Drone insurance mandatory?

The rules for flying a drone

A drone is a kind of electric remote controlled "helicopter". Compared to a helicopter, the aircraft has 4 rotors that make it quite stable and easy (with practice) to operate. A drone is often used by professionals because it allows them to make films or take pictures from the air.

More and more we get the question about what the rules are and if this device needs to be insured when you use it in public places . A simple rule is if you use the device in public and you cause damage to other people's property then you are responsible for the damage. If you cause damage to someone then you will be responsible for the damage to the person and you will probably also have to face legal consequences of this incident. So if you are using a drone in public areas, get it insured for damage to third parties.

The use of drones in Spain is subject to regulation and for many drone users these rules are unknown. One reason is probably the language barrier and also the complexity in finding out where the user can find this information. At the bottom of the article we will provide you with the link where more information on this subject can be found.

What is allowed and not allowed when using a drone in your spare time:

Allowed:

• Daytime flying in favourable weather conditions (no wind, rain or fog)
• In the evening or at night under favourable weather conditions (without wind, rain or fog) and with a drone of less than 2 kg and no higher than 50 m altitude
• When using FP goggles, always have someone next to you watching the drone and you
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult
• You are ALWAYS responsible for damage to third parties => So at least take out adequate drone insurance
• Only fly in zones where this is allowed - below you will find the link where you can consult these maps
• If you record visual material you must respect the Personal Data Protection Act

Not permitted

• In areas where there is a ban
• Prohibited to fly above people or buildings if the drone is heavier than 250 grams and higher than 20 metres
• In the evening or at night if the drone is heavier than 2 kg and higher than 50 metres
• Flying in a radius of 8 kilometres around an airfield or flying area

Not respect ing these rules can lead in Spain to huge fines of up to 225.000,00 euro and in case of causing damage to third parties to imprisonment if the user is not insured.

For more info on how to insure your drone don't hesitate to contact us. In order to insure a drone, data is required about the user and the device. Please have this information at hand when contacting us.

More info on the use of drones can be found on the Website of the AESA (Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea). Via this link you will find a map of Spain with the places (in red) where no flying is allowed.