Academy of Model Aeronautics Offers UAS Insurance

Beginning on Nov. 6, 2017, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) will offer its members insurance coverage for the commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, underwritten by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, a member of Starr Companies.

This new affinity program will enable AMA members to purchase commercial drone insurance at some of the lowest rates in the industry. It represents a significant expansion of AMA’s existing member benefits portfolio.

“For more than 40 years, AMA has provided its members with liability insurance for recreational flying,” said Rich Hanson, president of AMA. “Our new commercial drone insurance is a natural extension of our member benefits, and it comes at a time when the commercial drone industry is growing fast. Many of our members are flying drones commercially, or plan to do so soon, and they have been asking AMA to provide commercial drone insurance as a membership benefit. By offering commercial drone coverage, whether you fly for fun or fly for business, AMA has you covered.”

Flight training, education and safety are essential to safe and responsible commercial drone operation. “That’s why — in partnership with leading drone training organizations DARTDrones, Fly Robotics, Gold Seal UAV Ground School, UAV Experts and AlarisPro — AMA is offering new membership benefits with special discounts on Part 107 test preparation and flight training.

In addition, AMA members can get special discounts on courses such as starting drone businesses and online aerial photography, and workshops on topics like aerial roof inspections,” said Jeff Nance, AMA’s director of marketing.

“The AMA has been an originator of training resources for the UAS community, and we are pleased to be able to partner with the AMA and provide members with UAS insurance through the Harry A. Koch agency,” stated Jim Anderson, senior vice president of aviation at Starr Companies. “The UAS market is growing rapidly, and many of the existing members of the AMA will need a quick and cost-effective insurance solution.”

“We are pleased to be working with the AMA to offer commercial drone insurance to AMA members. Our many years of experience providing AMA members with liability insurance for recreational model flying makes us well-suited to serve the insurance needs of members flying drones for business,” stated Paul Bretsen, vice president of Harry A. Koch company.

To purchase the new commercial drone insurance, an AMA membership is required. However, you do not have to be an AMA member to receive a quote. The commercial drone insurance coverage is underwritten by Starr Companies and a minimum of $500,000 of liability coverage is available, with additional plans providing $1 million and $2 million in liability coverage.

Hull insurance coverage is also available, and it can be added to the liability coverage. Commercial drone insurance coverage joins a long list of pre-existing benefits for AMA members who fly for recreational purposes, including $2.5 million in liability insurance, access to AMA clubs and flying sites, AMA publications and much more.

Source: Press Release