It is not a legal requirement to carry liability insurance as a remote pilot of model aircraft and drones. However it is essential if you want to be a responsible operator.
The first and most important point to remember is that the primary function of the insurance is to protect the insured BMFA member (You) in the event of a claim being made against them following an incident. If a remote pilot of a model aircraft or drone were to be found responsible for an incident and carried no insurance, then they would be personally liable for any damages or costs awarded under the jurisdiction of a civil court and could stand to loose everything, this has happened.
By joining the BMFA you will benefit from the best available insurance package for sporting and recreational remote pilots of model aircraft and drones. The insurance package includes a £25M civil liability policy for lawful recognised activities.
Civil liability insurance and personal accident insurance.
No, there are no hidden costs or charges in the event you have to claim.
No.
Insurance cover can only be fully assured for ‘lawful activities’ and if you do not comply (if required by law) then you will be operating unlawfully, and your insurance cover could be in question in the event of a claim. It is also important to note that any legal costs and/or punitive financial sanctions incurred by an individual member under criminal law as a result of non-compliance will be outside the scope of cover.
The BMFA’s affiliated clubs will remain fully protected by the BMFA’s insurance in the event of a claim made against them, should individual members be found to be non-compliant.
Up to £25 million per claim
Yes. You will join as a county member and receive exactly the same insurance benefits as members who join through a club.
No, completely incorrect, the insurance provides cover worldwide for lawful recognised activity.
No, Cover is in place for all types of models as long as you are a fully paid up member of the BMFA no matter what achievement scheme certificates you may or may not hold.
As with many seemingly simple questions there is often more than one answer.
Membership through an Affiliated Club
BMFA insurance cover commences from the moment you pay the BMFA element of your Club joining fee to your nominated Club official; you do not have to wait for receipt of your BMFA membership documents. The most important factor is that the club have collected the fee and have formally registered you as a paid up member of your Club.
Membership directly to the BMFA
BMFA insurance cover commences from the moment we receive your payment, either online, over the telephone or via the post.
Yes, the BMFA insurance covers you to fly all types of model aircraft, fixed wing, helicopters, gas turbine and multi-rotors (sometimes referred to as drones) flown either control line, free flight or radio control either line of sight or FPV.
You are also covered for model rocketry, trains, boats and cars.
Yes. As long as you are taking the photographs or video on a recreational basis.
