Drone business insurance costs vary based on coverage type, with monthly premiums ranging from $17 for general liability to $106 for professional liability (E&O) coverage. Our research shows general liability is the most affordable option at $201 annually, while professional liability costs $1,273 per year.
Updated: August 21, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Drone business insurance costs range from $17 to $106 monthly, with general liability offering the most affordable rates and professional liability commanding higher premiums.
Your drone insurance premiums depend on location, claims history, property types serviced and employee count.
Shop multiple insurers, bundle policies, increase deductibles and pay annually to find affordable drone business insurance costs.
Average Drone Business Insurance Cost Overall
| BOP | $25 |
| General Liability | $17 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $106 |
| Workers' Comp | $27 |
How did we determine these rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Drone Business Insurance Cost for General Liability Coverage by State
Your drone business general liability coverage costs vary by location. Maine offers the lowest rates at $15 monthly compared to the $17 national average, while New York tops the list at $19 monthly.
| Alabama | $16 |
| Alaska | $15 |
| Arizona | $16 |
| Arkansas | $16 |
| California | $19 |
| Colorado | $17 |
| Connecticut | $18 |
| Delaware | $18 |
| Florida | $18 |
| Georgia | $17 |
| Hawaii | $17 |
| Idaho | $16 |
| Illinois | $18 |
| Indiana | $16 |
| Iowa | $16 |
| Kansas | $16 |
| Kentucky | $16 |
| Louisiana | $19 |
| Maine | $15 |
| Maryland | $16 |
| Massachusetts | $18 |
| Michigan | $16 |
| Minnesota | $16 |
| Mississippi | $17 |
| Missouri | $17 |
| Montana | $17 |
| Nebraska | $16 |
| Nevada | $19 |
| New Hampshire | $17 |
| New Jersey | $19 |
| New Mexico | $17 |
| New York | $19 |
| North Carolina | $15 |
| North Dakota | $15 |
| Ohio | $16 |
| Oklahoma | $16 |
| Oregon | $16 |
| Pennsylvania | $19 |
| Rhode Island | $18 |
| South Carolina | $17 |
| South Dakota | $16 |
| Tennessee | $16 |
| Texas | $17 |
| Utah | $16 |
| Vermont | $16 |
| Virginia | $15 |
| Washington | $19 |
| West Virginia | $18 |
| Wisconsin | $16 |
| Wyoming | $15 |
How did we determine these rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Drone Business Insurance Cost for Workers’ Compensation Coverage by State
Your drone business cost for workers' compensation varies by state. Maine offers the lowest rates at $23 monthly and New York the highest at $31 monthly. Our analysis reveals how state regulations and claim histories create these differences.
| Alabama | $26 |
| Alaska | $25 |
| Arizona | $25 |
| Arkansas | $26 |
| California | $30 |
| Colorado | $26 |
| Connecticut | $29 |
| Delaware | $29 |
| Florida | $29 |
| Georgia | $27 |
| Hawaii | $28 |
| Idaho | $25 |
| Illinois | $29 |
| Indiana | $26 |
| Iowa | $26 |
| Kansas | $26 |
| Kentucky | $25 |
| Louisiana | $31 |
| Maine | $23 |
| Maryland | $26 |
| Massachusetts | $28 |
| Michigan | $26 |
| Minnesota | $25 |
| Mississippi | $27 |
| Missouri | $27 |
| Montana | $26 |
| Nebraska | $26 |
| Nevada | $31 |
| New Hampshire | $27 |
| New Jersey | $31 |
| New Mexico | $27 |
| New York | $31 |
| North Carolina | $23 |
| Oklahoma | $25 |
| Oregon | $25 |
| Pennsylvania | $31 |
| Rhode Island | $29 |
| South Carolina | $28 |
| South Dakota | $25 |
| Tennessee | $26 |
| Texas | $27 |
| Utah | $26 |
| Vermont | $26 |
| Virginia | $24 |
| West Virginia | $28 |
| Wisconsin | $26 |
How did we determine these rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers’ comp policies. Workers' compensation requirements vary by state and are mandated by state regulations. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Drone Business Insurance Cost for Professional Liability Coverage by State
Like other types of coverage, your cost for professional liability varies by state. The national average for E&O insurance is $106 monthly. North Dakota offers the lowest rates at $91 monthly, while Pennsylvania has the highest at $124 monthly.
