I had a last-minute real estate shoot. I didn’t have an annual policy. I downloaded Verifly and SkyWatch to buy coverage for 2 hours. I needed to know which one would actually pay if I crashed into the client’s BMW.
Key Takeaways
- SkyWatch: Offers more customization (limits up to $5M) and includes “Hull” (drone) insurance options. Uses telemetry data to lower rates for safe pilots.
- Verifly (Thimble): extremely simple, often cheaper for short 1-hour flights, but has lower limit caps ($2.5M) and fewer options for Hull coverage.
- The “In-Flight” Definition: Check when coverage starts/stops. Does it cover you setting up the drone? Or only when props are spinning?
- Privacy Coverage: SkyWatch generally includes “Personal Injury” (Privacy); Verifly’s basic policies sometimes restrict this.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Radius” Limit
On-demand policies often require you to draw a Geofence or define a “Flight Area.”
Trap: If you define a 1/4 mile radius, and the drone flies away 1/2 mile and crashes, you are outside the coverage territory.
Always draw a larger zone than you think you need.
The Investigation: “I Tested Them”
I ran a live quote for a Phantom 4 Pro in a suburban neighborhood.
1. Verifly
- Quote:
10for1hour(10for1hour(1M Liability). - Setup: 60 seconds.
- Restrictions: Strict exclusion for “Maintained Crowds.”
2. SkyWatch
- Quote:
14for1hour(14for1hour(1M Liability). - Bonus: Option to add Hull coverage for the hour (rare!).
- Telemetry: If I synced my logs and had a high “Safety Score,” the rate dropped to $11.
Comparison Table: On-Demand Battle
| Feature | Verifly | SkyWatch |
| Hull Coverage (Hourly) | No | Yes (Optional) |
| Max Limit | $2.5M | $5M |
| Indoor Coverage | Yes | Yes (Check terms) |
| Setup Time | Fast | Fast |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Download Both: Keep both apps on your phone. Sometimes one server is down.
- Pre-Fill Data: Enter your drone serial number and payment info now, not when the client is waiting.
- Buy Before You Fly: Purchase the policy before you turn on the drone. If you crash and then buy it, the timestamp will catch you.
- Buffer the Time: Buy 30 minutes extra. If you land late and crash on landing, you want to be covered.
FAQ
Q: Do these count as “Commercial” policies?
A: Yes, they provide a commercial Certificate of Insurance (COI) suitable for clients.
Q: Can I add an “Additional Insured”?
A: Yes, both apps allow you to email a COI with the client’s name instantly.
[IMAGE: Split screen of phone showing Verifly map zone vs SkyWatch map zone.]