In the past, aerial photography was predominantly carried out using manned aircraft such as planes or helicopters. However, with the advancement of technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have become increasingly popular for capturing aerial imagery.

In addition to artistic and commercial applications in many industries, aerial photography and videography are also used for surveying land, mapping terrain, monitoring natural disasters, conducting aerial inspections, and assisting in search and rescue operations. These activities often involve commercial liability exposures, equipment coverage needs, and privacy considerations that operators must manage.

What insurance coverage do aerial photographers and videographers need?

Aerial Photography Insurance includes two distinct types of insurance coverage. They are, however, related, cover the same risks and often overlap in their coverage areas. The key difference lies in the type of aircraft used for capturing aerial imagery.

Aerial Photography Insurance focuses on manned aircraft, while Drone Insurance specifically caters to the risks associated with unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). For an overview of both options and how they compare, see Aerial Photography and Drone Insurance.

Aerial photographers and drone operators who specialize in these fields must ensure they have the appropriate coverage based on their specific needs and the equipment they use. Common considerations include underwriting factors such as pilot or operator experience, the type and value of equipment, intended use (commercial versus recreational), and local regulatory compliance. Good risk management — preflight checks, secure transport, and privacy policies — can reduce exposures and influence coverage terms.

Aerial Photography Insurance

• This type of insurance specifically caters to photographers or videographers who use manned aircraft, such as planes or helicopters, to capture aerial images or footage.
• It covers the risks associated with operating manned aircraft, such as liability for property damage, bodily injury, or any accidents that may occur during the aerial photography session.
• This type of insurance is typically obtained by professional photographers who hire aircraft and pilots for their work, including operators who provide aerial mapping or inspections for clients.

Drone Insurance

• Drone insurance, on the other hand, is designed for individuals or businesses that use unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for aerial photography or videography purposes.
• Drone insurance policies offer coverage for liability and physical damage related to drone operations.
• It includes coverage for accidents, property damage, bodily injury, privacy infringement, and equipment damage. Since drones have become popular tools for aerial imaging, drone insurance has gained prominence to protect operators and cover any potential risks associated with drone flights. For examples of dedicated policy options, review Drone Insurance for Aerial Photography.

Equipment-specific coverage is also important. Photographers often combine liability policies with gear protection to cover cameras, gimbals, and transport-related damage — see Photographic Equipment and Supplies Insurance for more on those options. A typical risk scenario might involve a drone collision that causes property damage or a dropped camera during transit, leading to both liability and equipment-loss claims.