I was doing a roof inspection on a slate roof. I got too close to the chimney. The prop guard clipped a brick, the drone tumbled, and it smashed three slate tiles on its way down. Then it crashed onto the homeowner’s glass patio table. Total damage: $4,500.
Key Takeaways
- Property Damage Liability: This is the core coverage you need. It pays for the chimney, the slate, and the table.
- The “Care, Custody, Control” Exception: Unlike garage insurance, aviation liability does cover property you strike, because you don’t “control” the house.
- Privacy Suits: If you were inspecting the neighbor’s roof and crashed into this roof, you could also be sued for trespassing/privacy. (See “Privacy” article).
- Slate is Expensive: Slate roofs are brittle. A few broken tiles can require a specialized roofer costing thousands.
The “Why” (The Trap): “Aircraft” Exclusions in GL
You might think your standard “Handyman” or “Contractor” General Liability policy covers this.
Trap: Almost all General Liability policies have an “Aircraft, Auto, or Watercraft” exclusion.
It states: “This insurance does not apply to property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, use or entrustment to others of any aircraft.”
If you rely on your roofer’s insurance, you are uncovered. You need an aviation-specific policy.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I checked if general contractor insurance covers drone strikes.
1. Next Insurance (General Liability)
- Scenario: Roofer using drone.
- Result: Denied. Aircraft exclusion applies.
2. Verifly (Drone App)
- Scenario: Property damage during flight.
- Result: Covered. Paid for the table and the roof tiles.
- Limit: I had bought $1M limit for $15/hr. Plenty of coverage.
3. Drone-Specific GL (BiBERK)
- Result: Covered, because the policy is written specifically for UAS operators.
Comparison Table: Roof Strike Coverage
| Policy | Premium | Covers Drone Strike? |
| Standard Contractor GL | $500/yr | No (Excluded) |
| On-Demand Drone Liab | $15/hr | Yes |
| Commercial UAS Policy | $700/yr | Yes |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy Drone-Specific Liability: Do not assume your business GL covers flying. Buy a standalone drone policy (SkyWatch/Verifly).
- Pre-Flight the Roof: Use binoculars first. Identify loose bricks or antennas that sensors might miss.
- Document Existing Damage: Take photos of the roof before you fly (from the ground). If the slate was already broken, you need to prove you didn’t do it.
- Offer Repair, Not Cash: If you break a tile, offer to pay a roofer directly. Don’t hand cash to the homeowner.
FAQ
Q: Can I fix the roof myself?
A: Only if you are a licensed roofer. If you fix it badly and it leaks later, you open a whole new liability can of worms.
Q: Does insurance cover the drone?
A: Only if you bought Hull coverage. Liability covers the house; Hull covers the drone.
[IMAGE: Photo of a drone tangled in a chimney with broken slate tiles below.]