Before a client hands over a contract, they want proof you are covered. Not a promise. Not a policy number. A certificate of insurance with their name on it.
If you have never requested one before, the process can feel complicated. It does not have to be. Here is what a certificate of insurance actually is, what your clients are looking for, and how SkyWatch makes the whole thing simple.
What is a certificate of insurance?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document that confirms your policy is active. It shows your insurer's name, your policy number, the type of coverage, the effective dates, and your liability limits. Clients use it to verify you have enough coverage before they allow you on a job site.
For commercial drone insurance operators, this comes up constantly. Construction companies, film productions, event venues, utility companies, and property managers all ask for one before work begins. Some will not let you fly without it.
What is an additional insured?
Many clients ask to be listed as an additional insured on your policy. This is different from just seeing your COI. When someone is added as an additional insured, your liability coverage extends to them as well. If a third party files a claim related to your flight, your policy can respond on their behalf.
This is standard in commercial work. Film studios require it. Municipalities require it. Large property owners require it. If you fly for clients regularly, you need a policy that supports additional insured requests without a long wait.
With SkyWatch, you can add an additional insured directly from the app. It takes a few minutes, and the updated certificate is ready to send the same day.
What about waivers of subrogation?
A waiver of subrogation is another common contract requirement. Under a standard insurance policy, if your insurer pays out a claim caused by someone else, they have the right to go after that third party to recover costs. A waiver of subrogation means your insurer gives up that right for the named party.
This comes up most often with general contractors and property owners. They want to know that if something goes wrong during your drone flight, your insurer will not come after them later. Our commercial drone liability insurance policies support waiver of subrogation endorsements. If your contract requires one, you can request it without needing to switch policies or find a new provider.
How fast can you get a certificate?
That depends on your insurer. With some providers, you submit a request and wait days for a response. That is a problem when a client is waiting to greenlight a job.
SkyWatch works differently. Our app lets you generate a drone insurance certificate on demand. You fill in the job details, add the client as additional insured if required, and download a PDF certificate in minutes. No waiting. No back-and-forth with a broker.
This matters if you work with multiple clients across different jobs. Each certificate reflects the specific policy period and coverage limits they need to see. You can generate as many as your work requires.
What your certificate should show
When a client reviews your COI, they are looking at a few specific things.
The liability limit. Most commercial clients require at least $1 million in general liability. Some larger productions or municipalities ask for $2 million or more. If your current drone liability coverage sits below what the contract requires, you need to know that before you show up to the job.
The effective dates. Your certificate needs to show that your policy is active on the date of the flight. A lapsed policy will not satisfy any client requirements, and it will not protect you either.
The additional insured status. If the contract requires it, the client name must appear on the certificate. A generic certificate addressed to no one will not satisfy this requirement.
The type of coverage. The certificate should specifically reference drone or UAV liability, not just general business liability. Clients who work with drone operators regularly know the difference.
Are you 100% MOSAIC-ready?
SkyWatch commercial drone insurance is 100% MOSAIC-ready. That means our policies are built for how commercial drone operations actually work today. When your clients ask questions, you can answer with confidence.
If you need a certificate before your next job, get a quote from SkyWatch and have your documentation ready the same day. No phone calls. No waiting. Just coverage that works when the contract lands.
