I'm trying to budget for starting my drone business and the insurance quotes I'm getting are all over the map. One company quoted me $2,400/year for $1M liability coverage, another said $600. That's a huge difference!

I'm planning to do mostly real estate photography and maybe some light construction inspection work. Is there a "normal" range I should expect? Also seeing these on-demand policies that charge by the hour - are those legit for actual business use?

Would love to hear what other operators are actually paying, not just what the websites claim.

Drone business insurance costs vary widely by provider, ranging from $38 to $52 monthly for basic coverage. Your $2,400 quote sounds high - shop around more. I pay about $800/year for $1M liability through BWI and it's solid coverage.

Those hourly policies are real but not great for businesses. Prices start at $9 per hour for $1,000,000 of coverage with companies like AirModo, but most clients want to see annual coverage certificates, not per-flight proof. For real estate work, annual is definitely the way to go.

Don't forget your credit score affects rates too! Drone operators with excellent credit receive 18% to 40% discounts versus those with credit difficulties. Also, combining aviation liability, hull insurance, and general liability can save 12% to 18% compared to separate policies. Bundle up if you can swing it.