The DJI Protection Plan

[MoToad]

Have had my Air 3S for two weeks now, had one safe test flight and bad weather since. It may be a while till I get into the nitty gritty. That being said I wonder if anyone knows if there is a time limit on buying the plan and weather all think it is worth it. I've run up the list of Mavs over the years, had previous plans for one to two years and never used them. Not an extreme flyer but do climb mountains and fly over water a lot. Even with some erratic software in the past RTH has always worked. What deters me from the plan in my instance is being pretty broke after buying the Drone and not having a lot of money anyways, and not being real impressed with the cost of replacement with the plan.

 

[mavic3usa]

Based on your thoughts about the insurance plan called DJI Care Refresh, it's probably a good idea not to carry it for your drone. Getting the coverage is based on risk so it depends on how much risk you are willing to take with the loss of your asset but if money is a big concern (and Air 3S $100+ plans are not super cheap) perhaps it is better to minimize your flying times and flight habits and forgo the plan for now.

The newer drones are pretty solid and it takes more to crash them than 5 years ago. They also have a pretty good 1 year warranty that you can possibly rely on should have a covered crash. You have 72 hours post-activation to automatically add Care Refresh to your new drone; however, you can conditional add it at any point in the future should you pass the video verification process. So you can decide later if you change your mind.

 

[GadgetGuy]

It's called self-insurance. Frankly, I have never had to use DJI Care on any drone that I have purchased it for, so it was a poor investment for me. Keep in mind that DJI repair costs are very reasonable, and result in receiving a brand new drone called a refurb, just like you get with DJI Care, and there is also a one year free warranty for any manufacturing defects. Fly on and enjoy your new aircraft! DJI always makes money on DJI Care because the cost far exceeds the risk.

 

[Starz]

pretty broke after buying the Drone

Save your money and fly by using what’s between your ears. Insurance costs(and profits)are all based on risk calculations. I could probably live off 1% of what DJI customers spend on this peace of mind product created by some very intelligent mathematician looking for a way to pay for the very expensive building occupied by our friends at DJI.

 

[Mrktn]

DJI drones nowadays are extremely good, follow me and OA are very good and are usually almost always lost due to pilot error or negligence ie not following instructions about battery charging cycles etc.

I’m in the same camp, I don’t feel DJI care refresh is necessary for my own needs and must be a big money maker for DJI. The Air 3s is continuing the trend in being a lot safer to fly and lose.

 

[VegasFlyer]

About 7 years ago, my Phantom 3 flew away into a wooded area near some mountains and I could not locate it. Fortunately, I had it insured for its full value through State Farm insurance company. State Farm does NOT insure drones in EVERY state, but they do here in Nevada. I processed a claim and promptly received a refund minus the $150 deductible. So, this is another option if it is offered in your state. It was a personal items policy that cost me $60 per year.

I am waiting for my Air 3S to arrive next week, and I opted to purchase DJI Refresh for one year. Yes, drones are safer and more reliable, but sometimes stuff happens that is beyond your control.

 

[mavic3usa]

About 7 years ago, my Phantom 3 flew away into a wooded area near some mountains and I could not locate it. Fortunately, I had it insured for its full value through State Farm insurance company. State Farm does NOT insure drones in EVERY state, but they do here in Nevada. I processed a claim and promptly received a refund minus the $150 deductible. So, this is another option if it is offered in your state. It was a personal items policy that cost me $60 per year.

I am waiting for my Air 3S to arrive next week, and I opted to purchase DJI Refresh for one year. Yes, drones are safer and more reliable, but sometimes stuff happens that is beyond your control.

Many of us are familiar with the State Farm option because they are low cost, they usually provide replacement value (or whatever is on your submitted receipt), and in some places there is no deductible. Unfortunately it has been my experience that you are one and done so make one claim and they pay it in full then you're cancelled. This was years ago so perhaps things have changed.

 

[VegasFlyer]

Many of us are familiar with the State Farm option because they are low cost, they usually provide replacement value (or whatever is on your submitted receipt), and in some places there is no deductible. Unfortunately it has been my experience that you are one and done so make one claim and they pay it in full then you're cancelled. This was years ago so perhaps things have changed.

I purchased my Mavi 2 Pro not long after that and I was able to get it insured, too. It was a new policy, of course.

 

[HoozierDroneDaddy]

State Farm explained to me a couple years back that they DO NOT cover any drones used commercially. Only recreational use. I asked "Well what if I use it commercially and already have insurance for that, but want to fly recreationally sometimes, that is when I want the State Farm coverage. They said it does not matter, even if you are flying recreationally, if you use the drone at any time for commercial use, it will void your insurance.

If you can get State Farm, do not let them know you use that drone for any commercial use.

 

[mavic3usa]

State Farm explained to me a couple years back that they DO NOT cover any drones used commercially. Only recreational use. I asked "Well what if I use it commercially and already have insurance for that, but want to fly recreationally sometimes, that is when I want the State Farm coverage. They said it does not matter, even if you are flying recreationally, if you use the drone at any time for commercial use, it will void your insurance.

If you can get State Farm, do not let them know you use that drone for any commercial use.

Yeah that's what they told me as well. Not sure if it matters a lot what you tell them, if you have a part 107 then your coverage is probably invalid. Not that I agree with that because I believe as you said, they should only cover when you choose to fly recreational. If you don't tell them and they find out you have the ability to fly commercial (because you hold part 107) then they probably won't pay; I like StF but it's not worth all that.

 

[HoozierDroneDaddy]

I do have all my drone equipment, photography equipment, guns, and many other items I carry in my vehicle covered under Allstate incase of theft, etc. It doesn't cover flying issues, but I am covered should someone steal any of it from my vehicle when parked while flying or just parked somewhere. I took a photo inventory of everything in my vehicle and provided it to my agent so if something happens they already have a record of everything.

 

[VegasFlyer]

Yeah that's what they told me as well. Not sure if it matters a lot what you tell them, if you have a part 107 then your coverage is probably invalid. Not that I agree with that because I believe as you said, they should only cover when you choose to fly recreational. If you don't tell them and they find out you have the ability to fly commercial (because you hold part 107) then they probably won't pay; I like StF but it's not worth all that.

I don't recall being asked what I use my drones for. I fly recreationally anyway, so it doesn't matter. State Farm isn't going to know one way or another unless you tell them. I recall having to bring the drone, its box, and my receipt and that was it.

 

[HoozierDroneDaddy]

And as I understand it, once you make a claim, the policy is terminated as it has been used. Then you need a new policy. Still much cheaper than a new drone.

 

[VegasFlyer]

And as I understand it, once you make a claim, the policy is terminated as it has been used. Then you need a new policy. Still much cheaper than a new drone.

Yes. That's what I did.