Walk onto a golf course these days, and there’s a good chance you’ll see drones working just as hard as the grounds crew. Whether snapping aerial photos, checking turf conditions, or helping with course surveillance, drones are making golf management more efficient and high-tech. But they’re also adding a new layer of liability. A single misstep — say, a drone recording people without consent or veering off course and clipping a guest’s golf cart — can land a club in serious legal trouble. That’s why golf insurance has evolved to cover the risks that come with this new technology.
Understanding Drone-Related Liability Risks
Drones bring both opportunity and exposure to golf clubs. They can save time and improve precision — in some cases, even enhancing the at-home tournament viewing experience for fans. But they also come with risks that traditional policies don’t always cover.
- Property damage: Crashes can damage vehicles, windows, or course structures.
- Injury: A wayward drone can injure a player, guest, or staff member or distract from play.
- Privacy concerns: Capturing video or photos without consent, even unintentionally, can lead to lawsuits or bad publicity.
Then there’s the regulatory side. Drones used commercially must follow FAA Part 107 rules, meaning operators need certification, registration, and detailed flight records.
For insurance agents, helping clients navigate these details isn’t just about compliance — it’s about preventing expensive mistakes before they happen.
How Golf Insurance Covers Drone Incidents
When drone mishaps occur, clubs often find out too late that standard general liability policies don’t fully address these kinds of claims. That’s why specialized coverage is essential.
- General liability handles third-party injuries and property damage.
- Personal and advertising injury covers issues like privacy invasion or misuse of drone footage.
- Umbrella coverage kicks in when claims exceed normal limits, which can happen quickly with equipment or injury-related lawsuits.
T2 Green’s programs are designed specifically for the golf industry. That means coverage is tailored for the realities of modern golf operations, where drones are part of maintenance, mapping, and marketing. It’s a smarter approach than trying to retrofit a generic commercial policy to cover highly specific risks.
Helping Agents Identify and Reduce Drone Risks
Agents can help their clients avoid unnecessary exposure long before a claim ever happens. Some of the best steps are simple but often overlooked:
- Confirm drones are registered and pilots are FAA-certified.
- Require vendors or contractors to show proof of their own insurance.
- Keep flight logs, training documentation, and insurance records updated.
Untrained operators, undocumented flights, or outdated safety procedures are red flags that often lead to claims. Helping clients recognize these warning signs not only prevents losses but also positions agents as trusted advisors who understand where technology and liability intersect.
Safeguard Every Flight & Fairway
The message is clear: Drones are here to stay, and managing the risks they bring is part of running a responsible, future-ready golf operation.
T2 Green Insurance helps agents stay ahead of these evolving risks. With specialized golf insurance underwriting and claims support, agents have access to expertise that understands the golf world and the tech shaping it. As drones become more common tools for course management, T2 Green keeps pace — offering solutions that grow with the industry.
FAQ About Drone Liability Coverage
Is it illegal to fly a drone over a golf course?
Not inherently. Flying over a course is legal as long as operators follow FAA Part 107 rules: keeping visual contact, respecting privacy, and staying clear of restricted airspace.
Who is liable if a drone damages property?
Usually, the operator or the club, depending on who owns or hired the drone. T2 Green’s golf insurance helps ensure the right liability coverage is in place for either situation.
Why is golf insurance important when using drones?
Accidents happen. Golf insurance helps cover property damage, injuries, and privacy claims related to drone usage, protecting clubs from the financial and legal risks of modern operations.
About T2 Green Insurance
T2 Green Insurance provides comprehensive insurance that’s customized to your club, resort, or golf management company, from industry professionals who focus solely on this niche. We’re committed to innovative products, strong underwriting, and results you can count on. Call us at 844-223-9005 to start building a coverage plan that fits your club.
