Get a bit too bold with your quadcopter maneuvers and it could result in a nasty accident. Machine malfunctions, too, can bring your drone down, leaving you with a smashed up machine and a pricey repair bill.
With calamitous incidents like these in mind, leading drone maker DJI has launched a repair service to give you peace of mind and possibly save you some big bucks in the long term.
It’s essentially a basic insurance plan for Phantom 3 and Inspire 1 quadcopters, with deals ranging from $99 to $699 depending on the machine and whether you opt for a 6-month or 12-month plan. If you’re a particularly clumsy drone pilot, multiple claims are possible, though as you can see from the chart below, there’s a coverage cap depending on which copter you own.
The new service, which at launch is available to anyone located in the U.S., parts of Europe and mainland China, covers accidental drone damage “to aircraft, gimbal or camera” incurred under “normal” use, with DJI taking care of repair fees and related costs such as shipping.
Don’t bother claiming for lost or stolen drones and accessories or, importantly, for “damage caused by flight under unsuitable flight conditions” – you won’t be covered. Damage caused by water also falls outside the claim terms, as does repairs to batteries, propellers, remote controllers and “other accessories.”
In addition, if DJI considers your smashed drone to be damaged beyond repair, you can put the remaining coverage amount left in your care plan toward the purchase of a new flying machine.
Frank Wang, DJI Founder and CEO, said he wants DJI Care to give customers “peace of mind and a worry-free flight experience,” adding, “This program will also encourage more people to explore aerial technology and learn about the fun and potential of flying our drones.”
You can check out the full details of the service on the DJI Care page here.
