Comprehensive drone insurance coverage for real estate photographers, property agents, and marketing professionals across New Zealand
Aerial photography has transformed property marketing in New Zealand. Listings with drone footage sell 68% faster and command premium prices. However, this competitive advantage comes with significant insurance responsibilities.
Higher coverage requirements due to property values. Many agencies require $5M minimum for central Auckland listings.
Wind-specific coverage considerations. Agencies often require weather contingency planning and coverage.
Standard $2M coverage usually sufficient, but rural property access requires specialized considerations.
$2M liability + equipment up to $10K
$5M liability + PI + enhanced equipment
$10M+ liability + comprehensive protection
Incident: Drone lost GPS signal during windy conditions, crashed into glass conservatory of $2.5M Auckland property.
Damages: $25,000 conservatory repair, $8,000 damaged plantings, $15,000 legal costs.
Insurance Response: Public liability covered all damages. Professional indemnity covered delayed marketing costs.
Incident: Aerial footage accidentally captured neighbors in private pool area, leading to privacy complaint and media attention.
Damages: $12,000 legal defense costs, $5,000 settlement payment, reputation management.
Insurance Response: Public liability covered defense costs and settlement. Professional indemnity provided reputation protection.
Incident: $12,000 worth of drone equipment stolen from photographer's vehicle during property shoot in Hamilton.
Damages: Equipment replacement, missed shoots leading to client dissatisfaction and lost revenue.
Insurance Response: Equipment coverage provided full replacement value. Business interruption covered lost income.
Incident: Drone footage inadvertently included neighbor's deck, presented as part of listed property. Buyer sued for misrepresentation after purchase.
Damages: $30,000 legal settlement, $20,000 defense costs, agency relationship damage.
Insurance Response: Professional indemnity covered all costs. Additional coverage provided ongoing legal support.
CAA certificates, equipment inventory, client contracts, operating procedures
Types of properties, average values, geographic coverage areas, special considerations
Operating environments, weather considerations, client requirements, safety protocols
Liability limits, professional indemnity, equipment values, business interruption
Final terms review, payment processing, certificate issuance
Processing Time: 3-7 business days for standard real estate applications. Rush processing available for urgent client requirements.
Yes, any commercial use of drones requires commercial insurance. Your recreational policy won't cover business activities. Real estate agencies also typically require proof of commercial coverage before hiring photographers.
Most agencies require minimum $2M public liability. However, luxury property specialists and larger agencies often require $5M+. Professional indemnity is increasingly mandatory for property photography services.
Standard public liability includes some privacy coverage, but specific privacy liability endorsements provide better protection. This is crucial for real estate photography where neighbor privacy concerns are common.
Costs typically range from $1,200-3,500 annually for residential real estate work. Luxury property specialists or those covering commercial properties may pay $4,000-6,000+ depending on coverage limits and equipment values.
Yes, most policies allow you to add agencies as additional insured parties. This is often required by agencies and provides them direct coverage protection for your drone operations on their behalf.
Your public liability insurance covers damage to the property being photographed, including buildings, landscaping, and other structures. This includes accidental damage from crashes, propeller strikes, or other incidents.
Absolutely. Real estate photographers typically use high-value equipment ($5,000-15,000+) and need reliability for client commitments. Equipment coverage ensures you can replace gear quickly and maintain your business reputation.
If you have international clients or photograph properties for overseas marketing, international coverage extensions are recommended. Some policies include worldwide coverage, while others require specific endorsements.
Get specialized drone insurance for real estate professionals from New Zealand's leading providers