Free insurance and liability guide
Drone insurance in Europe: what you need and how much cover
Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 makes third-party liability insurance mandatory for drones of 20 kg and above. Below that weight, national rules apply: most countries require insurance for professional operations, and some for every drone. The legal minimum is rarely enough for commercial work, and authorities can ask for more when you declare an STS or apply for a PDRA or SORA. We obtain the drone flight permits your operation needs in any of the 31 EASA countries.
Insurance essentials
How much cover you need
Insurance is not one rule across Europe. The EU sets a floor for heavier aircraft, each country adds its own rules for lighter drones, and clients and authorities often expect more than the minimum.
| Operation type | Recommended liability cover | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hobby, open category | €1M | Sometimes included in home or personal insurance |
| Commercial VLOS | €2.5M or more | Client contracts often ask for higher limits |
| STS and PDRA operations | €5M or more | The authority may set a minimum in your declaration or application |
| BVLOS and SORA operations | €10M or more | Usually defined in the authorisation conditions |
EU Drone Port guidance, not legal minimums. Legal minimums come from Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 (20 kg and above) and national law.
Third-party liability
Covers damage or injury you cause to people and property on the ground. It is the cover regulators require and the one clients ask to see before a job.
Drones of 20 kg and above
Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 sets minimum third-party liability amounts based on maximum take-off mass for aircraft of 20 kg and above, including drones.
Drones below 20 kg
National rules apply. Many countries require liability insurance for any professional flight, and some for every drone, including hobby use. Check the country where you fly.
Hull and equipment
Damage to your own drone and payload is optional cover. For drones and sensors worth several thousand euros it protects business continuity, but it never replaces liability insurance.
The gap that catches operators
A hobby policy that does not cover commercial work, or a policy limited to one country. If something goes wrong on a paid job abroad, you may discover you were never covered. Check activity and territory, not just the amount.
What you’ll get
The free drone insurance and liability guide
- When insurance is legally required
- Recommended cover by operation type
- What authorities ask for in STS and PDRA filings
- Common policy gaps and exclusions
- Questions to ask your insurer
Get the Free Drone Insurance Guide
What the law requires, how much cover you need, and the gaps that leave operators exposed.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
By submitting you agree to receive emails from EU Drone Port.
Need to coordinate a flight?
See flight coordination →EU Drone Port flight services
From planning to clearance
EU Drone Port coordinates flights, writes operations manuals and obtains authorisations across 31 countries.
Most requested
Flight Coordination
Send us date, time, coordinates, drone and pilot. We handle the airspace coordination until you have clearance, including in restricted zones.
- Per-flight coordination
- Authority and airspace notifications handled
- Restricted zones included
- 31 countries
€95 per flight + VAT, billed monthly
STS Operations Manual
We write your complete STS operations manual for STS-01, STS-02 or both, tailored to your operation and country.
- All required sections
- STS-01 and/or STS-02 covered
- Country-specific authority format
- Delivered in 5 business days
From €450 + VAT
PDRA Authorisation
We prepare the full PDRA application, submit it with you and answer the inspector until the authorisation is granted.
- All PDRA types
- 100+ PDRAs approved
- Operations manual included
- Support until approval
From €1,950 + VAT
More free guides
More free guides to fly legally
FAQ
Questions about drone insurance
Is drone insurance mandatory in Europe?
For drones of 20 kg and above, yes: Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 requires third-party liability insurance. For lighter drones it depends on national law. Most countries require it for professional operations, and several require it for all drones.
How much liability cover do I need?
The legal minimum depends on weight and country, but it is rarely enough for commercial work. As a guide: €1M for hobby flying, €2.5M or more for commercial VLOS, €5M or more for STS and PDRA operations and €10M or more for BVLOS and SORA operations.
What does third-party liability insurance cover?
Damage or injury caused to other people and their property by your drone operation. It does not cover damage to your own drone, which needs separate hull cover.
Do I need insurance for STS, PDRA or SORA operations?
Authorities can require proof of adequate insurance as part of your declaration or application, and some set a minimum amount. Check the requirements of the authority before you buy a policy.
Is my policy valid in other countries?
Not necessarily. Check the territorial scope of your policy and whether it covers the type of activity you will perform there before operating abroad.
Does EU Drone Port sell insurance?
No. We are not an insurer. The guide explains what to look for so you can compare policies with your insurer or broker.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: Regulation (EC) No 785/2004, Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and national rules.
Know how much cover you need. Free guide.
Legal requirements, recommended cover per operation type, and the gaps to avoid.
20 kg
EU insurance threshold
5,000+
Flights coordinated per month
€95 + VAT
Flight coordination
31
Countries