OSU purchases liability insurance (as described below) for OSU operated Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. OSU also has an option to provide physical damage/hull insurance for drones, but this coverage applies to scheduled drones only.
OSU faculty, staff and students wanting to use an UAS must obtain approval from the OSU Research Office before operating the UAS. OSU’s UAS policies establish a framework for identifying, managing, and mitigating risk when using UAS, in order to ensure compliance with all State and Federal laws and regulations.
When using a UAS it is important to understand what is covered by insurance, what exclusions may apply, and when you need to contact Insurance and Risk Management Services. OSU has a liability policy, that provides coverage for all OSU operated drones. However, physical damage/hull coverage of a drone is not automatic. If you would like to request a quote for physical damage/hull coverage of a drone, please contact Insurance and Risk Management Services at [email protected]. Physical damage/hull coverage (and the associated liability insurance) has a premium cost to cover drones and equipment that will be billed to the department or PI, whereas liability only coverage has no additional cost. The information needed to provide a quote will include the serial number, year, make, model, value of the drone, ground equipment and payload.
To learn more about the current insurance coverage, exclusions, claims under said policy and deductibles, please expand on the information below:
Liability Insurance Only
The policy provides coverage for liability only when a UAS is not specifically scheduled with physical damage coverage:
- Bodily injury or property damage to others
- Legal fees
For drones used for research and education purposes, this coverage addresses UASs weighing up to 100 lbs.
For drones used for purposes beyond research and education, this coverage addresses UASs weighing up to 55 lbs.
This coverage is worldwide.
If bodily injury or property damage to others occurs in relation a UAS, please contact Insurance and Risk Management Services as soon as possible to initiate a claim. It is very important to take pictures of any damage. Claims will be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy.
There is a $5,000 per occurrence department deductible related to liability claims.
- To understand policy terms, conditions and exclusions
- If you intend to rent a UAS or lend a UAS to another party
- If you are being compensated by any party for the UAS use
- If you want property damage coverage to your UAS, ground equipment and payload
Physical Damage/Hull and Liability Insurance
The policy covers the following for a scheduled UAS:
- Bodily injury or property damage to others
- Physical damage only to scheduled aircraft
This coverage is worldwide.
The premium for this coverage is redistributed to the PI or unit.
If bodily injury, property damage, or physical damage occurs in relation a UAS, please contact Insurance and Risk Management Services as soon as possible to initiate a claim with the following information:
- How, when and where the occurrence or physical damage took place
- The names and addresses of any injured persons and witnesses (this is on a liability claim)
- The nature and location of any injury or damage arising out of the occurrence or physical damage
It is very important to take pictures of any damage.
In the event of theft, robbery or pilferage, the PI must also give notice to the police.
Claims will be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy.
- To understand policy terms, conditions and exclusions
- If you intend to rent a UAS or lend a UAS to another party
- Release of a dispensable load from the aircraft component of a UAS