Comprehensive guide to drone insurance for construction companies, site managers, and contractors - ensuring WorkSafe NZ compliance and site safety
Drones have revolutionized construction site management in New Zealand, providing crucial capabilities for project monitoring, safety compliance, and progress documentation. However, construction environments present unique high-risk scenarios requiring specialized insurance coverage.
$10M liability + equipment coverage
$20M liability + professional indemnity
$50M+ liability + specialized coverage
Incident: Drone lost GPS signal near tower crane, crashed into crane operator cabin, injuring operator.
Damages: $150,000 medical costs, $300,000 work stoppage, $50,000 crane repairs, WorkSafe investigation.
Insurance Response: Public liability covered all damages and defense costs. Professional indemnity covered investigation expenses.
Incident: Drone crashed into scaffolding, caused collapse that damaged excavator and concrete truck.
Damages: $85,000 equipment repairs, $40,000 scaffolding replacement, $25,000 concrete waste, 3-day delay costs.
Insurance Response: Comprehensive liability coverage handled all equipment damage and delay costs.
Incident: Drone survey contained measurement error, led to incorrect foundation placement requiring complete redesign.
Damages: $400,000 foundation replacement, $200,000 project delays, $100,000 additional engineering costs.
Insurance Response: Professional indemnity insurance covered all costs associated with the professional error.
Construction experience, safety record, WorkSafe compliance history, project types
Site types, project values, geographic coverage, typical exposure scenarios
Operating procedures, training programs, emergency protocols, compliance frameworks
Liability limits, professional indemnity, equipment coverage, business interruption
Certificate issuance, contractor requirements, ongoing compliance monitoring
Processing Time: 7-21 business days for construction applications. Complex projects may require site visits and additional underwriting review.
Construction companies typically need $10-20M public liability minimum, professional indemnity coverage, and comprehensive equipment protection. Large projects often require $50M+ coverage to meet contract requirements.
WorkSafe requires construction companies to ensure worker safety during drone operations, conduct proper risk assessments, implement safe work method statements, and maintain proper training and emergency procedures under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Standard construction insurance typically excludes aircraft operations. You need specific commercial drone insurance that integrates with your existing construction coverage to ensure complete protection.
This creates complex liability involving ACC, WorkSafe investigation, and potential prosecution. Your drone insurance public liability should cover medical costs, while professional indemnity may cover defense costs and regulatory investigation expenses.
Costs range from $3,500-25,000+ annually depending on project types, coverage limits, and risk profile. Residential builders might pay $4,000-6,000, while major infrastructure projects could require $15,000-25,000+ premiums.
Yes, policies can be structured to cover authorized subcontractors operating drones on your behalf. This requires proper documentation, training verification, and compliance with your safety procedures.
Professional indemnity insurance is essential for construction drone surveying. Measurement errors can result in costly redesigns, foundation problems, and project delays. Coverage should include both correction costs and consequential damages.
Most construction drone policies provide coverage across all your projects within New Zealand. However, very high-risk or high-value projects may require specific project insurance or increased limits.
Get comprehensive drone insurance for construction companies with WorkSafe NZ compliance assurance