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Nationwide unveils new comprehensive drone insurance for farm operations

New offering creates an industry-leading, comprehensive solution designed for farms

Drones, also commonly known as unmanned aerial systems, are rapidly changing modern agriculture, helping farmers monitor crops and livestock, map fields, assess plant health and apply crop inputs with greater precision. As adoption grows, so does the need to protect the equipment and the unique risks tied to operating it.

To help farm operators keep pace, Nationwide has launched new drone coverage options designed specifically for farm customers. The offering is believed to be among the first comprehensive insurance packages available for farm operations, combining property, liability and aerial application protection.

The costs-and risks-of drone use

Agricultural drones represent a significant investment for producers. Smaller scouting drones used for aerial imaging and mapping can cost several thousand dollars, while larger drones used for spraying and seeding can exceed $30,000. Beyond the equipment itself, operating drones for agricultural purposes often requires Federal Aviation Administration certification, pesticide application licensing, specialized training and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Drone use can also introduce new risk exposures that traditional farm policies do not typically cover. For example, aerial application incidents involving chemical overspray or drift can result in significant property damage, crop loss or liability claims. A drone malfunction or operator error could also cause damage to nearby property or even result in bodily injury.

Comprehensive protection for agricultural drones

Nationwide's new coverage options are designed to help close potential insurance gaps by providing:

• Property coverage for physical damage to drones and related operating equipment used in farm operations
• Liability coverage for damage or injury caused during precision agriculture activities such as aerial imaging, mapping and data acquisition
• Application of farm chemicals coverage for damage or injury arising from aerial application of covered substances, including chemicals and seed

"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. "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."

Learn more about Nationwide's agricultural drone coverage or contact a Farm Certified Agent for additional information.