| Alabama | $103 |
| Alaska | $94 |
| Arizona | $100 |
| Arkansas | $101 |
| California | $120 |
| Colorado | $106 |
| Connecticut | $113 |
| Delaware | $113 |
| Florida | $115 |
| Georgia | $107 |
| Hawaii | $111 |
| Idaho | $101 |
| Illinois | $118 |
| Indiana | $105 |
| Iowa | $99 |
| Kansas | $105 |
| Kentucky | $98 |
| Louisiana | $121 |
| Maine | $92 |
| Maryland | $100 |
| Massachusetts | $113 |
| Michigan | $99 |
| Minnesota | $99 |
| Mississippi | $107 |
| Missouri | $103 |
| Montana | $104 |
| Nebraska | $100 |
| Nevada | $121 |
| New Hampshire | $107 |
| New Jersey | $120 |
| New Mexico | $106 |
| New York | $121 |
| North Carolina | $93 |
| North Dakota | $91 |
| Ohio | $100 |
| Oklahoma | $100 |
| Oregon | $99 |
| Pennsylvania | $124 |
| Rhode Island | $117 |
| South Carolina | $109 |
| South Dakota | $101 |
| Tennessee | $104 |
| Texas | $106 |
| Utah | $102 |
| Vermont | $104 |
| Virginia | $97 |
| Washington | $122 |
| West Virginia | $108 |
| Wisconsin | $104 |
| Wyoming | $101 |
How did we determine these rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on professional liability policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Drone Business Insurance Cost for BOP Coverage by State
Business owner's policy rates vary widely across states for drone businesses. Monthly premiums range from $22 in Maine to $29 in Pennsylvania, showing how location impacts insurance cost.
| Alabama | $24 |
| Alaska | $22 |
| Arizona | $23 |
| Arkansas | $24 |
| California | $27 |
| Colorado | $25 |
| Connecticut | $27 |
| Delaware | $27 |
| Florida | $27 |
| Georgia | $25 |
| Hawaii | $25 |
| Idaho | $23 |
| Illinois | $27 |
| Indiana | $24 |
| Iowa | $24 |
| Kansas | $24 |
| Kentucky | $23 |
| Louisiana | $28 |
| Maine | $22 |
| Maryland | $24 |
| Massachusetts | $26 |
| Michigan | $24 |
| Minnesota | $23 |
| Mississippi | $25 |
| Missouri | $25 |
| Montana | $25 |
| Nebraska | $23 |
| Nevada | $28 |
| New Hampshire | $25 |
| New Jersey | $28 |
| New Mexico | $25 |
| New York | $28 |
| North Carolina | $22 |
| North Dakota | $22 |
| Ohio | $23 |
| Oklahoma | $23 |
| Oregon | $23 |
| Pennsylvania | $29 |
| Rhode Island | $27 |
| South Carolina | $26 |
| South Dakota | $23 |
| Tennessee | $24 |
| Texas | $25 |
| Utah | $24 |
| Vermont | $24 |
| Virginia | $23 |
| Washington | $28 |
| West Virginia | $26 |
| Wisconsin | $24 |
| Wyoming | $23 |
How did we determine these rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on BOP coverage. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Factors Affecting Drone Business Insurance Cost
Insurance companies look at several factors to determine your drone business insurance costs. Understanding these pricing elements helps you plan your budget better. Below, we explain how different variables affect your rates.
Geographic location
Your business location affects workers' compensation rates and liability costs due to local regulations and airspace restrictions. Operating in areas with extreme weather conditions or restricted flight zones increases your risk profile, while state-specific drone regulations create substantial premium variations.
Safety record and claims history
Previous claims impact future premiums, sometimes for three to five years. A single drone accident or property damage claim can substantially increase your general liability rates at renewal.
Types of properties serviced
Flying drones near critical infrastructure, private properties or densely populated areas carries higher liability risks than operating in open spaces. Inspecting tall buildings or conducting aerial surveys over industrial sites involves greater risk than basic aerial photography.
Employee count and payroll
Insurers calculate workers' comp premiums based on your total payroll and job classifications. Adding drone operators increases your payroll costs, directly impacting your workers' compensation premiums since insurers calculate your rates per dollar of wages paid.
Services offered
Different drone services carry varying risk levels. Aerial photography for real estate typically has lower liability exposure than precision agriculture spraying or package delivery services. Complex operations like infrastructure inspection face higher premiums than basic aerial surveying.
