Product can be customized to meet client needs

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. (Munich Re, US), has launched a new commercial drone insurance product that offers a customized liability solution for insurance companies and their small to medium size customers that are taking advantage of Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Rule 107.

FAA Rule 107 went into effect in August 2016, opening the skies to any non-recreational operator in U.S. airspace who completes a certification process. The FAA anticipates that 2.7 million commercial drones could be in use by the year 2020.

"New regulations have spurred the commercial use of drones across a broad spectrum of industries from photography and security to firefighting and law enforcement. But as companies and public entities find new, safe and cost effective ways to use drone technology, most commercial insurance policies dont cover or offer very limited liability protection for drones," said Tim Brockett, Senior Vice President, Reinsurance Division Strategic Products, Munich Re, US. "Our Drone Liability Endorsement addresses an emerging market need and offers a customized insurance solution to help protect companies against potential liability as the result of using drones."

The Munich Re, US Drone Liability Endorsement can be attached to an existing commercial general liability insurance policy purchased through a participating insurance carrier. The endorsement provides bodily injury and property damage liability and/or personal injury liability coverage for drones that are under 55 pounds. It is designed for small to medium size businesses and farm and agricultural operations in the U.S. that utilize drones to support other sources of revenue. The Drone Liability Endorsement can be customized based on insurance carriers existing commercial lines policies and their policyholders needs. Claims are handled by the insurance carrier.

"Ease of use is also a key deliverable of this new offering," Brockett said. "Insurance carriers that offer the Drone Liability Endorsement to their commercial policyholders will have access to an Application Programing Interface (API) that will seamlessly verify that the drone and drone pilot have active and valid registrations with the FAA."

Munich Re stands for exceptional solution-based expertise, consistent risk management, financial stability and client proximity. This is how Munich Re creates value for clients, shareholders and staff. In the financial year 2016, the Group - which combines primary insurance and reinsurance under one roof - achieved a profit of €2.6bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with over 43,000 employees throughout the world. With premium income of around €28bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the worlds leading reinsurers. Especially when clients require solutions for complex risks, Munich Re is a much sought-after risk carrier. Its primary insurance operations are concentrated mainly in ERGO, one of the leading insurance groups in Germany and Europe. ERGO is represented in over 30 countries worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of insurances, provision products and services. In 2016, ERGO posted premium income of €16.0bn. Munich Res global investments (excluding insurance-related investments) amounting to €219bn are managed by MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private and institutional investors outside the Group.

Disclaimer

Any descriptions of coverage contained in this press release are meant to be general in nature and do not include nor are intended to include all of the actual terms, benefits and limitations found in an insurance or reinsurance policy. The insurance or reinsurance policy, and not this press release, will form the contract between the insured and insurance/reinsurance company and governs in all cases.