I rented a Matrice 600 and a RED camera for a big shoot. Total value: $40,000. I crashed it. The rental house charged my credit card for the full $40,000 replacement value immediately. My insurance said, “You only insured your Mavic. You didn’t insure rented gear.”
Key Takeaways
- Non-Owned Hull: You need specific coverage for “Non-Owned” or “Hired” aircraft. Your policy for your drone does not automatically extend to rented drones.
- Rental House Waivers are Weak: The “Damage Waiver” you buy from the rental shop often has a high deductible ($5,000) or excludes “Pilot Error.”
- “Loss of Use” Fees: The rental house will charge you for the daily rental rate while the drone is being fixed. Standard Hull insurance might not cover this “Loss of Use.” You need to endorse it.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): The rental house usually demands a COI naming them as “Loss Payee.” If you didn’t provide this, you are self-insuring.
The “Why” (The Trap): “Owned” vs “Non-Owned”
Your policy schedule lists:
- Aircraft 1: DJI Mavic 3 (Serial #123)
- Aircraft 2: None.
If you fly a Matrice, it is not on the schedule.
You need a blanket endorsement for “Non-Owned Aircraft Liability and Hull.”
Without it, you are flying naked.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I rented a cinema rig.
1. LensRentals / LensProToGo
- Option: Buy their “LensCap+” insurance.
- Verdict: Good for the camera, but often excludes drones or water damage. Read carefully.
2. Adding to Annual Policy
- Action: Called broker. Added “Non-Owned Hull” up to $50,000.
- Cost: ~$500/year.
- Verdict: Cheaper than the rental house waiver if you rent more than twice a year.
Comparison Table: Rental Protection
| Protection Source | Covers Crash? | Covers “Loss of Use”? | Cost |
| Rental House Waiver | Yes (Usually) | No (Usually) | 15% of Rental |
| Your Drone Policy | No (Unless endorsed) | No | $0 |
| Non-Owned Endorsement | Yes | Yes (Check limit) | Flat Fee |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Call Agent Before Renting: “I am renting a $40k drone. Add Non-Owned Hull for 3 days.”
- Check the Camera: The drone policy might cover the drone, but the RED camera is “Payload.” Ensure “Payload” is included in the Hull limit.
- Inspect Before Flight: Take photos of the rental gear. If it crashes due to a pre-existing crack, you want proof it wasn’t you.
- Read the Rental Agreement: Look for “Loss of Use.” If they charge $500/day while it’s broken, that adds up fast.
FAQ
Q: Does my credit card cover it?
A: No. Credit cards exclude “Aircraft.”
Q: Can I use my liability insurance?
A: Liability covers damage to others. It does not cover the rented drone. You need Hull.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a rental agreement highlighting the “Customer is responsible for full replacement value” clause.]