An unexpected gust of wind, a technical problem, or a mistake during landing: even an experienced pilot can cause damage with their drone. That’s why it’s important to check whether your insurance covers drone use before your first flight. In Belgium, there is also a clear insurance requirement for most UAS operators who fly in the Open category.
But what kind of insurance do you actually need? Is family insurance enough? And is DJI Care Refresh the same as drone insurance? In this guide, we clearly explain the most important rules.
In summary: In Belgium, civil liability insurance is mandatory for UAS operators who fly in the Open category, except when you fly drones exclusively for private purposes and the drone’s maximum takeoff weight is less than 900 grams. Insurance is still strongly recommended in that case as well.Civil liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties but does not automatically cover damage to your own drone. For recreational use, this coverage may already be included in your family insurance policy. Always check the policy terms and conditions.
In Belgium, liability insurance is mandatory for most UAS operators who fly in the Open category. However, there is an important exception for drones with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 900 grams that are used exclusively for private purposes. This rule stems from the Belgian Royal Decree implementing European drone legislation. Even in such cases, adequate liability coverage is strongly recommended.
The exact insurance requirements therefore depend on both the weight of your drone and its intended use:
Read all the drone rules in Belgium here.
In addition to having insurance, you are also required to register as a drone operator with the DGLV (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) through the FPS Mobility Drone Portal. Good to know: You will be asked for your insurance number during the registration process. So always arrange your insurance first and then register.
Registration is not required if the drone weighs less than 250 grams and does not have a Camera or other sensor capable of recording personal data. Registration is also not required for a toy drone weighing less than 250 grams that complies with the European Toy Safety Directive, even if it has a Camera.
Read more: Do I need to register as an operator?
The obligation to carry insurance rests with the UAS operator. The operator is the person or company responsible for the drone operations. This is not necessarily the same person as the pilot who flies the drone.
In private use, you are usually both the operator and the pilot. In a professional setting, a company may be the registered operator, while employees or external pilots conduct the flights.
In the Open category, you generally need civil liability insurance that covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties.
The insurance must cover, at a minimum, bodily injury and property damage to third parties. Official Belgian sources do not specify a universal minimum coverage amount in euros. The specific maximum amount is therefore determined in part by the policy you purchase.
Don’t just go for the cheapest policy. An accident resulting in bodily injury can have financial consequences far greater than the purchase price of your drone.
Family insurance may cover drone use, but you shouldn’t automatically assume that it does.
Some family insurance policies cover recreational drone use. Other insurers exclude aircraft or certain types of drones. Restrictions may also apply to:
Therefore, request written confirmation from your insurer or broker. At a minimum, have them confirm that you are insured as a UAS operator for bodily injury and property damage to third parties during the planned drone flights.
The European category is determined by the risk involved in the flight, not solely by the fact that you are being paid for it. A professional photographer can therefore fly in the Open category under certain conditions.
When it comes to your insurance policy, the purpose of the flight usually makes a significant difference. Family insurance is typically intended for activities in your personal life. As soon as you start carrying out paid assignments, you may need professional drone insurance.
Always notify the insurer in advance if you plan to use the vehicle for professional purposes. If you fail to do so, you run the risk that a claim will not be covered at all or will only be partially covered.
Civil liability insurance protects you against the financial consequences of damage you cause to others and for which you are liable.
What third-party liability insurance typically doesn’t cover is damage to your own drone. If your drone crashes without anyone else being involved, standard third-party liability insurance won’t cover you. For this, there is separate, optional coverage (often called “comprehensive” or “all-risk”) that insures the drone itself, the Camera or sensor (the payload), and the accessories against damage and theft. This is definitely worth considering, especially for drones costing several thousand euros.
| Type of coverage | What is covered? | Mandatory? |
| BA (Civil Liability) | Damage to third parties: other people and their property | Yes, except for flights involving only drones weighing less than 900 grams that are used solely for private purposes. |
| Comprehensive / All Risks | Your own drone, Camera/Gimbal, or accessories (crash, theft) | No, it’s optional but recommended |
No. DJI Care Refresh and BA drone insurance serve different purposes.
DJI Care Refresh is an optional service and protection plan for eligible DJI products. Depending on the device and the plan selected, it can provide coverage for incidents such as collisions, water damage, normal wear and tear, or fly-aways. An additional replacement fee may apply for a replacement.
However, DJI Care Refresh is not a substitute for the legally required civil liability insurance. It primarily protects the DJI product itself and does not cover your liability for bodily injury or property damage to third parties.
Sometimes, yes, but not automatically. Some family insurance policies cover recreational drone use, while others specifically exclude “aircraft.” Always ask your insurer in writing for confirmation regarding your specific drone and its intended use.
Sometimes, yes, but not automatically. Some family insurance policies cover recreational drone use, while others specifically exclude “aircraft.” Always ask your insurer in writing for confirmation regarding your specific drone and its intended use.
If you use the same drone for professional purposes, the exception does not apply, and your professional drone activities must be insured.
The price depends on the intended use, the weight of the drone, and the coverage you choose. For recreational use, coverage may already be included in your family insurance policy, which means you might not have to pay anything extra. A separate drone liability insurance policy typically costs approximately €50 to €100 per year for recreational use and €100 to €300 per year for professional use. With additional comprehensive coverage, the premium can range from about €200 to €500 per year. Always request a personalized quote from your insurer or broker.
Only if that person is insured as an authorized pilot under the policy. Check this for family members, employees, freelancers, and other users.
Not automatically. Check the policy’s territorial coverage and the national insurance requirements of your destination before flying abroad.
Not sure which details about your drone you need to provide to your insurer, or would you like advice on a drone that’s right for your planned flights? The DroneDepot team is happy to assist you with information about your drone’s weight, class label, technical specifications, and appropriate uses.
Contact DroneDepot and get personalized advice from our drone specialists.
This blog provides general information and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. For binding advice regarding your insurance coverage and terms and conditions, please contact your insurer or insurance broker. The official rules can be found on the website of the FPS Mobility.
With the AP100 parachute, DJI has launched a new safety solution for the Matrice 400, which immediately opens an important door: the transition to the C6 class. For operators currently flying a C3-certified Matrice 400, this means that beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations are now within reach, without having to purchase an entirely […]
Are you about to buy your first (or next) drone but can’t see the forest for the trees? That makes sense. DJI alone has dozens of models, ranging from compact drones weighing 135 grams to Professional drones with dual cameras weighing over a kilo. Choosing the right drone depends on your experience, budget, purpose, and […]
The 6 accessories every drone pilot needs to fly longer, capture better footage, and prevent damage.
Sign up for exclusive offers and updates. We will send 1 email every 2-3 months.
