Authorities (SACAA or CAA). This applies to all Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA’s): | |
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Operating your drone in a Commercial or Business Capacity? |
If you are going to use your drone in a business or commercial enterprise, then a whole new set of rules and circumstances may apply. If used in this manner, the drone must be registered and you must become a qualified drone pilot – to name just a few requirements. |
The Remote Pilot’s License (RPL), entails the following as a guideline:
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Operations of commercial drones, are governed by the South African Civil Aviation authorities (SACAA or CAA) and all RPL’s are bound to such rules and regulations. To qualify for commercial applications of the drone, you may also be required to obtain your Air Service License (ASL), as well as your Remote Officers Certificate (ROC) from the SACAA. There are a few leading insurers doing Drone (or UAV) Insurance in South Africa. This is a specialist insurance area and one should consider all the options available. These options may be confusing... In fact, the smartest thing you can do is -- Get a specialist broker to do it for you! |
Also note the important considerations with Drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Insurance, when fully licensed for Commercial or Business applications: |
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Drone/UAV Insurance - Are you a qualified drone pilot? |
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