I’m a travel vlogger. I went to Iceland. I crashed my drone into a rental car at a waterfall. I called my US insurance. “We cover the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. You are in Iceland. Claim denied.”
Key Takeaways
- Territorial Limits: Almost all standard US drone policies define the “Coverage Territory” as the USA and Canada. International flight is excluded.
- Worldwide Endorsement: You must request a “Worldwide Coverage” territory extension. This usually costs extra and may exclude sanctioned countries (North Korea, Iran, Russia).
- Local Laws: Even with worldwide coverage, the policy says you must “comply with local laws.” If you flew in a No-Fly Zone in Iceland, coverage is void.
- Travel Insurance is Weak: Standard travel insurance (World Nomads) covers theft of the drone (maybe), but rarely liability for drone operations.
The “Why” (The Trap): Jurisdiction
Insurers don’t want to fight lawsuits in foreign courts.
Defending a liability claim in Iceland requires Icelandic lawyers.
Therefore, standard policies cut coverage at the border.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I looked for International Drone Insurance.
1. Global Aerospace
- Option: “Worldwide Territory Extension.”
- Process: Must list specific countries and dates.
- Cost: Additional premium based on duration.
2. SkyWatch
- Option: They offer coverage in specific countries (UK, EU, Canada) via the app, but you often have to buy a separate policy for that region, not an extension of your US policy.
3. Travel Insurance (Allianz)
- Coverage: Baggage delay, theft.
- Liability: “Personal Liability” usually excludes “Motorized Vehicles/Aircraft.”
Comparison Table: Flying Abroad
| Region | US Standard Policy | Worldwide Endorsement | Local App Policy |
| Canada | Covered (Usually) | Covered | N/A |
| Europe | Denied | Covered | Buy SkyWatch EU |
| Asia | Denied | Covered | Hard to find |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Territory: Read your policy Definitions.
- Buy Local: In Europe, it is often easier/cheaper to download a local app (like Coverdrone in UK/EU) and buy a short-term policy there than to extend your US policy.
- Know the Rules: EASA (Europe) rules are different from FAA. You might need a local registration/test. Illegal flight = No insurance.
- Hull Coverage: Ensure your Hull coverage (theft/crash) is worldwide. This is easier to get than worldwide Liability.
FAQ
Q: Does my drone count as “Baggage”?
A: Yes, for theft. But carry-on limits apply to LiPo batteries.
Q: What if I crash into the ocean?
A: Hull insurance covers it, but you usually need the data logs to prove it wasn’t pilot error/flyaway. Sync to the cloud!
[IMAGE: Map of the world with “USA/Canada” highlighted Green and the rest of the world Red (Excluded).]