Purchasing a DJI drone opens the door to incredible aerial creativity—whether you’re filming travel content, operating commercially, or simply enjoying recreational flights. Like any advanced piece of equipment, drones come with risk. Accidents, unexpected damage, or even theft can happen. That’s why having the right insurance matters.
Below is a complete overview of the most common ways DJI drone owners in the U.S. protect their equipment today.
1. DJI Care Refresh (Currently Not Offered in the U.S.)
DJI Care Refresh previously provided manufacturer-backed protection against accidental damage, including:
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Impact and crash incidents
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Water exposure
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Damage to motors, gimbals, and propellers
At present, DJI has paused DJI Care Refresh availability in the United States for both new activations and renewals. This interruption is largely related to supply-chain constraints, replacement inventory limitations, and service logistics affecting North America.
Because of these operational challenges, U.S. drone owners must currently look to third-party alternatives for coverage.
2. Personal Articles Policies (PAP): A Popular Replacement Option
With DJI Care Refresh unavailable, many pilots turn to Personal Articles Policies offered by insurers such as State Farm and others. These plans are designed to insure valuable personal items and typically cover:
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Accidental damage
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Theft
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Loss
PAP coverage is generally affordable and works well for recreational users or independent creators who want straightforward protection. Many policies also provide worldwide coverage, which is helpful for travelers.
⚠️ Important: Personal Articles Policies usually exclude liability and commercial operations. If you use your drone for paid work, additional coverage is strongly recommended.
Also note that flyaway incidents may or may not be covered depending on the insurer. Some providers require evidence of responsible operation and legal compliance. Always verify policy terms before flying.
3. Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance (Scheduled Property)
Another option is adding your DJI drone as a scheduled item under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. This can provide limited protection against events such as:
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Theft
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Fire damage
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Certain accidental losses
However, these policies often come with important restrictions:
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Liability is usually not included
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Commercial use is typically excluded
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Deductibles may apply
This approach can work for casual flyers but may leave significant gaps for more active pilots.
4. Drone Liability Insurance
If you operate under FAA Part 107 or provide drone services professionally, liability insurance becomes essential. Many clients and locations require proof of coverage before allowing flights.
Liability insurance protects you in case your drone causes:
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Bodily injury
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Property damage
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Vehicle damage
Coverage limits vary, but many professionals choose policies starting at $1 million to meet contractual requirements and reduce financial exposure.
5. Full Commercial Drone Insurance
For pilots working in fields such as real estate, inspection, mapping, construction, or media production, comprehensive commercial drone insurance offers the broadest protection. These policies may include:
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Liability coverage
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Hull coverage (the aircraft itself)
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Payload protection (cameras and sensors)
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Ground equipment insurance
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Optional privacy or data liability
Providers such as SkyWatch, Allianz, and Global Aerospace offer flexible plans, including annual policies or pay-as-you-fly hourly coverage.
Choosing the Right Coverage
Here’s a simple way to decide:
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Recreational pilots: Personal Articles Policy or homeowner/renter add-on
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Advanced hobbyists / content creators: Personal Articles Policy plus liability insurance
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Commercial operators: Full commercial drone insurance with liability, hull, and payload coverage
Final Thoughts
DJI drones are engineered for performance and reliability—but flying always carries risk. Having proper insurance in place protects your investment and gives you peace of mind, whether you’re capturing memories or running a business.
At our store, we don’t just supply premium DJI drones—we aim to support responsible ownership by helping customers understand their options and fly with confidence.
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