Drone Crashed at a Wedding? Why You Need 'Third-Party Drone Insurance' to Avoid a Lawsuit

Drone Crashed at a Wedding?

Drone photography has become a staple at Indian weddings. Capturing the Baraat from the sky looks cinematic and beautiful.

But drones are machines, and machines fail. A sudden gust of wind, a signal loss, or a battery failure can send your expensive equipment crashing down onto a guest's head or a parked luxury car.

Who pays for the hospital bill or the car repair? Without insurance, YOU do.

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Is Drone Insurance Mandatory in India?

According to the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and the Drone Rules 2021, the rules are strict.

Drone Category	Weight Limit	Insurance Rule
Nano	Less than or equal to 250g	Optional (But highly recommended for commercial use).
Micro & Above	More than 250g (up to 2kg for Micro)	MANDATORY. Flying without it attracts fines up to ₹1 Lakh.

Most professional camera drones (like the DJI Mavic 3 or Air series) fall into the Micro category. If you fly these commercially without insurance, you are violating the Motor Vehicles Act provisions applied to drones.

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What Does "Third-Party Liability" Cover?

This is not about replacing your broken drone (that is called "Hull Insurance"). This is about protecting your bank account from claims made by others.

🛡️ Coverage Highlights

• Bodily Injury: Pays medical bills if your drone cuts or injures a guest.
• Property Damage: Pays for repairs if your drone smashes a window, a car, or expensive venue decorations.
• Legal Costs: Covers lawyer fees if the victim sues you for damages in court.

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For Photographers: The Business Risk

If you are a wedding photographer, one accident can ruin your reputation and your finances.

Many premium venues (5-star hotels and palaces) in India now require proof of valid Third-Party Insurance before letting you launch a drone on their property. No insurance = No flying.

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Chief Editor’s Verdict

Don't be cheap with safety.

A Third-Party Liability policy for drones costs a fraction of a potential lawsuit (often starting around ₹3,000 - ₹5,000 per year). Whether you are a hobbyist with a Mavic or a pro with an Inspire, buy it. It ensures that a happy wedding celebration doesn't turn into a financial nightmare.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Drone regulations in India (Drone Rules 2021) are subject to amendments by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Always check the latest guidelines on the Digital Sky platform before flying.