I bought a Mini 4 Pro because “it’s under 250g so I don’t need to register or insure it.” I was flying in a park. I hit a cyclist. He needed 4 stitches. He sued me for medical bills. I realized that “exempt from registration” doesn’t mean “exempt from liability.”
Key Takeaways
- Physics Don’t Care About Grams: A 249g drone moving at 30mph has sharp props. It can cause significant injury (blindness, lacerations). You are 100% liable.
- Registration vs. Liability: The 250g rule is an FAA registration threshold. It has nothing to do with civil liability laws. You can be sued for hitting someone with a paper airplane if it hurts them.
- Commercial Use: If you use the Mini for any business purpose (real estate, roof inspection), you MUST register it (regardless of weight) and Part 107 applies.
- Cost: Insurance for a Mini is cheap ($10/hr). Flying without it is a bad gamble.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Toy” Mentality
Marketing makes the Mini seem like a toy.
Insurers see it as an “Unmanned Aircraft.”
Homeowners insurance excludes “Aircraft.”
Therefore, you have Zero Liability Coverage personally. If you hit a Mercedes or a child, you pay cash.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I checked insurance for Micro Drones.
1. Homeowners (State Farm)
- Question: Does my liability cover my Mini 4?
- Answer: “No. It is a motorized aircraft. Excluded.”
2. SkyWatch
- Quote: Same price as a Mavic 3. Liability risk is similar (props spin just as fast).
- Hull: Cheaper to insure because the drone is cheaper.
Comparison Table: Mini 4 Risks
| Myth | Reality | Insurance Needed |
| “It’s a toy” | It’s an Aircraft (FAA) | Drone Liability |
| “No Registration” | Liability remains | Drone Liability |
| “Can’t hurt anyone” | Can cause blindness | MedPay |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy On-Demand: For $10/hour, just buy the insurance when you fly near people/cars.
- Register It Anyway: If you use it for work, pay the $5 FAA fee. It looks professional and is legally required for Part 107 ops.
- Prop Guards: Use them. On a Mini, they make a huge safety difference and show “good faith” in a lawsuit.
- Don’t rely on Homeowners: Assume your personal insurance covers nothing with a motor and props.
FAQ
Q: Can I fly over people with a Mini?
A: Category 1 Operations allow flight over people if it has prop guards and won’t cause laceration. Insurance covers this if you are compliant.
Q: Is DJI Care enough?
A: No. That fixes the drone. It doesn’t pay the cyclist’s medical bill.
[IMAGE: Photo of a DJI Mini 4 Pro on a scale reading “249g” next to a lawsuit subpoena.]