In an unprecedented move showing just how important drones have become in disaster response, drone services platform DroneUp and DroneInsurance.com are collaborating to provide on-demand liability coverage for DroneUp pilots flying humanitarian missions in VA, NC, and SC.
As Hurricane Florence bears down on the east coast of the U.S., drone pilots are gearing up. Drones proved their value as a major tool in disaster response when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas last year: now, drones are expected to work with official agencies to provide situational awareness and search and rescue services.
In response, DroneUp, a market-leading drone services company, is helping their large network of drone pilots and government agencies in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia get ready. “DroneUp is pleased to announce it is collaborating with REIN’s DroneInsurance.com to provide on-demand flight liability coverage for missions flown by DroneUp Part 107 pilots in response to state or municipality requests,” says the company announcement. “The coverage will be carried by DroneUp at no additional charge to its participating pilots.”
“We are very appreciative of the DroneInsurance.com team working with DroneUp to protect these critical missions. Securing essential flight insurance provides even further risk mitigation for sUAS operations in what may be challenging conditions,” said Anthony Vittone, Chief Operations Officer for DroneUp.
“We call the Carolinas home, and we’ve seen firsthand that commercial drones play a critical role in disaster management efforts,” said REIN’s Vice President of Insurance Product, William Newton. “With the hurricane season upon us, we have been working closely with DroneUp and our underwriter to provide an additional layer of safety and support to drone operators involved in recovery efforts as needed.”
DroneUp and DroneInsurance.com urge all residents of the mid-Atlantic region to stay safe and follow the direction of local officials as Hurricane Florence makes its way to the East Coast. Hobbyist and recreational sUAS pilots are encouraged to discontinue flying in any area under a state of emergency and remain grounded until recovery operations are complete.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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