Drones, Electric Bikes, and Scooters: Is Insurance Necessary?
Recently, there has been extensive media coverage regarding notable drone activity along the East Coast. Analysts and commentators are emphasizing a notable and rapid increase in the usage of drones across various settings, which raises important conversations about safety and liability.
If you’ve spent any time in urban areas recently, you may have noticed the prevalence of electric scooters and electric bikes alongside the growing number of drones in the skies. These new modes of transportation are becoming part of the urban landscape, and they share a critical issue: a significant majority of private operators and users do not have adequate insurance coverage.
There are several reasons for this lack of insurance:
- Most homeowners’ and auto insurance policies explicitly exclude coverage for aircraft-related activities, which encompasses drone usage.
- Standard homeowners’ insurance typically does not extend coverage to electric vehicles, including electric scooters and bicycles.
- Auto insurance policies are usually limited to registered vehicles, leaving many users of electric scooters and bicycles vulnerable in the event of an incident.
All three—aerial drones, electric bikes, and electric scooters—possess the potential to cause considerable bodily injury to others in case of an accident. This highlights a substantial gap in liability protection for users of these vehicles.
If you are actively operating drones, or using electric bikes or scooters, it is crucial to take proactive measures. We strongly encourage you to reach out to your Cleary Account Manager to discuss your current situation and explore the coverage options that may be available to you. Understanding your insurance needs can help protect you and others from unforeseen incidents.