DroneUp, SkyWatch.AI collaborate on UAS insurance coverage

By Patrick C. Miller | January 01, 2019

Commercial drone pilot network DroneUp and Skywatch.AI—a nationwide aviation insurance provider—have formed a partnership to provide liability coverage for missions flown by the network’s pilots.

Policies created through DroneUp’s mobile app and are tailor-made for individual missions, giving on-demand, automated flight insurance coverage to Part 107 pilots flying commercial missions. Insurance integration has begun and is accessible form the DroneUp app. Commercial UAS pilots can download the Skywatch.AI app in the App Store and on Google Play.

“Securing essential flight insurance provides even further risk mitigation for drone operations,” said Anthony Vittone, chief operating officer for DroneUp.

The coverage will be carried by DroneUp at no additional charge to its pilots. After notifying, verifying and accepting a job in the DroneUp app, pilots will have insurance coverage that includes property damage, bodily injury and privacy claims.

“SkyWatch.AI is proud to provide DroneUp’s pilots a unique seamless insurance solution as an integral part of their mission planning process,” said Tomer Kashi, SkyWatch.AI CEO. “The innovative teams on both sides were able to utilize the flexibility of our platform and create tailor-made policies in seconds.”

Based in Palo Alto, California, SkyWatch.AI is a data analytics and insurance platform for drone pilots and fleet managers which tracks safety metrics, reduces flight risks and provides comprehensive insurance. Insurance is provided by SkyWatch Insurance Services Inc., a licensed insurance broker in all states where SkyWatch operates. It’s underwritten by STARR Indemnity & Liability Company, the largest aviation insurer in the U.S.

DroneUp, headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia, is a network of individual pilots and pilot organizations for hire. It provides on-demand services to commercial, government and military organizations. Through app and web-based platforms, DroneUp locates, qualifies and deploys pilots or multi-pilot crews according to client requirements.