Complete Guide to Drone Insurance Costs in New Zealand

Everything you need to know about drone insurance pricing, factors affecting costs, and how to get the best rates in 2025

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Table of Contents

Quick Cost Overview

Recreational Drone Insurance

Basic Coverage: $120-200/year
Comprehensive: $200-350/year
Premium: $350-500/year

Commercial Drone Insurance

Basic Coverage: $800-1,500/year
Standard: $1,500-3,000/year
Premium: $3,000-8,000/year

Factors Affecting Insurance Costs

1. Drone Value and Type

Under $1,000

$120-200/year

$1,000-$5,000

$200-400/year

Over $5,000

$400-800+/year

2. Usage Type

Recreational Use

Personal photography, hobby flying

Base Rate

Commercial Use

Real estate, inspections, mapping

2-3x Higher

High-Risk Commercial

Construction sites, crowd events

4-5x Higher

3. Coverage Level

Hull Coverage (Physical Damage)

Basic: Crash damage only | Comprehensive: Theft, weather, vandalism

Liability Coverage

$1M: Standard | $5M: Enhanced | $10M: Premium

Additional Coverage

Equipment, data recovery, business interruption

4. Pilot Experience

Factors That Reduce Costs:

  • ✓ CAA Pilot Certificate
  • ✓ 2+ years experience
  • ✓ Professional training
  • ✓ Clean claims history

Factors That Increase Costs:

  • ✗ Beginner (under 6 months)
  • ✗ No formal training
  • ✗ Previous claims/incidents
  • ✗ High-risk flying areas

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10 Ways to Reduce Your Drone Insurance Costs

1. Get CAA Certified

Professional certification can reduce premiums by 10-20%

2. Increase Your Excess

Higher excess = lower premium (balance risk vs savings)

3. Safety Training

Complete accredited drone safety courses

4. Avoid High-Risk Areas

Flying restrictions and location impact premiums

5. Bundle Policies

Combine with other insurance for multi-policy discounts

6. Annual vs Monthly

Pay annually to avoid monthly processing fees

7. Security Measures

GPS tracking, secure storage, anti-theft devices

8. Claims-Free Discount

Build up no-claims bonus over time

9. Compare Providers

Shop around - prices can vary by 30-50%

10. Right Coverage Level

Don't over-insure or under-insure your needs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is insurance for one drone?

For recreational use, expect $120-500/year depending on drone value and coverage. Commercial use typically costs $800-8,000/year.

What factors affect drone insurance costs?

Key factors include drone value, usage type (recreational vs commercial), pilot experience, coverage level, and flying locations.

Is drone insurance mandatory in New Zealand?

While not legally required for recreational use, it's highly recommended. Commercial operators often need liability coverage and some clients require proof of insurance.

Can I insure an old drone?

Most insurers cover drones up to 5-7 years old. Older drones may need special assessment or may not be eligible for comprehensive coverage.

What's not covered by drone insurance?

Typically excluded: illegal use, racing, intentional damage, war/terrorism, and flying outside policy conditions. Check your policy for specific exclusions.

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