You land a bigger contract and suddenly you cannot fly every job yourself. Maybe you bring on an employee pilot, call a freelancer for a weekend shoot, or hand the controller to a friend who also holds a Part 107 certificate. It feels like a small change. For your commercial drone insurance, it can be a big one.
The question keeps coming up in operator forums, usually phrased as "am I covered if my pilot crashes it?" The honest answer is that it depends on how your policy is written. It is far better to find that out before the flight than after.
Policies insure people, not just aircraft
Plenty of operators assume that if the drone is on the policy, anyone flying it is covered. Often that is not how it works. Some policies name the pilots who are insured. Others allow any pilot who meets conditions set out in the policy. Read the section that defines who counts as an insured, and look for language about pilot certification or experience.
Employees and contractors are treated differently
An employee flying under your direction is usually a different situation from a freelancer running their own business. A contractor may be expected to carry their own policy, and your client may ask to see a certificate for them. We go deeper on that in our guide to drone subcontractor insurance. Do not guess here. Ask your insurer how each setup is handled and keep the answer in writing.
The certificate comes first
Whoever is at the controls on a paid job needs a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. A lapsed certificate can hand an insurer a reason to push back on a claim, which we cover in 5 things that can void your commercial drone insurance. Keep a copy of every pilot's certificate and note when their recurrent training is due, so nothing expires quietly in a drawer.
Expect clients to ask who is flying
Many clients want proof of coverage before anyone shows up on site, and some want to know exactly who will be on the job. If your crew changes from week to week, that paperwork can get messy fast. Our explainer on certificates of insurance shows what clients usually look for.
A quick check before a new pilot flies
Before anyone new takes a paid flight, run through five questions. Does the policy wording cover this person, and in what role? Is their Part 107 certificate current? Is the aircraft they will fly actually on the policy? Does the job match the type of work you told your insurer about? Does the client contract ask for anything specific about crew or certificates? If any answer is a maybe, call your insurer first.
We work with commercial operators every day, and the pattern is familiar. The ones who grow smoothly treat pilot changes like any other policy change and tell their insurer early. If you want a broader look at what a policy can include, start with our commercial drone insurance page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my commercial drone insurance cover an employee who flies my drone?
It depends on the policy wording. Some policies cover only named pilots, while others cover any pilot who meets stated conditions. Check the definition of an insured and confirm with your insurer in writing.
Does a freelance pilot need their own insurance?
Often they do, and many clients expect proof of it. Whether your policy extends to a contractor is a question for your insurer, so ask before the job.
Does every pilot on my team need a Part 107 certificate?
Anyone at the controls on a paid commercial flight needs a current Remote Pilot Certificate. Track expiry and recurrent training dates for each person.
Can a visual observer be covered even if they are not flying?
Possibly, but it depends on the policy. Ask how the policy treats crew members who help on site without holding the controls.
When should I tell my insurer about a new pilot?
Before that person flies a paid job. Early notice gives you time to confirm coverage and update any paperwork a client needs.
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