Business size and revenue
Higher annual revenue typically means higher premiums since insurers view larger operations as having greater exposure to claims. A solo drone photographer earning $50,000 annually will pay less than a commercial drone service company with $500,000 in revenue.
Coverage limits
Higher coverage limits provide better protection but cost more monthly. Choosing between different coverage amounts directly affects your premium, with higher limits increasing costs proportionally.
Equipment and vehicle values
More expensive drones and specialized equipment require higher coverage limits, increasing your premiums. A company using professional-grade drones with advanced sensors worth thousands will pay more for equipment coverage than one using basic camera drones.
How to Get Cheap Drone Business Insurance
Smart shopping and safe business practices can lower your drone insurance costs significantly. Here are proven strategies to reduce your premiums now and build a stronger risk profile over time.
- 1
Choose the right coverage types for your business
Understanding what types of business insurance your drone business needs prevents overpaying for unnecessary coverage. Commercial drone insurance should include liability protection for accidents and property damage. Consider hull insurance to protect your equipment and cyber coverage for data-related risks.
- 2
Shop multiple insurance companies
Insurance rates can vary significantly between providers for identical drone coverage. Compare quotes from at least three companies to find the best rates. Consider working with an independent agent who specializes in aviation insurance.
- 3
Bundle your coverage types
Insurance companies offer substantial discounts when you bundle multiple policies. Combining drone liability, equipment coverage and other business policies with one carrier typically costs less than separate policies from different insurers.
- 4
Increase your deductibles
Choosing higher deductibles reduces your monthly premiums. This means you'll pay more out-of-pocket for smaller claims, but your ongoing insurance costs will be lower.
- 5
Pay annually instead of monthly
Most drone insurers add processing fees for monthly payments. Paying your full premium annually eliminates these extra charges and often qualifies you for additional discounts.
- 6
Review and adjust your coverage annually
Your insurance needs change as your drone business grows. Review your policy yearly to ensure coverage matches your current operations. Remove unnecessary coverage and adjust limits based on your business size and activities.
Insurance for Drone Business Cost: Bottom Line
Drone business insurance costs range from $17 to $106 monthly, with your location, claims history and business size driving your actual premium. Getting quotes from multiple insurers, bundling your policies, choosing higher deductibles and paying annually instead of monthly helps you find more affordable rates.
Drone Business Insurance Cost: FAQ
Business owners want clear answers about insurance costs, and we've gathered the most common questions with straightforward explanations below.
What is the cheapest type of drone business insurance?
Workers' compensation insurance costs $27 monthly, making it one of the most affordable options. However, most drone businesses need the more costly general liability insurance ($17 monthly) to protect against customer injuries and property damage.
How much can I save by bundling my drone business insurance policies?
General liability insurance is the most cost-effective option for drone businesses, with average monthly premiums of $17. Bundling multiple policies can provide additional savings through carrier discounts.
What factors make my drone business insurance more expensive?
Drone insurance costs vary based on: flight locations, accident history, pilot experience, drone value, intended use, coverage limits and operation frequency.
Should I choose a $500 or $2,500 deductible for my drone business insurance?
Higher deductibles mean lower monthly premiums but require more out-of-pocket costs when filing claims. Consider your financial flexibility and claim frequency when choosing your deductible.
How much does workers' compensation cost for drone businesses by state?
Monthly workers' compensation costs for drone businesses range from $23 in Maine to $31 in New York, varying significantly based on your operating location and risk factors.
Is business owner's policy (BOP) worth the extra cost for drone companies?
A business owner's policy costs $25 monthly and bundles general liability, commercial property and business interruption coverage into one package. This combined protection offers greater value than purchasing individual policies.
How often should I shop around for drone business insurance quotes?
Review your drone business insurance annually at renewal time and compare at least three quotes. This helps secure better rates, particularly when your business grows or changes.
How We Determined Drone Business Insurance Costs
We collected drone business insurance quotes from companies across different states. For consistent comparisons, every quote used the same business setup:
- Two employees (three people total, including the owner)
- $150,000 annual payroll
- $300,000 annual revenue
- Already insured status
- $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total per year for all coverage except BOP, which includes the same limits plus $5,000 business property coverage
This profile represents small drone businesses requiring comprehensive insurance coverage in most states. We chose companies offering broad national coverage and online quote capabilities, focusing on insurers that actively serve the drone industry.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.