By Jamie Martin
Drones are playing a bigger role in modern agriculture. Farmers use them to monitor crops, check livestock, map fields, and carry out precision applications. As their use continues to grow, managing the risks linked to this technology is becoming increasingly important.
To address this need, Nationwide has introduced a new drone insurance package tailored for farm operations. The goal is to provide farmers with protection that matches the value and risks of using drones in agriculture.
Agricultural drones are often expensive investments. Small drones used for imaging or mapping can cost thousands of dollars, while large drones designed for spraying or seeding can exceed $30,000. These costs make it essential for farmers to have reliable insurance protection.
The new coverage combines several important features. It offers protection against physical damage to the drone, liability coverage for injuries or property damage, and support for risks related to aerial applications of chemicals and seeds. This makes it one of the more complete insurance options available for farm drone use.
Using drones also requires proper training and compliance with regulations. Farmers may need aviation certification, licenses for pesticide applications, and must follow strict safety guidelines. These additional requirements increase operational responsibility.
At the same time, drones can introduce risks not fully covered by traditional farm insurance. Chemical drift, overspray, mechanical failure, or human error may result in crop loss, property damage, or injury.
“The use of drones across agriculture has grown significantly, increasing the need for protection that addresses both the value of the equipment and the risks tied to operating it,” said Justin Owens, AVP of Farm Underwriting & Sales, Nationwide.
He continued, “We’re proud to begin offering these new coverage options, which help give farmers confidence to incorporate drone technology into their operations while knowing they have protection in place if something goes wrong.”
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Categories: National