DJI Drone Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Complete 2025 guide to insuring your DJI Mini, Mavic, Phantom, or other DJI drones in New Zealand

Quick Facts About DJI Drone Insurance

$150-400
Annual cost for recreational DJI drones
24-48hrs
Typical claim processing time
90%+
Market share of DJI drones insured

Why DJI Drone Insurance is Essential

Common DJI Drone Risks

  • Flyaway incidents: GPS or signal loss causing total loss
  • Gimbal damage: Delicate stabilization systems breaking
  • Water damage: Unexpected weather or water landings
  • Collision damage: Birds, trees, buildings, power lines
  • Theft: High resale value makes DJI drones targets
  • Battery issues: Swelling, fire, or sudden power loss

Insurance Benefits

  • Replacement cost: Get latest model if yours is discontinued
  • Worldwide coverage: Protected while traveling
  • Liability protection: Coverage for damage to others' property
  • Fast replacement: Many insurers offer next-day service
  • Accessories covered: Batteries, propellers, cases included
  • Peace of mind: Fly confidently knowing you're protected

Insurance Costs by DJI Model

Entry Level DJI Drones

DJI Mini Series

Mini 4K, Mini SE, Mini 2

$150-220/year

Typical value: $400-800

DJI Mini 3

Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro

$180-280/year

Typical value: $600-1,200

DJI Mini 4 Pro

Latest mini with advanced features

$220-320/year

Typical value: $900-1,500

Mid-Range DJI Drones

DJI Air Series

Air 2S, Air 3

$280-400/year

Typical value: $1,200-1,800

DJI Mavic 3

Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Classic

$350-500/year

Typical value: $1,500-2,500

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Triple camera system

$450-650/year

Typical value: $2,500-3,500

Professional DJI Drones

DJI Inspire Series

Inspire 2, Inspire 3

$800-1,500/year

Typical value: $4,000-15,000

DJI Matrice Series

M30, M300, M350

$1,200-3,000/year

Typical value: $8,000-25,000

DJI-Specific Insurance Coverage

What's Covered

  • DJI Care Refresh Alternative: Third-party insurance often cheaper than DJI's own coverage
  • Gimbal & Camera: Specialized coverage for DJI's advanced camera systems
  • Intelligent Flight Modes: Coverage even when using ActiveTrack, QuickShots, etc.
  • DJI GO/DJI Fly App: Incidents related to app malfunctions covered
  • OcuSync/Lightbridge: Signal loss and flyaway protection

Common Exclusions

  • Firmware Updates: Damage during or after unauthorized firmware modifications
  • Third-party Accessories: Non-DJI propellers, batteries, or modifications
  • Commercial Use: If using recreationally-insured drone for business
  • Gradual Deterioration: Normal wear and tear, battery degradation
  • Pilot Error: Some policies exclude crashes due to inexperienced flying

How Can I Look Up My Insurance on My DJI Drone?

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. 1
    Find Your Serial Number: Check battery compartment or DJI GO/Fly app under "Aircraft Status"
  2. 2
    Check Policy Documents: Your insurance certificate will list the drone serial number
  3. 3
    Contact Your Insurer: Call with serial number to confirm coverage status
  4. 4
    Use Online Portal: Most insurers have online account access to view policies

DJI Serial Number Locations:

DJI Mini Series: Under battery, in DJI Fly app
DJI Air/Mavic: Battery compartment sticker
DJI Phantom: Inside battery compartment
DJI Inspire: On aircraft body near battery
All Models: DJI GO 4 or DJI Fly app → Settings → Aircraft Status

DJI Care Refresh vs Third-Party Insurance

Feature DJI Care Refresh Third-Party Insurance
Cost (Mini 3) $109 for 1 year $150-250/year
Liability Coverage ❌ Not included ✅ Up to $10M available
Theft Coverage ❌ Not covered ✅ Full theft protection
Excess/Deductible $79-149 per claim $250-1000 (adjustable)
Claims Limit 2 replacements max Unlimited (annual limit)
Global Coverage ✅ Worldwide ✅ Worldwide

Recommendation: For recreational users, DJI Care Refresh covers accidental damage well but lacks liability protection. Commercial users or those needing theft/liability coverage should consider third-party insurance.

DJI Drone Insurance FAQ

Do I need insurance for my DJI Mini drone?

While not legally required in NZ for recreational use under 25kg, insurance is highly recommended. DJI Mini drones are expensive to replace and can still cause property damage or injury.

Does DJI insurance cover flyaway incidents?

Yes, most comprehensive DJI insurance policies cover flyaway incidents caused by GPS failure, signal loss, or app malfunctions. However, pilot error flyaways may be excluded.

Can I insure a used DJI drone?

Yes, most insurers cover used DJI drones up to 5-7 years old. You'll need proof of current condition and may require a professional assessment for older or high-value models.

What happens if DJI discontinues my drone model?

Most policies offer "new for old" replacement, meaning you'll get the current equivalent model. For example, a crashed Mavic Air might be replaced with the latest Air model.

Are DJI accessories covered?

Typically yes - standard accessories like batteries, propellers, gimbals, and cases are included. Third-party accessories may require additional coverage or separate listing.

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